"Brother, will you.........

take me with you everywhere you go and let me build forts with you and teach me all about the outdoors??????"

James has been up under Trevor every waking second since Trevor returned from his trip to Florida. Every morning when James wakes up, the first thing that he says is "Where's Trevor?" He is so afraid that is going to miss something or that Trevor's going to go somewhere without him!

Trevor has always been an outdoors boy. He lives outside from the time he wakes until it's time for bed. Whether he is skateboarding, going to the woods, building forts, or cutting the grass. He doesn't care what it is....as long as he is outside!

This past week, the boys have been going to the woods and building a fort. Trevor is teaching James all about digging holes, chopping down briars, and picking wild blackberries. I went down to their fort the other day and the picture above is what I found. Again, I must say....they really are two peas in a pod! When James is with Trevor, he couldn't be happier. I know that Trevor feels the same. Tonight, Trevor laid down with James and James was already asleep. I heard Trevor whisper "I love you, James" before he closed his eyes!

Blueberries

Trevor and James enjoy the summer's

first fresh berries!

Some friends of ours, Keith and Mandy, had planted some blueberry bushes in their yard. When we visited them, the kids thought that was the coolest thing. They wouldn't leave them alone and kept picking off all the berries and eating them. I fell in love with the idea of having fresh blueberries in our yard in the summertime. Last summer, I planted some blueberry bushes. They did pretty well and produced some fruit. This year is an entirely different story. The bushes have done wonderful and there are blueberries for everyone! They are finally getting ripe enough to eat. It has been a struggle keeping James and (especially) Lilly from picking the green berries. Everytime we go outside, they run over to the bushes to see how many are blue today and ready to eat! It's fun watching the kids get excited about planting, gardening, and eating what we grow! They are learning so much about our environment and having a blast doing it!

Two Peas in a Pod

This afternoon, Todd left work a little early and we went to the lake for some summertime fun! On the way home, I turned around to check on the kids and this is how I found James and Trevor. They were watching a DVD (Toy Story, I think) and both were sucking on their fingers. This picture was totally unscripted and natural. How far do genes and DNA go???????

Greyson Skate Park

Trevor ices his elbow

after a big spill!

The Gann Clan

One our favorite bands
(Check out the mohawk!)

Through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation, we have an outdoor skate park in Charlotte that is called Greyson (http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Skate+Parks/Home.htm). Throughout the year, Greyson will host skate competitions that bring people from all over the Southeast to compete for prizes, sponsorships, and even money! There was a competition today, The Battle Slam Jam (http://www.battleslamjam.com/). The skatepark was packed. There were cars for miles. In addition to skate competitions, there were vendor booths with free give-aways (like Red Bull, water, stickers, etc), a battle of the bands, food, and just overall fun to be had!

Last Summer, Trevor entered one other skate competition at Greyson. That event was rained out before it could be completed and the winners were picked based on who had already skated. This was a big day for Trevor and he was excited. He has been waiting for this day for weeks. He and Todd went to Greyson for some practice runs three times this week! When it came time for him to skate, he did a great job. He landed most of his tricks in the first round and was picked to moved up for the second round of skating. During the second round, I think that he was a little bit more nervous. He wasn't landing as many tricks and even had a few big busts. Finally, he tried some sort of board slide on a rail and took a spill. He laid there for a minute before he got up. I thought that he was hurt....bad. Luckily, he was wearing all of his pads, but it was bad enough that he had to come out of the competition. I could tell that he was upset. I told him that I was so proud of him for getting out there and trying. It takes a lot of courage to be that brave and to just put yourself out there like that. We stayed and watched the rest of the competitions and had fun people watching and listening to the bands.

Playdate with Lillie

This afternoon, Lilly had a playdate with Lillie. We packed a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, and went to the Huntersville Aquatics Center. Trevor and James came along, too. The kids love going to the outdoor splash pool with all of the fountains and waterslides. We played for about 3 hours and that was all that we could take. It has been so hot and sunny here this entire summer. I hate keeping the babies out for more than a couple of hours, even if we are at the pool. I don't want them to get sun burns, dehydrated, or exhausted. We had a great time with Lillie and look forward to another playdate soon!

A Day at the Lake

Trevor, James, Jacob,

Lilly, & Nana

Today was such a beautiful day that we decided to spend it at the lake. We loaded up the boat, packed a cooler full of snacks and drinks, and hit it. Trevor's buddy, Jacob, tagged along with us. We even got Nana to go! Trevor, Jacob, and James rode the tube for a while. After getting beat to death by Todd's fast driving, they decided to take a break from the tube and swim for a little. We stayed out there most of the day. It's so relaxing on the water. I enjoy watching the joy that the children have playing and swimming. We share so many laughs and smiles. These are the memories that we will always have!

Happy Birthday, Braden

This afternoon, we went to a birthday party for Braden. She is one of James' friends from school. The kids played on a waterslide, rode bikes and scooters, ate hot dogs and cupcakes, and made ice cream sundaes. They had a blast celebrating with all of their friends!

Welcome Home, Trevor

Today was the day that my (big) baby came home! He has been gone now for two weeks. Time has really gone by fast, although I missed him very much. Trevor is such a great kid. He's so helpful with the babies, minds well, and just doesn't give me any problems in general. I can't believe that he is big enough to go away without me! He flew home from Orlando by himself. He said that everything was good and he wasn't nervous. Trevor is well traveled and has flown dozens of times. He has just never flown without me or Todd. He took his i-pod and a book. Of course, he made a stop at the airport for beef jerky, candy, and a coke!

Todd picked him up from the airport and then we took him out to dinner at his favorite restaurant (Outback). James, Lilly, and I had baked a cake for him and we decorated the house with a "Welcome Home" banner and some balloons. I wanted to make a big production out of his return so he would know how much we missed him. He had the biggest smile on his face when he got home. Of course, the first person that he gave a hug to was James! I think that I was last!He had brought souvenirs for us all and James and Lilly were eager to get into theirs.

Needless to say, today was a wonderful day. I am glad to have all of my babies back in the nest!

Added Bonus

James, Jake,

Tonya, Grandma Phipps,

Lilly, & Melanie

As an added bonus this weekend, I did get to visit with my Grandma Phipps and my Dad. They both stopped by (at different times) to spend some time with me and assist in different tasks. They both came bearing food, which is always good! Todd spent the weekend at his Mom and Dad's. In addition to his parents, he was able to spend time with both his brothers and our niece and nephew. On their way home, he brought them by to see me. I miss seeing Jake and Melanie. Todd knew that I would want to give them a big hug. And he was right! I am thankful that James and Lilly got to spend quality time with their grandparents, uncles, and cousins. I just wish there were more times like those!

SOLD!

This weekend was bittersweet. Ever since we left Georgia 5 years ago, Mom has been devastated. First, we moved to Pennsylvania. It was such a long distance that we only saw her five or six times a year. Within a couple of years, we moved back South and settled in North Carolina. I think that we have found the place that we are going to be for a while. Mom had a health scare a few years ago and we decided that it was time for us to be closer (in distance). She put a for sale sign in her yard, but that was about the extent of it. Earlier this year, she found a job up here and has been staying with us for the past few months. She finally put her house with a realtor in March and the closing was Friday. It's sold! As I said, this is bittersweet. I know that Mom built her house with the intention of staying there forever and she really hates to leave it. On the other hand, life is too short not to be with the ones you love. Hopefully, Mom will get settled in North Carolina and learn to call it home!

Almost Sold

This weekend, we are going down to Georgia. Mom's house is scheduled to close on Friday and I am going to help her pack it up. Todd and the kids are coming down also, but they will be spending the weekend with his family. I know that there is a lot of work to be done. I wonder if I'm up to the task!?!

Half-way Point

Stuart Beach, Florida

Today marks Trevor's half way mark. He has been gone a week and he will be home in a week. I sure do miss him. I was worried that he wouldn't call me while he was gone but he has managed to call several times a day, every day. I must admit, he is a Mama's boy. They are actually staying in Stuart Beach, Florida. It is close to Port St. Lucie and Fort Lauderdale. He says that he is having lots of fun. Josh's Dad took them to the skatepark the other day. They are just going to the beach and pool everyday. He said that they rode the trolley yesterday and that today there were 10 foot waves. That may be a bit of an exageration....but I'm sure that they looked 10 feet to him!

Fireflies or Lightening Bugs?

Fireflies or Lightening Bugs? What ever you call them, they sure are fun to catch! James and Lilly have a bug house and tonight they were catching bugs to put in there. Nana actually caught a lightening bug and we all got to watch him light up for a while. We eventually let him go and I'm happy to say that he survived! No harm done!

Splash Pool

Nanny and Lilly

play in the water

James does a "ball cannon"

It has been so hot here this entire week. I think that it has been about 99 degrees every....single....day! I know that we have broken high temp records a few days this week. It is just ridiculous! On that note, we headed over to the Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatics Center (where we are members) to play in the Splash Pool today. We made it over there around noon and took some lunch for the kids. They have a huge outdoor family fun pool which features several water slides and spray fountains. A large portion of the pool is only 3 feet deep, so the kids have plenty of place to run and play in the water. James enjoyed dragging Nana under when she wasn't paying attention! He also calls his cannon balls...."ball cannons"!!

Saturday with Nana

Since the (Big) boys went off and left us this weekend, we decided to get out of the house and have some fun! This morning, we went to Birkdale and saw Kung Fu Panda. James and Lilly actually sat through the entire movie. The fact that we had a big bag of popcorn, gummies, Reese's Pieces, and coke probably made all the difference. The movie is very cute and both kids kept their eyes glued to the screen the entire time. James even let out a few laughs. He cracks me up! After the movie, we went over to the fountains and let them play in the water for a while. Once they were worn out, we hit Gymboree for some clothes (who can resist shopping!) and then treated them to ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. We had a blast just hanging out with Nana all day.

Weekend Fishing Trip

Todd left for a weekend fly fishing trip this afternoon. He is taking his drift boat and driving to Etowah, Tennessee for some trout fishing. He is meeting Greg there. Hopefully, he'll catch some fish. But the saying goes: A Bad Day Fishing is Better Than A Good Day At Work!

This picture of Todd was actually taken last summer on the Madison River in Montana. I had to post it because besides having our children, I think this was one of Todd's proudest moments!!

Goodbye Josh.....and Trevor

Trevor, James, Lilly, and Josh

before leaving on the big trip

Today was Josh's last day in North Carolina. He and his family have packed up and are moving back to Florida. I don't think that reality has set in for Trevor yet. He is going to be heartbroken once he realizes that Josh is really gone.

But for now, he is having a ball. Josh and his family have invited Trevor to go to Florida with them for a few weeks. They will be spending their summer at the beach until they move into their new house in August. Trevor is so excited to be going away with them. He has never been away from home or away from Todd and I for very long. I am eager to see how he does. He will be flying home by himself. I am a bit nervous about that because he is flying with a stop in Atlanta, where he will have to change planes. Trevor is quite a seasoned traveler for his young age. He has flown a good bit in the past, just never by himself. I am sure that he will be fine, that's just the mother in me that is worrying!

Baseball Party

James' baseball season is over and the time has come to reward him for a job well done. He is always admiring Trevor's many trophies and loves to hold them and look at them. His baseball coach gave them a certificate after their last practice, but I wanted to do something special for him. There is a trophy shop down the street and I decided to stop by and see what they had to offer. I was so surprised. They had hundreds of trophies and could make anything that I wanted. I ordered James a trophy and the rest is history!!!!!

I decided to throw him a little party in celebration of his completion of baseball season. We had typical baseball fare for dinner (hot dogs, chips, baked beans) and cupcakes for dessert that were decorated to look like baseballs. I had balloons made up and even a baseball balloon. We all ate dinner and dessert and then I presented him with his big trophy. The smile on his face was so big! He was so excited to get his trophy! He is so proud of himself, as he should be. He couldn't wait to put it on his dresser (just like Trevor!!!). I wouldn't trade a million dollars for the look on his face when he first saw his trophy! It was a great joy to see him so happy and proud!

Growing Berries

One of my favorite things to do is garden. I know that I must have gotten my green thumb and my love for planting and gardening from my Granny. As a child, I remember all of the times that I helped her in the garden picking beans, planting tomatoes, and watering her flowers and vegetables. Gardening is such a relaxing pleasure for me. I absolutely love to plant, water, and watch them grow! We have several gardening projects going on right now, one of which is some strawberry plants. Today, our first berry was ready. Of course, Miss Priss was the one to eat it! She made it look so delicious!

Playdate with Alexa

It has been so hot lately that we just can't stay out of the pool. This afternoon, Alexa (our neighbor and friend) , joined Lilly for a playdate. The girls played in the pool, played on the swingset, and had some snacks. Lilly is about 6 weeks older than Alexa, so they are the perfect age for each other. They play very well together. After Alexa went home, Lilly kept asking for her the rest of the day!

Playoff Time!

Trevor's big playoff game was tonight. Although they had a disappointing loss (it was actually painful to watch!), James and Lilly had a great time. They always take a few dollars with them so they can buy some treat at the "session" stand. Tonight, they shared some shaved ice and bubble gum! As for Trevor's game, you can't win them all. There is always next season!

Rockin' Rib Festival

Lilly eats some grilled corn

James on the EuroBungy

Lilly on the EuroBungy

Every year, the Rockin' Rib Festival is held and there is a rib cook off, a rodeo, inflateable bounce houses for the kids, an RV show, and local vendors that set up shop. The festival benefits the Dove House Children's Advocacy Center, which serves child victims of sexual abuse, and their non-offending family members (http://www.dovehouse.us/). We have been once in the past and it was a good time. With the boys out of town, we didn't want to sit home all day. Nana and I decided to hit the local festival and enjoy the great weather outside and try some ribs from the cook off. James and Lilly tried the "EuroBungy". You get in a harness and you are strapped in and there are these big bungy cords (like huge rubber bands) and you jump on a trampoline. You go soooooo high. They both wanted to try it, but I was afraid that they wouldn't like it or that they would get scared. Was I wrong! They both loved it. After it was over, they both kept asking to do it again!