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!