Grandma and Papa Visit

We were thrilled to have Grandma and Papa come visit us during the 4th holiday!

Dorothy showed no shyness when they came in. She jumped right up on Grandma’s lap as soon as she could. I don’t think Grandma minded at all!




I have been wanting to take Papa to the transportation museum for a long time. Man, it was hot, but we had a great time, and we got to see lots of cool military antiques.
















We showed off our garden one morning...look how tall the corn is!













The kids earned some time at an amusement center, and it was fabulous to have 2 more sets of eyes there.












We also took them to Hiddenite, to pan for gems. It’s one of our favorite spots!
















We made necklaces and keychains with the gems we found, to give to cousins.

A cool treat was perfect for the hot night!







On July 4th, we went to the church for a pancake breakfast. Dave helped make pancakes and Lincoln helped with the color guard.














We quickly cleaned up pancakes, and left for the mountains. Our first stop was Mystery Hill. Papa and Dave didn’t think it was such a mystery, but still had a good time anyway!

















Next, we gorged ourselves at Daniel Boone Inn. My mouth waters just writing about the ham biscuits! The weather was gorgeous while we were waiting outside to get in. Dave played cornhole with the kids, while a Veteran with a VERY strong southern accent attempted to have a conversation with Grandma and Papa.







We hit up the General Store after lunch, and then headed back down the mountain in time for us to do some fireworks.











The kids, Grandma and I went to an Elvis party at the library. We made Elvis crowns, watched an Elvis video, pinned sideburns on Elvis and learned more about the King.







Later that evening, we went to the pool. The kids always love showing what they can do.











We mixed in some down time too. Papa got to read some books, we tie dyed shirts, and got to have dinner with B.B. and Papaw.











The cotton candy factory and general store had something to help with our sweet teeth!







I’m grateful for these wonderful memories we made this trip! It’s always easier to let them go when we know when we have a date set for the next time!!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

More June

After Drake’s birthday, we got to show Dave some love on Father’s Day.








Ground-n-pound is still one of the kid’s favorite activities to do with Dave.




When we aren’t at the pool, we have been doing some school work, getting crafty, playing with friends, and failing at every science experiment we have tried!



























Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

June Memories

Mom and I took the kids to the art museum, where Dave and I had our wedding reception. I was excited to see that the main display was by a local artist I went to high school with!










The kids finished up 1st and 3rd grade. I am so appreciative of the wonderful teachers they had.

Lincoln received an award for being on the A honor roll all year, plus the citizenship award. This is an award that the kids in class voted him to have. His sweet smile was precious when she called his name!





Drake got the creative story-telling award for his imagination and some of the “stories” he told in class.







It didn’t take long for us to get to the pool. We have been there tons this summer!







The kids did Vacation Bible School at the church the Sherrills go to. They ate dinner, did crafts, learned songs, and talked about scripture stories. Dave and I had 2.5 hours each night. We set a record with dates that week! The kids were excited to come home and see fireflies were out.








This month, we had tons of birthdays to celebrate. Dorothy had a fun time celebrating with Adalyn at Monkey Joe’s and Chipotle, and then Ben and Lawson at Sports Connections.







Speaking of birthdays: Drakie turned 7! We had a water party with an inflatable slide, water balloons and squirt guns. We had a blast!



















- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

May Happenings

Dorothy that wasn’t feeling well, so she had to miss out on our strawberry picking. We live for those strawberry slushees!!




Lincoln’s school had a Mother vs Son kickball game. Lincoln has a sad face because the mamas won!! The boys were seriously shocked!!




The cutest bug around at her field trip.







Duck doughnuts is just around the corner from the Nature Museum.




Beep, Beep!




Lincoln painted kid’s faces at a spring fling BBQ.




Happy Mother’s Day! Dave had to fly out that night, so the kids and I went to Hickory by ourselves.




How I love being their mama! This is a form Dorothy answered at preschool.






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

April Days

We loved having Uncle Reed home, and hopes that he makes NC his home again soon!




I got to help chaperone Drake’s field trip to the botanical gardens. The stinker wouldn’t look at the camera, after walking all day.




Drake’s teacher is amazing: she always takes pictures and sends them out to parents. Here is the whole class at the gardens.




Lincoln participated in the School’s fun run. They were raising money for Chrome books. He ran all 35 laps just in time.







Just 2 dudes and 1 “dood” coming back from school.




Back to Lincoln’s school for field day. He got 2nd in an ice cream cone relay.




I told Drake one day Dorothy would be his best buddy, like my brothers are my best buddies. He said, “Moom, Dorphy is already my best buddy.” Heart melted!




We planted a garden with the Sherrills. It’s been so rainy, we haven’t had to do much. I can taste those homegrown tomatoes already!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone