Picture-less Update

It's been awhile since I posted last. No pictures to share today. You would think that in the summer, I would have all kinds of time to take pictures of our relaxing summer days. No such luck. Since Luke has gotten out of school, we have been busy with play dates, VBS, doctor appointments, and swim lessons. While most of those things are fun, we haven't takn many pictures of our adventures. I'll have to do my best to describe them.

One group date we went on was to Cold Blooded Encounters, which is a reptile zoo in our small town. The museum itself was small and crowded with as many kids and parents as we had with us. Luke was very interested in what the reptiles names were and he wanted to know all about them. Unfortunately, this place is somewhat new and didn't have information written up for each animal. Luke suggested to the owner that he should put interesting facts about each reptile next to their cage. I don't think Mr. Reptile owner appreciated Luke's suggestion. Evan enjoyed touching any kind of reptile that the owner would let him touch. Maiya enjoyed tormenting the animals by banging on the glass of heir cages.

VBS this year was great. Evan was in the preschool program this year. It was fun for me to see him with his class as he went to each activity. Luke went with his elementary school crew and got to be good buddies with a kid that has been in his Sunday School for awhile. They have had a play day since VBS has ended and they were planning a sleepover at some point. It's nice to see Luke expand his friend circle.

Maiya just finished up 5 weeks of intense swim lessons. She learned how to swim with her face in the water, and also how to flip herself onto her back to float. Now, if she happens to fall (or, jump) into the water she will be able to swim and float until she gets over to the side of the pool. I can't explain the sense of peace this gives me. I am so pleased that Maiya was able to participate in these lessons this summer.

We are currently driving to the beach and will be there for a week. The week will end with my big brother getting married on the beach! I'm sure we will have a ton of pictures to share from our upcoming week.

Swimming Lessons

Maiya is taking swim lessons this summer. Unlike the boys, she is taking swim lessons because she is FEARLESS about the water. She jumps in and goes under and is not scared at all.

In fact, she loves the water so much, that she SMILES while she is swimming! Her swim instructor took some underwater pictures this week and we can see her smile while she is swimming. I love it!

Father's Day

Happy 12th Wedding Anniversary

For our 12th wedding anniversary, Dan and I went on a walking tour of Charlotte. We have lived here for 11 years and learned some new things about our city! I took pictures of Dan at each place we visited on our tour.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame

A downtown, literary themed park, called The Green.

Giant metal "paper" was litered around the park.

The "Firebird" outside of the Museum of Modern Art.

The Plaza - a fountain where children play in the water.

The four corners of Trade and Tryon at the center of the city.

The oldest church in Charlotte.

The cemetary, and gravesite, of Thomas Polk - the city founder.

A beer at the Epicenter to take a break and rest our tired feet.

Carowinds

All five of us spent the day at Carowinds last week. It was interesting trying to balance the interests and the rides that each of the kids liked to do.

Maiya liked her stylish stroller ride.

Waiting in line for the 3D "Boo Blasters" ride.

Riding on Evan's favorite ride - the sky tower ride that goes slowly up and spins around so we could see the entire park and all the way to downtown Charlotte.

Evan liked the swings.

We got the kids' characatures done. I love it! We are going to frame it and hang it up somewhere in the house.

Standing on the state line between North Carolina and South Carolina.

Ikea weekend

We made a trip to Ikea this weekend and have completed some projects.

Maiya's new "cuddle corner."

The boys new dresser.

Our house doesn't have a "mud room," but I was searching for a way to  keep shoes, coats, hats, mittens, etc. all  contained in one space.  We  converted this area in our garage to be our makeshift mudroom. The curtains are there to help keep garage dust, grass, etc. off of the things in the baskets.

Behind  the curtains are 4 large plastic baskets - which are storing each kid's backpack - and 10 smaller baskets for other odds and ends. The shoe rack between the baskets keeps all the kid's shoes organized.

Hydrangea

This is my annual "I love my hydrangea" post. The blooms this year are a purple/pink color. They are beautiful. I always think of my Granmother when I look  at this pretty plant. My hydrangea is an offspring of her plant.

End of School Year

The end of the school year has come. Evan had his last days of preschool a few weeks ago.

Luke's last day of 2nd grade is today.

I love seeing how much he has grown and changed during the year.

His gift for his teacher was similar to Evan's gift. Our awesome friend and neighbor made the beautiful flower cookies and Luke decorated a flower pot (it says "You're the best teacher ever!")

We put the flower pot and cookies inside of a Thirty-One mini utility tote and then added a beach towel, sunscreen, and a magazine.

Happy end of the school year, boys! I can't wait to spend a fun, busy summer with you!

New Fish Family

Ever since Benson died, last October, the kids (and, ok, maybe their Mom, too) have been desperate for a pet.

Today: Fish.

Introducing Evan's fish - a tiger barb - named, Stripey.

Maiya's fish - a cobra guppy - named, Bubble Guppie.

Luke's fish - a glofish electric green tetra - named, Finny.

They are so happy with their fish. Maybe that will hold them (us) off from getting another dog.

Thomas at Tweetsie

Our family loves traditions. One of our many traditions is to spend the day at Tweetsie Railroad (a wild west theme park in the mountains of NC) when Thomas the Train is visiting. The park itself is pretty fun for the kids, with rides and activities. But, when Thomas the Train is visiting, they have all kinds of Thomas themed staions set up for the kids to do.

This is the train stamping station. I think Maiya would have stayed here all day.



Tattoos. Maiya picked Rosie, Luke picked Diesel 10, and Evan picked Thomas.

Some fun poses on the plastic horses.

Luke is our map man. Keeps us accountable.

Evan is map-master-in-training.

Evan is the only child we have that is not scared of people dressed as characters.



Posing with Thomas. 

Tossed in the Tweetsie Jail. So sad.

Ready to ride the train! Hold on!

Maiya was big enough (and, fearless enough) to ride the rides this year. She loved riding the Scrambler with Daddy and Luke,

The airplane with Evan.

The chairlift.

The cars.

It was a good day. The weather was beautiful. It was actually chilly (notice our jackets). We have never had anything but warm days at Tweetsie. This year was quite a treat! See you next year, Thomas the Train!