Mountain Get-Away

We were excited to be invited up to the Good's mountain house for a few days and we were very blessed to have the kids and the dog to go with us!  We went up Thursday afternoon and went to Innovation Brewery which was pretty good.  Kids weren't too thrilled, but the adults enjoyed it!  We grilled out Thursday night and took a jaunt on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Friday.  Krista told us about an "easy" trail to visit Waterrock Knob ... well, it definitely wasn't easy and only Molly & Ian made it to the top.  Bonner had a panic attack and Barrett was sweating it so he opted to stay back with her while Belle and I followed on Ian's heels.  It was a beautiful site, but as I got to the top, I realized that I did not have a phone with me to even snap a picture of my accomplishment - or Ian's!  Anyway, as we were walking back to the car, Bonner was politely informing those starting on their adventure that "You will die!  It is horrible!"  She is probably going to grow up to be quite an adventurer - but it was really funny to hear her trying to scare everyone else into not doing it!

After the epic hike, we landed at Frog Level Brewery in Waynesville.  It was a beautiful set-up on the river and there was a great guitarist playing outside.

Boys were definitely comfortable with their IPAs!

I hope these girls stay friends forever ...

And this guy had his best friend with him so he wasn't even complaining!  Belle just sat and took it all in while Ian ran around with the girls!

On Saturday, we got up, cleaned up, and got dressed to go rafting.  Matt, Krista, and Molly had to head back to Greenville to pick up the twins from camp so just the 4 of us set out on our adventure down the Tuskegee.  Apparently, you can only do this on days when they release water upstream since the rocks at places are pretty high.  We had fun - some tears were shed and some language spoken, but all and all, we survived!  I didn't get "an after" picture because no one was speaking to me by then ;-)

Party Time

The kids were able to celebrate their first decade with their friends around the pool so that was super fun - and much easier than hauling a bunch of stuff to the Spaulding Farm pool.  It was only after they opened some cool gifts ... of course, they didn't think they were near as cool as Barrett and I did!

Ian got a new guitar and a Daisy bee-bee Gun!

I don't know why I don't have an individual picture of Bonner - but she got bow & arrow since she loved trying it at camp!  She also got a certificate to get her ears pierced which we will do in a few weeks with our bestie, Lilian!

This was Barrett's make-shift shooting target!

Taking lessons from the master!

They went over to their dad's house for a little while during the day and I got the outside all decorated for each of them and their friends!

Ian holding up the lucky number 10 with his fingers!

Bonner proudly owning her 10 digits!

Bonner celebrated with her best friends - Molly Good, Lilian Thomas, and Abby Helms!

Ian had Spencer Davidson over to celebrate with him; but, I guess they were running around non-stop so I didn't get a picture of the 2 of them.  Everyone actually spent the night and had a great time!

Happy 10th Birthday, Ian & Bonner!

It's been a decade!!  And, I am the first one to say that I cannot believe it has been 10 years since you both came into my life!  I wrote you both letters in your cards and wanted to put them here so you have them for years to come!!

Wild Dunes 2018

We left Sunday for a week at Wild Dunes.  We had a fantastic time visiting our old favorites like the Marina and Poe's and even finding a rainy day to go out to Fort Sumter.  I felt comfortable enough this year leaving the kids up in the condo while we were out on the beach and they were able to go to the pool this time by themselves since the condo overlooks the pool.  No sunburns, lots of smiles, and plenty of sunshine - great way to spend a week together!!

Plenty of sand time!!

At the marina on the left & at Poe's on the right!

 

We took a boat tour out to Fort Sumter.  I only realized then how close it is to Sullivan's Island.  It was interesting to hear how it was used to defend the port of Charleston!

This guy and these 2 melt my heart!!

Silly times - we found this cake that looks like our dog, Belle, so we had to buy it for our "sweet treat"!  And then Bonner learned to stick a pretzel to her nose and insisted on taking a picture!

We enjoyed a fancy dinner our last night there celebrating the twin's birthday!  One chocolate cake slice split 2 ways and it was plenty for both of them!!

We came home on Saturday since their birthday was on Sunday.  Nobody wants to spend lots of hours in the car on your birthday, right?  Even though we left a few hours early, we thoroughly enjoyed our week together!

Bonner's Acting Camp

Bonner decided to do Acting Camp instead of Golf Camp this year.  She got the part of "Fairy Godmother" and loved the fact that she got to wear lots of makeup!!  It was a really cute play and simply amazing that they were able to put so much together in just 5 days!

Ian at Golf Camp

The kids have been with their dad this week so I've just been trying to get a few things done around the house.  Ian has been doing golf camp this week and I was excited to see him this morning for their ice cream and awards!  He was a sweaty mess after playing 9 holes; but, I was just so very thankful to see him!

Bonner has been battling swimmer's ear this week while she has been gone; but she has also been going to an Acting Camp.  I'm excited to see her performance tomorrow morning!  She told me that she is a Fairy God Mother in the play about "Who Knocked Over Humpty Dumpty?" 

Week of July 4th

So, we spent Saturday night after picking the kids up from camp at the lake.  We decided to take the new boat our for its first fishing adventure and guess what, Ian caught a cat fish!  He wasn't sure what to do with it, but I think this picture of Belle watching Ian hold the fish is priceless.  Bonner was upset she didn't catch anything, but I finally got her to smile for a picture!

We came home for a couple of nights since the kids hadn't been home for over 2 weeks and then we headed back to the lake on Tuesday before the July 4th festivities on Wednesday.  Matt, Krista, and the girls joined us late Tuesday night and stayed until Thursday.  On Wednesday, Jane, Kevin, Jack, and their exchange student Thomas came up to hang out in the lake as well.  We all had a terrific time and, of course, the fireworks did not disappoint!

We couldn't leave Belle at home because of the fireworks scaring her!

Lots of people enjoying the big boat!

Captain & his Rowdy First Mate!

The girls hanging out in the water before the fireworks!

Molly & Bonner!

Ian & Jack

All the kids waiting for it to get dark!

Aw, yum, watermelon!!

The boats all docked and patiently waiting for the first big boom!

We stayed up late and ate too much; but I think everyone had a terrific time.  I doubt I will have the kids again next July 4th; but fingers crossed it works out to have this much fun with dear friends again!

After everyone left on Thursday, the kids, Barrett, and I just relaxed.  We enjoyed the lake during the day and took the little boat out each evening around sunset to get the motor broken in.

So very thankful for these memories!  I love these 2 with all my heart.  I cannot believe they will be 10 years old in just a couple of weeks!