Rainy Afternoon

I took the kids outside yesterday afternoon while it was raining out. Ethan always come up with games for he and Emerson to play and she just follows along. Here is a short video of "The Ant Game" and a few pictures of their "adventure." He was telling Emerson that the lightening was Gi Gi taking pictures and the thunder was Gi Gi and God bowling. Guess he listens to me after all. ;)

Emerson's 2nd Birthday Party

We had Emerson's birthday party at the pool Saturday night. It was a very hot and humid evening, so the water felt great. All of her family (with the exception of her cousins, Aunt and Uncle in TN) were there as well as some of her friends. Unfortunately, a lot of her friends were either sick or on vacation. We didn't really have a "theme" other than keeping with her hippo invitation. She never watches TV, so she could really care less about any of the characters. We had a lot of fun and are thankful to everyone who came out.

Hey...at least she matched!

My mom was there to help me, THANK GOD! I am so happy to have her around and wish that she lived closer. She knows just what to do to help me out. Our kids can't get enough of her. Thanks for everything that you do, Mom. I absolutely adore you. Enjoy the pics in the album.

Mountains

Chris and I took the kids to the mountains last week for our vacation. My sister and nephews stayed with us for a few days before going to my mom's house. The boys (and girl!) had an absolute blast. They all got along so great that we were wondering if it was too good to be true. We did a lot of exploring in the mountains and especially the streams/rivers. We used to love walking through the rivers of New Hampshire when we were little, so it was nice be able to see them enjoy it as well. We had a little party for Emerson on her birthday. This was her first with Amy's boys. Hopefully we can make it an annual thing!

After Amy and the boys left, we went to Dollywood for a few days. Ethan enjoyed riding rides with Chris. Chris even took both children on the ferris wheel. Emerson decided at the top that she wanted mommy. Needless to say, they only rode that one once. We played lots of mini golf, explored caverns and hung out at the pool/water park at the resort.

On Saturday, my brother-in-law flew into Charlotte, so we all met at Monkey Joe's. Logan, Tyler and Ryland had never been, so Ethan and Emerson showed them the ropes. Then we went back to my mom's house for a BBQ. I have typed some comments on the pictures in the album with a few more descriptions of our week. I am also uploading all of my sisters pictures as well.

Finally Together

Red, White and Blue

I trust that everyone had a nice holiday! We certainly did. We grilled out on Friday night with the Brooks and Langleys. My mom and RT also came down on Thursday night. She is always so much help! We pulled out the inflatable bounce/slide and the kids ran from that to the playroom. Then we all walked/strolled/rode the golf cart/rode bikes down to the lake to watch fireworks. I had a few other friends who met us down there to watch the fireworks. It seemed like a Hyde Park reunion once we got down there. I didn't realize that so many people from our church live in our neighborhood!

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We were going to go to the pool on Saturday, but decided against it. Instead, we had lunch with my mom and RT and then did a little shopping. I came home and cooked for my mom and RT and Chris and I went out for a date. Woot woot! Then we came back and played with some fireworks/sparklers. Good times, good times! Lots of pictures in the album.

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Next major event - to see my sister and nephews next weekend!!! We cannot wait to finally see them! Ethan has been asking for his cousins for well, years! Knowing that they have landed (he thinks that they have been living in the sky, apparently in an airplane!) and he has not seen them yet has been very frustrating for him!

From the beach to the lake

My in-laws gave us a free weekend at Myrtle Beach this past weekend. The only catch, a timeshare presentation. We do not like those at all, but it was well worth it. The hotel upgraded us to one of their suites which turned out to be a one bedroom condo. Full kitchen, washer/dryer, the works. I bought Chris and Ethan tickets for Father's Day to go to a magic show on Friday night. Ethan is still trying to do magic tricks. They loved it, especially the time spent together. Saturday was the presentation, so we stayed at the hotel in the morning and played at the pool. Emerson fell asleep in the van (my plan worked!!), so we were able to transfer her into the stroller for most of the presentation. Then it was off to dinner and mini golf. What is a trip to the beach without mini golf? That is Ethan's thoughts anyway! Sunday was spent at the pool/beach and then off to Broadway. We let the kids run through the little water area and then decided to try out Magi Quest. At first we didn't know what we were doing, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. It is basically a treasure hunt. We did some brief shopping on Monday because my work-a-holic husband wanted to get back to work by lunch. We really had a nice time getting away with just the four of us and are very thankful to Grandpa and Grandma!

We met our great friends, Jason and Sherry for dinner this evening in Elizabethtown. Then we went to their house at White Lake to hang out. They have three of the nicest kids I have ever met. Very polite and attentive to our little ones even though they are a good bit older. They took us for a ride on their boat, which was Emerson's first. Ethan wanted to go fast, fast, fast! There are pictures in the album as well as a few videos of Monkey Joe's from yesterday. Happy 4th!

Summer Nights

Our neighbors invited us to use their pool this week while they are vacationing. The kids have taken full advantage of that. Here are some pictures of their evening yesterday. There are several videos in the album.