Fishing

Charlie has been asking to go fishing on a boat for a long time. This summer he got to go. He had so much fun! He talks about his trip and what all he did on the boat all of the time. He tells us about catching a shark, sea bass, and silver snapper. He says that he wants to go again next year, but he wants daddy to put the bait on the hook. He doesn't want to smell too fishy.





This is Charlie and Mr. David. He became Charlie's special friend. Charlie got up early to go on the four hour fishing trip, but the boat was overbooked even though Marshall made the reservation two days in advance and used his credit card to hold the reservation. Charlie, daddy, and Pappy watched the boat pull away without them.

Luckily, they got on the next trip that left at noon and returned at eight. We thought it would be too long for Charlie, but he took a nap while the boat headed out to sea. The crew saw what happened earlier in the morning. They felt terrible, and made a special effort to make sure Charlie had a great time. Mr. David brought Charlie special bait to catch big fish with, and Charlie got to help drive the boat back at the end of the day with the captain. All in all everything worked out great! He even got to touch the shark he caught before they threw it back.

Skateboarding

Hank has really been awestruck by Uncle Brayden and his skateboarding skills. He loves to go to Laurel and Brayden's house to play on the ramp. I've never seen a three year old as excited about shoes as Hank was when Laurel and Brayden gave him skateboarder shoes for his birthday. When Hank saw Uncle Brayden with his skateboard, he came running in the house searching for the skateboard and helmet. I put his helmet on him, and he said, "Thank you, mommy!" and ran out the door.

Wipe out! But no tears. He got right back up to do it again.

Uncle Brayden was a very patient teacher.

Science Camp

A couple of weeks ago, Charlie and Kensington went to science camp. They had so much fun. Every day was a new adventure. Charlie was most excited about taking his lunch. The name of their camp was Junior Chemists. They made goo, crystals, elephant toothpaste, chewing gum, and so much more. Hank wanted to go to school too. He didn't understand why Charlie and Kensington got to go but not him.



By the end of the week, we were all exhausted. The camp day was much longer than their normal school day. We were all ready for bed time every night, except Hank :)

Garden City Beach, South Carolina

Spending a week at the beach is always a wonderful part of summer. It is truly a luxury. Playing in the sand and waves, picnics on the beach, nap time, put put, and so much more are all things Charlie and Hank love about the beach. Hank's favorite was playing in the sand. Although he loved playing in the sand, he didn't like for his toys to get too dirty. He was constantly up and down the beach washing his toys off in the surf. Charlie truly enjoyed the waves this year. He enjoyed riding the waves in a little blow up boat and flipping out. Pappy had to buy goggles because he was worried about Charlie's eyes. Charlie would dive into the waves with or without a boogie board. Kensington loved the sand and water. She didn't like the waves flipping her out of the boat, but she did enjoy being made into a beautiful sand mermaid.

Summer Days

This morning after breakfast, I threw on my clothes. Marshall asked me if I had a shower because I normally cannot function without a shower. I told him that I didn't because we were going to play outside today. It is so HOT outside! What's the point of a shower before hand? Marshall has set up a fan by the table and chairs to keep me cool while Charlie and Hank play on the water slide.

But, before we could go outside today, I had to make good on a promise to make chocolate chip cookies. When I make cookies by myself, the worst part is cleaning up. When Charlie and Hank help me, I never know what to expect. Today, it went pretty smoothly with one exception. Hank wanted to do his favorite part - the eggs! He lightly cracked his egg on the bowl and then POP! Hank's egg EXPLODED! Hank and I had egg all over us. It was down my shirt, my arm, and in my hair. We finally got the cookies in the oven, and Charlie spilled an entire container of goldfish. I guess today I'll keep the Clorox wipes and vacuum handy.

I might be needing a shower sooner than I thought :)

Hank sneaking into the cookie dough batter while Charlie and I clean up goldfish.

Charlie enjoying his warm cookie.

Hank's 3rd Birthday Party at Moore Acres

Hank's 3rd birthday was celebrated at Moor Acres in Washington, Georgia. Although the summer heatwave started early, it did not stop us all from having a great time. We enjoyed the wonderful shade trees to keep us cool and an occasional breeze. The kids ran and played like the heat was no problem. The kids (and some adults) enjoyed the zip line, animal train, petting zoo, horseback rides, petal tractors, a hay ride, and so much more.

Big brother CHARLIE helps welcome guests and organize the party.

THE ZIP LINE

HANK WITH BILLY BOY THE GOAT

GAVIN

JOSEY

ALEXIS

Hank loved the bunny. When it was time to go, the farm was empty, and my sister Brittany said, "Where's Hank?" Turns out he was back in the bunny hutch. The granddads were teasing that he needed a bunny. Sorry y'all, NO ROOM IN THE INN FOR A BUNNY!

KENSINGTON

ANIMAL TRAIN
"ALL ABOARD!"

EMILY

HAY RIDE

GRANNY AND AUNT FLORENCE enjoying the cool shelter of the shade!

This morning we went out to play around 11:00. Not nearly early enough as it was almost 90 degrees and humid already. Charlie and Hank had so much fun. Hank pretended like he was Curious George trying to climb a tree, and Charlie created a new swing on the trapeze bar. Charlie had the new swing going really fast!

Charlie loves to find "supplies" to make things with in the yard and the house. He has made robots, kites, ugly bugs, cars, parking garages, and more. He hates for a cardboard box to be recycled before he has made something out of it. Today, he found some old string in the outdoor building. He had me tie a plastic shovel to the end of the string. He and Hank were taking turns pulling the shovel up and down. I overhead Charlie talking to Hank. "Hank, this is a pulley. A pulley is a simple machine that makes jobs easier." Charlie had wrapped his string to make it like a pulley. I guess "Curious George" and "Sid, The Science Kid" are really paying off. Later, the string became Spiderman's web.