Monday, June 24, 2013

Great Weekend

We had a great weekend! On Saturday, we went to Tallulah Gorge with Isaac, Cade, Michelle, and Kyle. We walked to the bottom and back up the other side. There are over 600 steps going down and then back up again. Then we walked all around the perimeter. We were all tired at the end but it was well worth it. It is absolutely beautiful to see. Then we left there and went to Jaemor Farms on our way home. It is a huge farmers market where they grow a lot of their own fruits and vegetables. They have a smoke house where they make BBQ. They have homemade jams, preserves, and pickled things. But best of all is their homemade ice cream. They only have two flavors at a time. We got the strawberry. It was delicious. They also bake their own breads. We brought home a sourdough loaf. On Sunday, we had a birthday dinner for my mother-in-law. Russ smoked beef roast on the grill and I cut up and toasted the sourdough bread. We all enjoyed that along with other sides. Then to cap off the weekend we spent Sunday evening at Chatooga Bell with our friends. It is where we like to go to see amazing views of the mountains as well as the night sky. They have a beautiful barn with outside seating and a cool circle for seating also. They have vineyards and a small gift shop. We wanted to see the moon as it rose because it was supposed to be huge. I am sure it was an amazing site but there were clouds all around and we missed seeing the moon rise. But it was hard to be too bummed because the view is so spectacular and it is just a very peaceful place. Adventure is out there!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Recent Ramblings!

Some of the things we have been up to lately, let's see. We went to the Botanical Gardens with our friends. Who knew 4 boys could have so much fun looking at plants but that is exactly what took place. The ponds and the carnivorous plants were the main hits of the day. Then there was my dad's 70th birthday party. You heard me right. My dad is 70 and still going strong! We are looking forward to many more years riding on his boats. On our way home from the party we found this wonderful pick your own strawberry farm. As you can see, everyone got in on the act. $27 later we were finished! Other random things: the boys got new compasses so they are learning all about finding coordinates on a map, and we watched the movie "Lincoln" which has caused all types of discussions around here about slavery and the Civil War. Then there is always Lego's, swimming, games, computer games, and reading. Cade's newest thing is his skateboard. He has been practicing tricks and now wants a ramp. So these are some of the things we have been doing. I post these so I don't forget them myself! Adventure is out there!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Isaac is 11!

Yesterday Isaac turned 11. Isaac is a sweet, loving, thoughtful young man. He has a great sense of humor and an easy going personality. He loves playing with his friends, legos, camping, and video games. He has been a joy and a blessing to this family. He wanted a pirate party so that is what he got. Most of his friends dressed the part. They all had a great time. They played capture the flag, went on a treasure hunt for buried treasure (it was actually buried in the woods), went swimming, smacked open a piƱata, and enjoyed cake and ice cream. Michelle made the cake. It turned out beautifully. We ordered his present through Amazon and miraculously it arrived in the mail on his birthday. I really thought it would be late. All in all, it was a great day!

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Camping at Oconee Point

There is nothing like waking up to cranes and geese right in front of you in the lake! We had a great time camping this weekend at Oconee Point with our friends, the McGovern's. The boys rode their bikes, went fishing, tubing, and swinging off a rope swing into the water. Russ even took the plunge off the rope swing. Michelle, Kyle, and Brandon joined us on Saturday for steaks and fettuccine. We even had time to sit and read. Life is good.