Mountain Memories

For nearly 30 years, my family has spent a week most years in Cashiers, NC.  It's been a true blessing to share this magical place with Todd and now our three kids. The boys love coming here and have our days planned out with hikes, fishing, boating, canoeing, putt putt, swimming at the lake, exploring waterfalls, and eating out well before we arrive! It is something i look forward to all year round. This year was especially fun to watch my bigger boys exploring and to see Addison coming into her own. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for making this possible for us!

Battling the British

On the way to the mountains for our annual vacation in July, we took a side trip to see a Revolutionary War Battle Reenactment in Historic Brattonsville (Mel Gibson's movie "The Patriot" was filmed here). The boys are really interested in both the Civil and Revolutionary Wars -- they were so engaged and honestly, Todd and I were fascinated, too! 

My Sweeties

Addison loves her hot pink cowboy boots! She puts them on 

all by herself. She loves herself some shoes...

Beautiful Lake Gaston!

For 4th of July, we were invited to the Goff's lake house on Lake Gaston. Addison spent the weekend with my folks (she had a blast). We had so much fun enjoying the relaxing beauty of the lake, the warm hospitality of Dianne, Hal and Julie Goff, some extra special time with our dear friend Elizabeth before she moved away, and lots of boating, jet skiing, and swimming in the lake. Thank you Goffs for such a memorable and magical time -- we loved every minute!!

Caleb dove off the dock at least 100 straight times -- naming each dive and adding his creative flair

Coley snuggling and snacking with Mrs. Goff

Cole with amazing water dog, Rhett

Julie and Cole exploring the lake

Captain Goff showing us the lake

Our dear, dear friends Elizabeth and Julie

Elizabeth and Cole

Looks like it's going to be a Perfect 10!

Super Friends!

Chick-Fil-A had a Super Hero Night a few weeks ago. All wearing a costume received a free kids' meal. All three had a blast! It was such a fun night -- a bunch of the staff arrived in amazing costumes in a truck-turned- batmobile. They also had real life heroes -- local firefighters there. We love ourselves some Chick-Fil-A!

Hurray for the Pool!

When in town, much of our time this summer has been spent at the pool we joined. It is just 7 minutes from our house and a little oasis for us. We have several friends who are members as well which makes it all the more fun. Caleb attended tennis camp earlier in the summer and Todd and I are excited to try out some tennis lessons, too.  

Many nights are spent swimming, grilling our dinner poolside, enjoying a treat from the snack bar, and going home showered, in our PJs and EXHAUSTED!

All our time here has paid off -- both boys are swimming like pros and have braved the diving board.  Addison loves the water and is a bit of a daredevil! Come visit us next summer and we'll take in the pool! 

Watching a Little Morning TV... it was WAY too early!!