Second stop... Chris and Hilary's!

We spent two nights with Bryan, Angela and Wesley, and are now making our way south to my grandmother's house. Today we spent the day with Hilary and her kids - Carter, Mabry, Liam and Taylor. Needless to say, Lucas was in heaven hanging out with Carter, who is almost two years older. Mabry is six months younger than Lucas, so both of my kids liked playing with her.

After swimming we played some fun games with the older kids while the little kids got some rest.

Look at these two cuties. Lucas 's shirt - he told me that he wanted me to get him one like Carter's (his idol for the day) so Hilary got him one of Carter's old ones to wear so they would match : )

Hilary had a full day of fun stuff planned for us. After swimming, playing games, having water balloon fights and then dinner, we made some homemade ice cream. It was some sort of ball that you fill with the ingredients and then roll it around for 20 minutes. Hilary, at ease as usual, managed this activity while letting all of the kids help out...

Morning Cartoons

Liam, Carter and Lucas

2nd Annual Georgia Tour

Last year we went to Georgia for a week and saw a lot of family and friends. It was such an amazing time to get to see so many people that I love in one week, that we wanted to do it again this year. Instead of staying with my sister, Jenn, the whole week, we are planning on staying at several different houses. Tonight is Sunday night. We left home yesterday morning and arrived at my brother's home at around 6pm. Angela's family greeted us with a huge spread of festive summer food, music and pool fun. Lucas is having a blast playing with Wesley (and his Ninent* DS!!!)

Today was so much fun! My sister, Ty and Mary drove up and we spent the day at a lake near my brother's house. It was pretty much like being at the beach, but safer and easier to watch everyone.

We had to stop for gas on the way and my sister suggested that I get all five of the kids a slushy. I looked at her like she was crazy and then realized that it was a great way to start our first official day of vacation! Here is what it would look like if Jenn or I had five kids : )

Here is Jenn looking super cute with the little girls...

And here is Lucas swimming with Uncle Bryan and Angela...

Baseball Banquet

Lucas had his last t-ball game tonight, and then an end-of-the-year celebration at the coach's house (Lucas E's dad). As usual, Lucas was happy to receive a trophy, even though he didn't care that much about the sport or the season (YET - I hope). Here he his receiving his trophy...

He didn't want to pause from playing to take this picture with the assistant coach, a.ka. Daddy, so that is why he has the silly look on his face.

These last two pictures are related to Ellen. I was talking to a friend when I noticed that she was no longer the only one playing near this gazebo, but there were severaly 5-7 year old boys playing with her. She hung right in there and didn't seem to notice or care that she was any different : )

Memorial Day

Today was another day of playing in the sun and enjoying time with friends. First we met Kelly, Lincoln and Oscar at the pool. Lincoln and Lucas splashed, while Miss Cool mostly snacked...

Later that evening we were invited to a cookout at a neighbor's house. We don't know a ton of our neighbors, but the ones we do know we really enjoy. Here is Ellen being silly with our across-the -street friend, Owen.

It would have been a perfect time if it hadn't been over 100 degrees. We were all about to melt!

Lucas, Ellen, Owen and Teagan

There was even a tree house for everyone to play in... mostly enjoyed by our lady. Who, by the way, was somewhat of a little redneck running around in her undies. It really was too hot for clothes, so why not take advantage if you're only two?

An afternoon with old friends...

We were so happy today to get to spend the afternoon with some dear friends that we've known for over 10 years now! First we were invited to Charles and Caroline's cousin's first birthday party, so that is where we got to see Mark, Wendy, Charles and Caroline. Then we spent the rest of the evening with Adam, Holly, Katie and Tyler... but not pictures of that because my battery had died. We had a wonderful day and were happy to be able to enjoy the holiday wknd with friends!

Wendy and I are always happy about how much Charles and Lucas seem to love each other. Just like us, they pick up right where they left off, which was a few months ago. Lucas is already asking when he'll get to see him again.

Caroline and Ellen also seemed to have missed each other. The quickly reunited and began tending to their babies... funny, just like Wendy and I have been spending our time together for the past five years : )

A long good-bye : )

Go Jackets!

We hauled the gang to Durham to watch Georgia Tech play in the ACC tournament yesterday. It was so fun to watch a baseball game! I miss that since I grew up watching the Braves play in Atlanta.

We met our fellow GT fans there, Katie, Tyler, Adam and Holly. We only stayed to the 5th inning or so, which was a good call because this game went 15 innings! It didn't end until almost 1am... yikes. But we won by stealing home plate!

Summer Fun

Susie (Lucas E's mom) and I were at a loss already for what to do this summer... and it's only the first week! But to be fair, the pools don't open until next week and it was probably over 100 degrees today. So we checked out a new indoor play place. It was a hit, but we're looking forward to finding more affordable activities for the rest of the summer...

Baby Emma

Ellen loves babies! She tells me that often. "Mama, I wuv babies. I like to hold them." Needless to say, she was thrilled to get to spend time with her cousin Emma today, even though you can't tell from her expression. She takes baby holding very seriously.

Summer Break!

Who doesn't like to start summer break off with a little squirt of whipped cream?