back track a bit...

Nanny made dairy and soy-free chocolate pudding!! They loved it.
Cait and Grandad
Back to our camping trip. She only wore her hat for about 1 second but it was so cute.
The lake we hiked around
Ready for some more camping! Can't wait for our annual apple-picking trip with the Pucketts!

only 1 hour away......

We left Saturday morning for Unicoi State Park. We camped just for one night but we crammed in a lot in 24 hours! We celebrated
Bill's birthday! He wanted to go camping and so we did. Lots of fun and so close.

waiting to climb
she's a tree frog......and determined to do what the boys do
cute
playing in the lake

We had Harrison come up and spend the night. They had fun and were very tired yesterday. We played at the lake in our 'hood and lazed around. Nanny and Grandad arrived last night for a visit! Yea! Updates later.

Thursday

she found these crazy shoes in my closet
she laughed, giggled, and fell down a lot....kind of like me when I wore them (only once!)
red neck sledding
he knew the pine straw hurt her feet so he carried back up the hill. Every time. They played all afternoon together. I love watching who plays with who. It changes all the time. Today John and Cait played outside until dinner and Zach and Owen played upstairs. Tomorrow is Friday!!!!!! We made it through the first week of school!

1/2 way through the first week!

what is this?
So happy to see her brothers.
don't ask
John learning to cut the grass

We have never had the option to ride a bus to school before. The boys all wanted to ride the bus home from school and so they did. I do miss walking to and from school. ...that was really nice and a good way to get to know who your children go to school with. The boys all seem very happy so I am too.

1st day of school

O was the first one down....ready to go!
traditional 1st day of school pic. Always on the steps. John 3rd grade (8), Zach 5th grade (10), Owen 1st grade (6), and Cait is 3 1/2.


The house is very quiet. Too quiet. I hate the first day of school. The boys were all excited and I am happy with 2 of the 3 teachers. Hope the 3rd will win me over, or at least my child. Off to make cookies for the boys.

Sawnee Mountain

we reached the top!
looking out over a big rock
me, my big arms and sweet Zach
Billy and Cait 'running' down the mountain

We spent our last day of summer having fun! We went and hiked Sawnee Mountain this morning. It is very close to our new house and a nice easy hike. Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner and the kids loved showing off their new rooms. Early to bed for all. Tomorrow is going to come quick. I am sad and excited for the boys. Summer always seems to go so fast.

Billy's home!

O caught a toad
J caught a tree frog
z is flying
happy fam

Today is the last day of summer vacation! The boys go back to school tomorrow. Everyone is excited and nervous. Mom is a tiny bit sad. I always hate to see summer end.

we miss Daddy

Putting their best side forward...
kids
john and daisy
big brother
We finally went to the pool today and really had a good time. The days of summer are numbered. Let the boys stay out late just running around in the yard and having fun. They have a bit more freedom here and that is so nice. Tomorrow the rest of our stuff should get here. Glad to have our stuff but not looking forward to unpacking. night

look what I did!

Our new (fancy) washer and dryer was delivered today! Bill is in DC so I installed the whole thing myself! Who knew?
Billy,
you are so lucky! ha ha.

It's Sunday

she was using this mushroom as her umbrella
picked some flowers
got a new skirt
john helping c and O fix a post-dinner snack. Daisy hopes there are a few bites left for her.
Our washer and dryer is supposed to get her tomorrow!!!!! We have been without for over a week now. Torture. So much laundry to do. Bill leaves for DC tomorrow. yuck.