We're Home!

We just got moved in this weekend! I love our new home - and so do the boys! Anytime Drew is asked how he likes his new house, his response is, "IT'S GREAT!" in his most enthusiastic voice! Davis wasn't sure at first, but yesterday when we went by the apartment to pick up a few things, he started crying and crying for his "how", which is Davis-speak for "house". He did NOT want to be there! I know how he feels.

We are still waiting on a few things - a dishwasher that needs fixing and Direct TV that needs to be installed. We also do not have enough furniture to fill up our rooms, so it looks a little empty now. But, I have to say, I feel very patient right now, which is very unusual for me. I guess I'm just glad to be home.

P.S. We have a guest room now! When can we expect you?!

Drew the Camper

Drew just got home from camp last night and he hasn't stopped talking about it. Putting it simply, Drew loves camp. More specifically, he loves going to Camp Buckhorn with all of his friends (and mine) from Pelham Road Baptist Church.

He actually got to go to camp for the first time last summer. He was really too young to spend the night, but I've got a few connections and they let him go. :) I think he did just fine, but he didn't take a shower all week long! Really, really gross! I even have proof...


Ewwwwwww!

So, this year we had a plan. We told him that Miss Brooke would be at camp all week and she would let us know if he didn't take a shower this year. Kevin even threatened to come and get Drew early if he didn't bathe! So, on the second day of camp, Brooke found Drew and asked him the million dollar question - "Have you had a shower, Drew?" This was Drew's face (captured by Brooke's phone)...




How priceless is that picture?! Also, it shows how well Brooke knows my kid. She had her phone ready because she knew the reaction would be great. Drama, anyone?

Drew finally took a shower on the last day of camp (he claims he took 2 - I'm a little skeptical). But, most importantly, he made a fishing pole from a stick, yarn, and a borrowed fishing lure. He swam in the lake. He slept in a cabin full of stinky boys. He heard some really great Bible lessons this week. And he didn't miss his Mom even once. God Bless Camp Buckhorn and God Bless Pelham Road Baptist Church!

Disney 2008

We're back from our vacation! We have been planning this trip for so long and it certainly was worth the wait. We spent 9 days at Disney riding monorails and roller coasters (way to go, Drew!), meeting all of our favorite characters (no princesses, though, apparently they are "for girls"), swimming, and just having a wonderful time being together. I think I took about a thousand pictures this past week at Disney World. Really. I think I was obsessed with catching every moment.

I can't even begin to describe how special our family vacation was, so I'll just post as many pictures as Blogger will let me upload...or is it download?...I can't ever remember! Enjoy!

My sweet little family

Not the best picture, but proof that Nana and Papa are their first choice... always!

A sand person (I think - I always get Star Wars characters wrong) and Drew.

Meeting the Mouse.

Minnie and my boys.

It's really hilarious if you try and steal your Dad's hat - especially if you do it over and over!

Our friends, Pooh and Eeyore.

Riding in the front of the monorail!

This ride looks tame, but it spins you around and around and around...

Me and my boys.

Riding "It's a Small World" with my Drew.

Walt, Melissa, and Hayden posing in the lobby of our hotel.

Loving the goggles. And the effect they have on the ears!

Kevin's awesome safari shot.

Drew and Rafiki.

Lovin' on Timon.

Never both looking at the camera!

Aren't they cute?

And they are, too!

Nana and Davis snuggling.

Walking on the beach.

Daddy is so silly!

But I don't want to wear a lei!

Drew's best pirate face.

Making sure the little ones can see the fish (which were all "Nemo", by the way)!

Sort of both looking at the camera.

Trying out Dad's milkshake.

Hmmm...Coke sounds good, too.

One last pose before the flight home.

Happy Father's Day!

I am one lucky girl. I am Tony's daughter.

My Daddy (yes "Daddy", not "Dad") is truly my hero. I can think of a thousand words that I could use to describe why my Daddy is so special to me - he's funny, loyal, giving, thoughtful, unselfish - the list could go on and on. But, I think the most special thing about my Daddy is how he loves. He loves me unconditionally and he makes sure I know how much I am loved - and he always has. I hope today, on Father's Day, that he knows how much he is loved and cherished. Also, my Daddy made sure that I knew that he liked me, too. He told me what a great kid I was and that he enjoyed being around me.

So, Daddy, I think you are great, too, and I love spending time with you! I think you're even more fun now that I'm grown!

Papa Tony and his biggest fans.




My children are lucky, too. They are Kevin's sons.



Drew and Davis have a dad who jumped into parenthood head first. He changed the first diaper (when he had never changed one before) and then, he was there for every first that followed (and he'll be there for all the firsts to come). He is patient and understanding with his boys. They adore him. He talks with them like they are little people, not children. They love his sense of humor and how silly he can be with them. He tells Drew and Davis how much they are loved everyday. Kevin shows his boys, through his example, how hard work and persistence and faith pay off.

Kevin, you are a wonderful father! Thank you for being my "partner in parenting"!

We're Off To See The Mouse!

We're leaving! Today! To go to Disney World! Can you tell I'm excited? We haven't had a family vacation in so long! Just look at how little Drew is in these pictures (and Davis wasn't even an idea yet)! I thought that as we headed out, I would post a few pictures of our last trip to Disney - Drew was almost 5.

How Do You Say Thank You Enough?

When we moved to Asheville last year, my biggest concern was how Drew would adjust to a new school and new friends. I was so worried about how the move would effect him - academically and emotionally. As it turns out, that should have been the least of my worries. Drew has LOVED going to Hominy Valley Elementary this year and I wanted to introduce you to the two biggest reasons for that.

I believe that God puts people in your life for a reason. And He gave Mrs. Teague and Mrs. Bratsch to Drew (and to us) this year. They welcomed Drew (and us) with open arms into their classroom this year - and we needed that, because we were new to the area and nervous about every new experience. They are funny and relaxed (two things that I never was as a teacher!) and professional and kind. They have watched out for Drew this year when I worried. They are moms and they understand. They do a really great job teasing Kevin when I send him in with boxes of stuff to deliver in the mornings. They have challenged Drew to do better and be a better kid. What more can you ask for in a teacher? Also, they make really great oobleck!

So, we hope they have a relaxing summer with their own children (because that's one of the reasons to become a teacher, right?!) and we can't wait to see them in the fall. Well, we hope we see them before then, but I've already promised them that we wouldn't be stalkers! If we see them before then, it would be a total coincidence!

Thank you, Mrs. Teague!

Thank you, Mrs. Bratsch!

Field Day

Here are some highlights from Field Day last week. Drew had a great time and we really loved the weather - a little overcast and about 70 degrees - gotta love living in the mountains! Davis even stuck it out in his stroller - I actually got to watch Drew and didn't have to chase the Littlest Fleming the entire time!

We have enjoyed Drew's new school so much this year! He only has 4 more days of first grade and they should be really great days - he'll have water play day, sports day, and game day this week. Sounds like a fun way to end a terrific year of first grade!

Shooting some hoops.

Peace, Mom!

I know I'm biased, but really, is there anything sweeter than this face?

Taking some time out for the little guy.

The monkey bars - we've almost mastered them!

Having a blast at field day!

Action shot!

The weirdest field day event ever - finding marbles with your toes...

in a kiddie pool of flour!