All the grandkids stay at Marma and P'bo's house...

Last week, Marma and P'bo had all 5 grand kids stay at their house for a sleepover. Chad and Cathy got a night out to themselves and Derek and I did too; however, Derek had to work. So, I went out with friends while he was out at a work dinner. It was nice to sleep in the next morning...even though only until 8 am!

Marma and P'bo had tons of fun lined up for all the kids. They built these cardboard houses and decorated them. The kids also made pipe cleaner animals and pot holders on plastic looms. That was on top of swimming and going to the Yellow River Game Ranch. The kids loved the game ranch. Marma and P'bo got some pictures - seen below. Hatcher said his favorite animal was the deer. I think they were the easiest to feed. Thanks Marma and P'bo...I know my two gave you a run for your money!

Uncle Chad's Birthday at Marma and P'bo

Uncle Chad's birthday was July 14 - just days before he came to Atlanta with the family for a visit. So in honor of the last year in his 30s - pre 40 celebration, we all went to Marma and P'bo's house. Aunt Cathy, Aspen, Morgan and Zach were all in from Colorado too - so the cousins were all able to hang out. Notice the gathering around Uncle Jared's toys...the motorcycle, and the boat! Thanks Marma and P'bo for a wonderful dinner and good time.

While the (big) boys are away...the kids and I will play

At the beach...at Berkeley Lake! While Derek went off on his motorcycle trip, I took the kids down to the lake with Grandma...for a nice afternoon in the water. It was perfect weather. We were the only ones at the beach for a while - and enjoyed the lake and beach area to ourselves. The boys always have so much fun there that you literally have to peel them off the beach when it is time to go. Afterwards, we all headed back the house for dinner and gave Grandma her birthday present...Happy Birthday Grandma.

Wild Hogs...a special ride to Helen

Derek, Richard, Chad and Jared all had the fortunate position of being in the same place at the same time, and a weekend free from commitments...well for the most part. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, to ride together to the mountains and back. They couldn't have been more lucky - the weather was perfect, low humidity, highs in the 80s (in July I might add), and everyone in possession of a motorcycle. So Saturday morning - July 18th, they gathered here at our house, had lunch, geared up and headed to Helen for the night. They all had a great time and enjoyed the ride. Hatcher and Aidan were so jealous, and every time we heard motorcycle engines in the distance, they thought the boys were coming back to get them. It was too cute.

Richard on the Harley

Jared on the Honda

Derek on the Yamaha

Chad on the Ducati

Goodbye Big Trees

So sad, but we had to do it. We had to cut down two of the largest and oldest trees on our property. The one in the back, the tall dead pine, was struck by lightening last year and was a danger. The big beautiful red oak in the front was dying from the top down and the limbs were falling at random times down to the ground...also a danger. I took it really hard when the red oak went...we won't see a tree that old again in our yard...in our lifetime. I had the crew cut a 4 inch piece from the tree so we could make the boys a table when it is done curing. The removal was so stressful - the crew had to avoid hitting the other large older trees and damaging our wonderful curved driveway. Needless to say, there is a foot-sized hole in our driveway where a piece fell, several sections of our fence needed repairing, and the stump grinder ground up our sprinkler system - all of which was additional cost to repair. Let's hope that is all the tree removal we need to do for the next couple of years. :)

4th of July - Happy Birthday USA

Really - it is hard to believe it came and went so fast again. We had so much fun. Every year our city holds a parade - anyone can join...from walking to riding tricycles to riding motorcycles or cars. We told Hatcher he could be in the parade this year and he seemed super excited. We even bought decorations for his bicycle, flags and such. The day came and he decided not to take part - rather he just wanted to watch from the driveway as we do each year...that is until the parade came by. When he saw all those other kids riding their bikes...he wanted to be a part of it too! So off he went, and off Derek went to follow and of course - off Aidan went too...with flag flying high in the air. It was too cute. I was left to be the spectator all by my lonesome. But, they did come back...just in time for the decorated convertibles throwing candy.






After the parade, we loaded up and headed down to the picnic grounds at the lake. Each year the city hosts a BBQ for the residents in honor of the special day. This year was no exception. BBQ and cupcakes for everyone. After the food, the homeowners association holds contest - best dressed, best decorated wheeled transport, etc. Hatcher put his bicycle in for the decorations we put on it...he was super excited...but no ribbons this year. He lost out to some adorable babies in a souped up radio flyer - no fair! LOL






After a much need family nap, we headed back to the beach for a little sun and sand. The kids had a blast and it was the first time I remembered to bring the camera. We love the beach area and try to go as often as we can - schedules permitting of course. They have so much fun you have to drag them out of there. We left the beach to go home and have a nice family dinner - hamburgers, mac-n-cheese, and more. Then it was time for more fireworks. We are very lucky to have the setting we have to watch the fourth of July fireworks display. From the docks, you can see fireworks from more than 5 local cities = and of course our very own as well. It is just breathtaking to see the reflection of them over the water. It was a perfect night. We hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

Happy ALMOST Birthday USA...July 3rd in Norcross

What a great way to start off a holiday weekend. Today was jammed packed full of fun. In the morning, I took the boys to the beach at our lake and then after a nap off we went to a birthday party at Monkey Joe's. After a quick pit stop at home and a makeshift picnic dinner, we went to Downtown Norcross for their annual fireworks show. The idea was courtesy of our neighbors, the Rileys, and we tagged along with them, their families and met up with the Hamricks. It was great weather. We each brought picnic dinners and Ellen even prepared homemade apple pie (my all time favorite dessert) and had purchased mini blue bell ice cream cups. Norcross had just recently unveiled their new town playground and I have to say - it was a full time gig just keeping track of your child while awaiting dusk and the subsequent fireworks display. The kids loved the playground most of all. Although Hatcher did catch a firefly and was super proud. Unfortunately my camera battery went dead early on in the evening...but I have many pictures of the weekend to follow. Thanks again Riley family for the suggestion and Hamrick family for the wonderful dessert.

Visit from the Best Family

What a wonderful visit from the Best family. Derek's cousin Allyson, her husband Brad and their two daughters Aubrey and Lauren stopped by for a short hello on their way to South Carolina for the weekend. We hadn't seen the family in years and the girls hadn't met the boys. So with such a special visit, Marma, P'bo, Uncle Jared and Aunt Christina all came over for a summer feast and dessert. As quick as they came in, they had to leave...but it was sure nice catching up. We enjoyed your visit and hope we can get together more often than this. I know all four kids had a blast. Stop by anytime!