Thank You Miss Pat!

I love my new Fox and Hedgehog pillows. They make the perfect reading spot on my other twin bed!!  

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

We took the pop up to Mile High campground near Cherokee NC so we could visit Wade's second National Park. I hope he grows to love these national treasures like I do. Daddy helped him stamp his passport. 

We hiked to Andrew's bald with our group for Saturday lunch. It was about 3.5 miles round trip and he did pretty good. It was more strenuous than out AT hike several weeks earlier and without a nap he requested Daddy carry him some on the return. 

Once back we scaled the tower at Clingman's Dome. I was here as a kid but in a complete fog. 

I lost my footing on the way down and was carrying Wade. We crashed to the pavement first on my knees and then forward. He hit his head but thankfully not too hard. It scared us both and I am so grateful the only lasting pain is my two kneecaps. They are getting better every day and won't stop me from doing my first triathlon on Sunday. 

We also got to see a lot of Elk!!  They have been missing from NC for over 100 years and it appears the reintroduction that started about ten years ago was successful!

Our campsite was perfect, just look at this view and it helped to have good friends along to share the trails!

Anniversary Trip to NOLA

Wade spent a few days with Aunt Kim while we took about 48 hours to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. We hadn't even boarded the plane yet when I realized Wase wasn't going to miss us much at all!

Neither of us had spent time in New Orleans and there was a ton to experience. We spent the first afternoon doing a lot of exploring....having po boys for lunch and ending up hearing Jazz at Preservation Hall then The Spotted Cat on Frenchman street. We made it back to the hotel for a late night PB&J and milk (one of the traditions at Le Pavillion)

The next day we started off with coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde...

....to fuel us up for a three hour bike tour of the French Quarter and Garden Districts. Yes we were the only two in the group that chose to wear helmets in the heat and humidity. 

From the bike tour , straight to the Natchez paddle boat for a ride on the Mississippi

A quick shower the dinner at Commander's Palace

It's been an amazing ride this first five years but I can't think of anybody else that would be better to have along this journey than Mike!  Thankfully, he signed up for another five. 

Big Boy Bed

Where has my toddler gone?  Wade Michael is now my big boy as he likes to remind me.  He will hardly nap on the weekends anymore (even though he takes an hour and a half nap at school), will eat almost any food he sees us enjoying, and loves to pretend he is a superhero.  We still don't have the potty training thing down but he did poop and pee pee for his teacher at school this week so I think we are close to turning a corner. 

To top it off, the toddler bed is out in the barn and the second twin bed from my grandparents house is set up with the matching Peanuts sheets and quilt. 

Sweet dreams big boy!

Simple pleasures

Grandaddy's tire swing has entertained all five grandchildren now.  Marshall was about Wade's age when it was first put up and now he is eighteen. 

On this Mother's Day

I feel I lost my mother too soon, but I don't know if anyone is ever ready to say goodbye to their Mom. What I love most is that I considered her a friend as an adult.  It wasn't until after she died that I read this note in my baby book, telling me about a little bear flower vase. It was given in 1939 to my grandmother by her mother when Mom was born. Granny Lindig then gave it to Mom when I was born and she planned on presenting it to me when I had my first child. What is so prophetic to me is that she said "if nothing happens". I hope I can give it to Wade and his wife someday but at least he will know why this bear is special. (And Mike and I think it looks a little like a panda too....wonder if these ladies ever imagined having a cute Chinese boy in the family) 

But I have had a lot of wonderful other women in my life that have helped mother me. Our world is changing fast and you certainly don't have to limit yourself to one who you thank for these lessons. I can't begin to tell them all but this morning here are a few that stand out:

Aunt Brenda - no doubt has the most energy for her family of anyone I know. She knows just how to scoop up everyone of our kids and treat them like they are her world. She also has stepped in with a hug at just the right times in my life. 

Joyce Arterburn (Mrs Art) - she was a dear advisor and friend throughout my college years. She gave me an early example of a lady that kept herself balanced between career and family, keeping her faith evident and serving others. I hope to get back to Lubbock this year and introduce Mike and Wade to her. 

Pat Langston - Who would have dreamed my college roommates in laws would have embraced me and made me feel like a part of their family often when my family was far away. I can sit right down with Pat and talk about anything and she is always so positive and supportive. 

Teen - My Dads wife of over ten years now. She fills the role of grandmother for Wade and has lifted us up in so many prayers. 

So as Wade grows I hope I am there for him...but when I am not, pray he can find some other special ladies to fill the gaps and straighten him out if he needs it!

Beach weekend!

Max and Wade had fun on the beach and it was nice for us because neither boy wanted to venture near the water. Cherry Grove has nice firm sand...great for pushing your dump truck in ( which continues to be one of Wade's favorite activities ). As much as I think he will grow to love skiing someday, right now this boy is more of a beach bum.