Monday Eve

Let's just be honest.  It's Sunday night, vacation is over and it's hours from Monday.  I have nothing happy to blog about (pulling weeds all day certainly didn't help that!).  So instead, I thought I would share a picture of how we all feel...

You know you feel the same way!  Hope it made you giggle.  All good things must come to an end.  We're refreshed, relaxed and ready to take on anything that Monday can throw at us....except maybe the dinosaur!

A Beautiful View

Sunrise on the lake, sunset on my comfy couch.

It was a great week.  And I can't think of a better way to end it than visiting the orchards on our way out.  There's nothing like watching the haze lift on the mountains.  So here's my final shot from Blue Ridge...

Goodnight Georgia.

 Goodnight, Georgia.

Its the last night we get to spend on the lake.  It's amazing that I come back every year when I remember how sad I am to leave.  I would say it's almost not worth it.  But then I think about the week.

Will mastered wake boarding.  Daniel actually found the courage to tube alone today.  They both ATTEMPTED to do a back flip off of the top of the dock.  I caught a fish.  Not just a little bait fish, but a big 'ol catfish that tops all of the other fish we've caught on the lake combined.  Jeff is relaxed and tan.  Mom got a well deserved break from everything.  We've eaten award winning cupcakes.  Actually, we've eaten almost everything Blue Ridge had to offer.  We've laughed until our bellies hurt.  The only thing missing was Hunter.

So it's time to say goodnight to our almost perfect vacation.  Goodnight to the mountains, goodnight to the fun and goodnight to another year of shear bliss in our little town by the lake.

And as soon as we get home tomorrow, I'll be booking next years trip.

The Wait is Over!

After five years of waiting, we can check the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant off our "to do" list.

A fire and rebuild set us back a year, but it was well worth it.  A lunch of fresh fried trout was HEAVENLY!  The restuarant was beautiful, it still smells new.  Thank you Jeff for reminding me how much I wanted to go.  I'm so glad we did, as was everyone else (see all the smiles!).

And finding a little piece of Toccoa River heaven on the way back made the day a complete hit.  Will, Daniel and I did a little rock climbing - I got some great pictures that I can't wait to get back and print.  All in all, it was another wonderful day that should have been a complete rain out.

Another great day!

Sometimes, pictures just speak louder than words.  So here is the images of our day.  I'll let you take a guess at who enjoyed themselves...

Vacation Tragedy!

It was bound to happen.  Hunter found his first set of stitches in Blue Ridge.  It ruined his trip.  Today, Will ruined his trip.

Before anyone worries, he's fine.  Unfortunately, he's lost his most prized possession.  That bracelet has been on his wrist for the last 5 years.  It's made every trip to Blue Ridge that he has.  But years of wear and tear must have taken it's toll because one wipe out on the tube and the lake swallowed it.

So to all of my Ohio State fans....if you find a Spirit Band OSU rubber bracelet in a kids size....I know someone who would LOVE to replace his!

Water Junkies

A day that supposed be a rain out turned out to be a wonderful day for Will and Daniel!  Thankfully, the weather men in Georgia aren't any more reliable.

All I can say is how proud I am of Daniel.  As of yesterday, he was NOT going to set foot on that tube.  A little prodding from Will and these were the results.  He had a great time and can't wait to do it again tomorrow.  Will had a wonderful time.  Tubing is almost as good as it gets for him!

It took two seconds after Daniel said he was tired for Will to hop on the wake board.  He's mastered getting out of the water, beating the wake and getting back into the center...

We're still working on getting out of the wake on the opposite side, lol.....

Thankfully, we four more days of beautiful weather and a very quiet lake to practice on!

The first day at the lake....

A little bit of rain and an ear full of water.  That was our day.  Will did manage to get up on his wake board for a few minutes before he had to call it a day due to the previously mentioned ear full of water.  A couple of ear drops and a nap later, Will is feeling like a million bucks now.  And as we speak, Jeff, Will and Daniel are trying to teach mom how to play euchre.  It wasn't our best day, but a bad day on the lake beats the best day in Ohio!

Hello Georgia!

Goodbye Ohio....hello Georgia!

There just aren't words.  Fresh air, peace and quiet and the gently lapping of the lake on the shore.  If there was ever a year that we NEEDED a vacation, this was the one.  We're sitting outside, listening to lake, staring at the super moon and counting each and every one of our blessings.  One of our blessings couldn't be here tonight, but he's Defying Gravity so I know he's having the time of his life too.

Nothing soothes the soul like the lake.  Thank you Jeff for the opportunity to take a deep breath, to smile a little wider and to let my heart heal a little.

Gearing up!

It's the night before Blue Ridge and all through the house, all the creatures are stirring....it appears they're excited!  I'm heading off to bed as the bus leaves at 7am and I'm anything but a morning person.  A week of rest and relaxation sounds wonderful.  I just wish Hunter was sharing it with us.

Super Girly!

So sorry for the delay :)

I was so busy enjoying my first day off that time got away from me.  That and Hunters doctors, studio work, Will's work (and teenage stunts) and a pile of other things that go in the way.

I did find a few minutes for myself though.  Well, me and my sewing machine.  I was feeling left out.  Everyone had superman shirts but me.  Do you know how hard it is to find a girly superman shirt?  I did find one at Hot Topix that was cute, but according the their sizing chart...I'm a 2x.  Can you believe that?  So out of principle, I didn't buy that one!

But anyway, when I saw this one, I thought maybe, just maybe, I could make it a little more girly.

What do you think?  Other than the picture is terrible(sigh).  Camera phones.  Anyway, I LOVE it!  Now I can be one of the boys...just a little frilly-er!

Georgia on my mind.

I'm officially off!  Truthfully, I checked out this evening right after my last session. I have Georgia on my mind.  I can't wait to see the lake, dip my toes in the water and see Will wipe out on his new wake board.  I'm longing for sunshine, no telephone and an endless supply of worms to fish with.  If I close my eyes, I can see my bobber dipping below the surface!  Here's to a vacation...we all need one!

Late Again!

Oh darn, I'm late again.  Three sessions with three beautiful little girls tonight left me tired and worn out!  I didn't even have a moment to take a picture outside of the studio.  I missed taking a picture of Hunter's heart monitor, Wills new wake board and Jeff's pre-vacation shopping trip.  Can you tell that we're trying to get ready for Blue Ridge?  I promise I'll be more exciting and I'll definitely include pictures tomorrow!

Lunch with Hunter

With such a long day, I didn't have many opportunities to take pictures.  The cardiologist frowns on my taking pictures of Hunters EKG.  So instead, I thought I'd show you what Hunter and I had for lunch :)  Oh, he had a Baconator too...  Probably not our heart healthiest option!

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Fathers Day to the best Dad I know.  I know the boys couldn't be here today to celebrate with you, but then we wouldn't have gotten the boat cleaned and ready for the lake next week!  But seriously, we all love you and appreciate your awesomeness 365 days a year and we'll make up the steak dinner next time Hunter and Will can both be home.

Happy Birthday, Princess!

Happy Birthday, Reese!  Thank you so much for inviting us to your party and  sharing your cake (and your little brother) with us!  Uncle Jeff and I had a great time!  I can't believe your six.  That must make me...oh, like 29!

I hope you had a wonderful day!  We love you bunches!

The one that ALMOST got away!

She's the one that almost got away.  And I mean literally almost got away.  That's what happens when you have a small dog and two large ones.  When I was heading out on the porch to comb the big one, the little one ran right under her legs and out the front door.

Let me tell you a few things about Toccoa.  She's faster than a speeding bullet and always thinks your playing a game.  So that combination makes for a frightening 20 minutes while she's running free.  One direction was the road, one was the woods.  Both were scary...especially when your chasing her barefoot!

Thankfully, she loves playing games so much that she "chased" me right into the fenced area and back to the door.  I'm still shaking and she's still apologizing.  Maybe by morning we'll both be over it.

Goodnight SimCity.

All things must come to an end.  Unfortunately for us, it's the game that we play each and every night.  I know I've blogged about it before so it comes as no surprise that because we love it, they discontinue it.

(My City)

(Jeff's City)

The sad part?  EA said the game is "too old" and is being replaced with more "current" games.  SimCity debuted just over 18 months ago.  If it's old...I'm ancient.  But in these times, if it makes it more than 6 months, it's old.  There is always something newer and better right around the corner.

I'm going to show my age when I say I miss the good 'ole days.  The ones where you fell in love with something and it lasted.  It took years for The Oregon Trail to become outdated.  Hunter and Will still play Sonic on Sega.  Pacman lasted a decade, for heavens sake!

So with a sad face and probably a tear or two from Jeff....we say Goodnight to SimCity.  Tomorrow it will be deleted from someones server to make room for something greater.  Too bad I won't be looking to see what it is.

Orientation!

The first day of work.  Probably the hardest day of his career.  Yet he came home grinning from ear to ear.  His biggest concern?  He can't wear all of his bracelets!  After we get his work permit and physical tomorrow, he'll be all set.  

Bath Time!

It's 11:10 and I almost forgot tonights too!  Sorry for the blip last night, but by the time I remembered the blog it was after midnight and well after my bedtime.  I can't believe how busy life has gotten....especially since it's summer vacation!  Eight sessions, 5 RTS sales for the new shop, product shoots and normal chaos have me wishing I was sitting by the lake with my toes in the clay.  Oh wait, that's what I'm working so hard for.  Only 10 more day!

Anyway, when all else fails and you don't have time to get the every day stuff done, just offer gas money to a teenager and they become the best helper on the planet.  You know Will needs gas money when he agrees (eagerly!) to bathe the dogs, pull the weeds and clean up the yard.  Who am I to curb his enthusiasm?  

But since he starts his new job tomorrow, I'm guessing my bribery window is closing quickly.  So today, I took advantage of it!  Please notice Toccoa's "what did you just to to me?" look!  She still hasn't forgiven him!

He's almost there.

Everyone has to have a goal.  Will is well on his way.  You see, since the beginning of time, his goal has been to meet or exceed Jeff's height.  At 6'4", Jeff towered over William for as long as he can remember.  But year by year, the gap got a little smaller.  At 16...here's his progress.  His comment was "I'm almost there."  I really think he's willing himself taller - and it's working!

Unfortunately for me, he surpassed 5'4" years ago!

24 Hours.

Time flies when you're having fun.  That's how the saying goes.

So in the last 24 hours....Mom and Hunter arrived.  Hunter left immediately and went to Dayton for Graduation with Shannon and her family.  Mom, Jeff and I had a wonderful anniversary dinner.  Jeff and Mom shared several new online games.  Will spent an evening on the lake and didn't catch a thing.  Hunter returned from graduation in time to make us all laugh before bed.  We slept (a little).  Mom and I shared coffee.  Hunter and Jeff got his new tires.  Mom and I watched the deer wander through the yard.  Will came home!!  We all attended Logan's graduation party.  Jeff hit three auto parts stores looking for a part to fix Hunters car.  Will and Hunter attended James' graduation party.  Jeff fixed the windshield washer line, air conditioning and cam shaft sensor in Hunters car.  I finished a months worth of Hunters laundry.  Mom cleaned a million ears of corn and Jeff and Hunter grilled another great dinner.  Hunter and Mom drove home.  Will returned to the party and Jeff and I took care of the cleanup.  

Exactly 24 hours.  Crazy busy, relaxing and wonderful!  Thankfully, we get to have a repeat next weekend.  It won't be 24 hours long, but I'm sure we can cram just as much in!