What in the world? Fun at Grandmas!!!!

A Quote Worth Remembering!

During World War II, in regards to The Third Reich

Mommy-Katie Week in ARIZONA

On August 21, Katie and I set off from New Bern at 5:24 a.m. Phoenix bound for a week!!!!  I've been planning this trip with my eldest since February, first California, then Arizona.  Sadly plans changed within Knight and I was unable to go at all, then luckily last moment they had a spot open for me.  Due to the late notice, the California portion was unfeasible, which was a bummer, but at least Arizona was still possible.  I had been SO disappointed thinking I wouldn't get this one-on-one time with Katie.  It's been my plan since infancy to take them each on a "girls" trip, switching off, one per year. 

 

I had meetings for the first two and a half days, but Katie had a blast hanging out with "Aunt" Angie during the day.  Lunch at Noah's school, hanging with Connor, swimming and rides in the Ranger, what wasn't to love!  Plus she thought cactus were the coolest thing.  Noah called her Katie Lady and Connor picked up my phrase calling her Bug-a-Boo . . .it was so fun how well they all got along!

 

It was a wonderful trip, one I will cherish forever, waking up with a little hand resting on my face and all the quality time we spent together.  I even brought her to Knight's Corporate Office, where she scored candy from our CEO, CFO and President!

 

At the park with Aunt Angie

 

 

In the Ranger with Chris (whom she called Paco), Noah and Connor

 

 

She took off swimming, with some bigger kids pushing her to keep up :)

 

Little Einsteins on the Ipad

 



 

On Friday, I got out early and took the kids to the Natural History Museum as a thank you to Angie and Chris.  

 

They greatly enjoyed panning for GOLD!

 

On Saturday we checked into the JW Desert Ridge for two nights - WOW, fabulous resort!  Katie learned all about poolside and room service, a girl after my own heart.

 

Katie and Mommy

 

Aunt Heather joined us the first night!

 

On Monday we headed for Arizona State!!!!!

My Freshman Year Dorm - PV West, Seventh Floor

 



 

Palm Walk!

 

 

On Tuesday we headed home after introducing Katie to the US Airways Club, Grandpa would be proud!

OTHER Summer Activities

Busy, busy, busy this summer . . .some other fun things we did!

 

Busch Gardens - Water Country!  It was so much fun this year, because we had TWO girls that very much enjoyed it.  Last year, Sissy was a too little to really partake. 

 

I love this one!

 

They both loved the water slides, some smaller then others!

 

 

We also went Blueberry Picking at Swift Creek Berry Farm, sadly only once this summer and we never got around to making muffins :(

 

It was very hot out there!

Lesson Learned

On Sunday, August 12^th we headed to Lake Chesden for a day of fun with the Lambert Family.  The girls have only been on a boat once, almost exactly a year ago.  The pictures speak for themselves, they loved it!  Having only swam in pools, I wasn’t sure they’d take to the lake, but they had no issues.  Sissy was jumping off the boat in a matter of minutes!

The only hiccup came when Daddy slipped off the ladder and fell in the water.  Girls, in case you haven’t realized, your dad isn’t the most confident of swimmers.  He’s fine in a pool, but doesn’t enjoy water over his head or going under . . .this is a far cry from your water loving, swim team mama.  Anyway, upon falling, his hand clamped on my shoulder and under we both went.  Bad deal that I was holding Caroline, but she had on her puddle jumper and I released her as I went down.  I then had to shake myself free Daddy’s grip.  We both came up sputtering, claw marks on my shoulder and mad as can be.  Poor guy was just scared, although he’d never admit it. 

So girls you both need to learn to swim and swim well, it’s an important lesson that will serve you throughout your lives!!!!

Day with PopPop

While Nana and I were busy styling away, you girls were having a wonderful time with PopPop!  Now I’ll be the first to admit that my own father is an amazing Grandpa, the time he spends with you both is wonderful to see.  PopPop however, just has a little something special, to watch you both all day is just an amazement to this mama, a joy to be part of his family! 

PopPop was telling Nana that at one point he was laying on the playroom’s daybed pretending to snore, when low and behold he rolled right off on the floor with a large THUD!  You both apparently looked up from playing in complete shock, then the three of you rolled and rolled with laughter.   At another point Caroline went over to PopPop and started pushing him with her foot “get up, get up,” she said laughing! 

Later that night PopPop said that he hoped you would remember this day and how much fun you had together, chances are you won’t . . . .but you’ll have many other days of quality time with PopPop and you’ll have this blog to remember how important you are in ALL of our lives!

Unique Event Styling

On Sunday, August 5^th, the girls, Raleigh and I traveled to Lynchburg for the night . . .the reason being that Nana and I had our first paying gig for Unique Event Styling.  Well that’s not exactly true as we received the deposit for the DeWitt-Rickards/Castro Wedding prior, but still this was our first “actual” event just the same!

A portion of the reason why this summer has been busier then most was because in my downtime, I’ve been helping launch a small business.  We’re still in the early stages, but moving along, with quite a lot more to do.   It’s wonderful to have the POTENTIAL of doing something “different” with your life (career wise), so while very hectic it’s 100% worth it J.

The Hull/Saint Clair Bridal Shower!