Keeping Up with the Johnsons

Monday, July 15, 2013

Lake!

This past weekend, we took a trip to Denver, NC to spend time with old friends. Wait! Friends I have had for a long time. We are NOT old!We spent one afternoon on Baygent's beach with friends Season and Jason and their two boys Brighton and "new" baby Baylor. Baylor is three months older than Vera so it was fun to see the two babies together. Although somehow we did not get a good picture of them :(. Saturday Alecia, Jake, Mickey, Lacey, Jameson and Micheal joined us and we spent the day on the lake. The skies were mostly overcast but we were thankful we did not get rained on and made the best of it. Course, its always a good time when we are all together. Thank you to our gracious hosts and a double special shout out to our fantastic neighbors Joey & Janet Beckett that are kind enough to care for Truman while we are away, allowing us to do all of these fun things!

Baylor, Micheal and Rhett

Always entertaining

David & Baylor

Moon Dough (sorry Season!)

Ring around the Rosy

Cheese

A day on the lake!

Shrimp Tails

Fly!

Like a Swan!

Happy 4th of July!

The children returned from their time with MiMi and Mikey just in time for us to head out to the Yorktown to celebrate the 4th of July. We parked ourselves underneath of the wing of a small plane on the flight deck and settled in to enjoy a spectacular view of the fireworks. It was a great show, but a very late night for all of us!

Entering the Yorktown

Our "seats" under the wing

Dancing! (?)

Almost time...

The Bridge

Fireworks!

M&M w R&R

After we enjoyed our time in the mountains, David and I headed back to town with just Vera and let the children spend a few days with MiMi and Mikey (M&M w R&R). They enjoyed the children's museum, the movies and other fun things together. Sadly, Mikey's band performance got rained out so they were all dressed up with no place to go! The kids had a great time but it sure was quiet in our house with out them!

All dressed up...

Wind Tunnel

Working hard!

Children's Museum

Love you MiMi & Mikey!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

From the Mountains to the Valley

Our plan was to take Rhett and Remley to stay for a few special days with just Mimi and Mikey in the mountains. It turned out to be the perfect opportunity for some unexpected fun.
We were able to take Truman with us so there was no need to hurry home (it has been a long time since he's been included). First, we stopped and spent the night at the farm house where Truman was right at home. We walked through the woods and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

T-Man

Farm

Farm girl and her Daddy

Saturday we continued our travels to the Johnson's mountain house. We invited friends over for dinner and a had a delicious meal and a great time with great people (JR &Tessa Quade, Alex & Amber Owens, Chad & Laura Spearman).

Easley Boyyyyzzz

Sunday we did some true mountain-y things. We first stopped at Bald Rock where we could see for miles and at least 3 states.

(squint) David & Remley on Bald Rock

We also hiked Raven Cliff falls which was a pretty impressive accomplishment for a 5 and 6 year old as it is almost 6 miles!

The hikers taking a break

Raven Cliff Falls

After having lunch at a hidden gem, we headed on to Table Rock, where the kids enjoyed playing on the "beach" and swimming in the lake.

Table Rock Lake

Monday we headed to the Biltmore House! It has been approximately 20 years since David and I have been ourselves so it was a treat for all of us. First stop was the Antler Village, where the kids enjoyed seeing the gardens, farm animals, and historical exhibits.

Antler Village

Cedric (the dog)

Maze!

Wine Tasting at the Winery

Biltmore with Mimi

The House

David and I enjoyed the winery so much (surprise) we decided to visit another - which is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the Johnson's house! With all this fun stuff to do so close by - I certainly think next year we should plan to spend a week !

Victoria Valley Vineyards

June Wrap Up

I have recapped all of the big things that we have done in June (Orlando, camp, etc.). However, I feel I must update on all of the fun we have on any 'ol day here in Headquarters Island!

Rhett and Vera are my early birds, starting most days by 6am! We try to play quietly until Remley wakes up (sometimes 9!) but we all know that's a little hard to do most mornings. Be quiet (RHETT) that is :)

My Early Birds

We have also been lucky to have spent time with cousins and have had two special visits from family, including Uncle Bill, Aunt Beep and Great Uncle Charles and Mildred and cousin Barbara.

Aunt Beep

Cousins

Aunt Mildred, Vera & Cally

Of course there has been plenty of time for neighborhood friends and fun, too!

The 3 Amigos

Playground Fun

Just another day...

Watchin' the Chainsaw

Watch out fellas, future heartbreakers!

Just havin fun!

And recapping June would not be complete without stressing how much RAIN we have had! At least the kids are at an age where mud and puddles are as good as it gets!