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!

Puddles

Did I mention rain??

Picking Blueberries, Yum!

Champney's Blueberry Farm

June has been lots of FUN:)

Camp!

Remley and Rhett just finished a week of camp put on by the Charleston Museum. The camp was held at Dills Bluff sanctuary in a beautiful marsh setting. The kids enjoyed wearing their rain boots and walking in pluff mud every morning to collect fiddler crabs and learning about  animals and doing crafts. Friday was family day so David and I got to join them for a day of adventure!

Orlando 2013

We started off our summer with a trip to Orlando and our first visit to Universal Studios and Legoland. The trip down went very well and we made great time.

Vacation, all I ever wanted... Vacation had to get away!

We are here!

I started off with a relaxing massage while the rest of troops did a grocery store trip in the pouring rain (thanks guys!). We got settled in and started the fun! We were quite busy the whole time, but did find a few days for just hanging out at the pirate pool relaxing. Obviously, holding a 6 month old squirming baby in 96 degree weather while waiting in 45 minute lines was a bit of a challenge, but with team work (and child swap areas) we all managed and had a great time on some super fun rides.

Tough Cookie, indeed!

Riding the Wave Into the Park

I am coming, too!

Universal Studios

Yea! Tall Enough!!

Scooby Snack, anyone?

Our first day was spent at Universal Studios where the favorite ride was E.T.

Phone Home

It was a long day with one short thunderstorm that emptied the park out, just in time for the grown-ups to ride The Mummy (yikes!) and the kids to enjoy the arcade. That night we got our jammin' on and had dinner at Bob Marley's.

Jamacian Mon'

Our second day we went to Islands of Adventure. This was the favorite park for sure! The kids really enjoyed the Jurassic Park themed area, where they got to explore and climb and of course, get wet!

Jurassic Park

The also enjoyed Seuss Land and its colorful rides.

Fun!

These things are fun, and fun is good! (Dr. Seuss)

Finally, a day to relax! Our third day was solely devoted to the pool (although we did manage to fit in some time each evening). The kids played and swam all day. That afternoon our old pal Will Greene paid us a visit and we had dinner at the on-site local Irish pub. It was such a nice day and nice to reminisce with him!

Will!

Pirate Plunge Pool

Vera swims (and David works out!)

New bathing suit and goggles!

To Davids great pleasure (ha!), our fourth day we headed south to visit Legoland. Luckily, the park was relatively empty and we did not have any waits for rides. While the place was neat, I was glad to check this off of my bucket list while the kids were so young because after a day of serious rides - this was a little lame, I mean tame!

The fifth day marked our return to Islands of Adventure, where we finally got to ride Harry Potter. The "town" itself was very neat to walk though (though very crowded as it is very popular). Wow. Rides have come a long way! It was incredible. Among other things, we also really enjoyed the Hulk (adults) and SpiderMan (a few times)!

Harry Potter

Spidy!

On our last day, we ventured out for a day of miniature golf. This particular park was based on a volcano theme, so we were constantly up and down the volcano (stairs) while wielding a baby and a stroller, but we made it, with a few hole in ones to boot! The rest of the day we did laundry, got some new Crocs at the outlets next door to our condo, and sadly, packed up. Vera kindly woke us up at 4 am, so since we were ready, we hit the road and were home by noon for lunch in our own kitchen and a day full of neighborhood fun... and a trip to Bubby's "pool"...

Ah, vacation... I look forward to seeing you again soon! Always a good time!

Miniature golf

Crocs! For Season..

Perfect ride home!