Words from Pop

If you've visited the blog with any regularity, you know I often include "Words from Pop." The posts feature words from my dad, who has been writing probably since he could hold a pencil. He does it for a living, and it's always a treasure when his pieces capture sweet memories or moments for our family. Looks like Pop has bitten the bullet and is going to give this blogging thing a try. In the meantime, check out one of his recent posts:

Laughter was never far from James

92

My grandfather turned 92 this week. We celebrated on Father's Day weekend in our typical fashion...family and friends gathering for a fish fry.

My mom & her sweet daddy. 92 years young.



 Sam showing Aunt Lisa exactly how to enjoy a S'mores cookie.

Such a poser.



Corn stalking with the cousins.

Cousin Lila with Jack fast on her heels.



Thank goodness the battery eventually died or we were all in for it. Dangerous!

Family Fun

Sunday we made the short drive down to Winterville (just outside of Athens) for a family reunion. Despite the heat and humidity, it was a grand and great afternoon. As you can see, Sam got in some great grand time with Mimi & great Grandaddy.

Jack didn't seem to mind that there were swings at the park where we had lunch.

He also enjoyed getting a lift and a little ride.

Not to mention the chocolate cupcakes.

He even managed to find a place to cool off.

Nine-Oh!

Along with Father’s Day, we celebrated my grandfather’s ninetieth birthday this weekend. I guess that means I have good genes, right? Every year we get together with my parents, cousins, aunts, etc. and celebrate Grandaddy’s birthday, which falls right around Father’s Day too. This year was no different, with the exception being it seemed to be more of a milestone year. Surely every year from here on out will be a milestone though, right?


My mom had the idea to compile a notebook for her dad of letters from his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc. It was neat to read the sweet notes to him. In case you were wondering, the general theme was making sure he knew what an impact he had made on his family.

Today is his actual birthday, so in the words of my dear son: “Happ Burfday, Grandaddy!” We love you!

Day Trip to Athens

On Saturday, we spent the day in Athens with family and friends. The day kicked off with a visit at Papa's house (Jack's great grandfather) where we were able to catch up with Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Bill after their trip to Fripp Island. They filled us in on all the great seafood they ate and how nice the beach was. I look forward to taking Jack to the beach soon. Jack was once again fascinated by Aunt Elizabeth. Maybe it's her funny glasses or the way she talks, but he spent a long time studying her and getting to know her better.

For lunch, we picked up some pork, ribs and stew from our favorite barbeque place, Fresh Air. It was delicious! We took the meat and all the fixings to my parents house to share. Jack played with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Emily and Jonathan. Later my friends Stacie and Terri arrived to play with Jack. We all watched the UGA baseball game. Stacie and Terri enjoyed entertaining Jack with his dancing and singing duck, an Easter gift from his grandparents. It is quite a comical little toy.

Later, Stacie put Jack's hair into a pony tail. Although, I think he looked more like Pebbles from the Flinstones because it just stuck straight up. He was a pretty good sport about it. Hopefully, he'll laugh at this picture one day rather than hate us for it! (By the way, we're on naptime # 2 for today and this one is not going so well!) If I had nothing to do but take a nap at 2:30 everyday, I'd love it. For some reason, Jack doesn't feel the same way despite the fact that he is so tired he can't see straight or behave pleasantly.

Saturday night, everyone gathered at my grandparent's house to celebrate Grandaddy's birthday with a fish fry. It was a typical large crowd minus a few main members. Jack enjoyed sitting with his grandad, who did all sorts of typical grandad stuff like letting him drink from is sweet tea. He seemed to really like it...no surprise there!

Jack also had a chance to be entertained by his many cousins. He enjoyed getting to know "Jon Jon" (or Jonathan). They enjoyed the swing together. Jack's last stop of the evening before we packed up and headed home was a rest on Mimi's lap (his great grandmother). Mimi has so much preparation to host so many people at her house that she rarely gets to relax and enjoy much of it. Thanks for all you do and did to make it a great birthday party for Grandaddy. Happy 88th Birthday, Grandaddy!