Full

Full, it's still the best way to describe life around here these days. I wouldn't have it any other way. What a blessing to fill our days with visits to and from friends and family, fun summer activities and even our standard commitments (most of which have not disappeared this summer).

We spent the weekend over in South Carolina earlier this month. It was a real treat to catch up with friends from our three years spent in Greenwood. The boys and I had a great visit with the Todds and had the pleasure of meeting their new addition, Lydia. Well, at least I did. The boys were more interested in big brothers' Noah and Caleb's toys, sandbox and the hammock out back.

Later we ventured to my friend Kristie's, affectionately known as Cissy, to children of all ages. She's a born caregiver, doting on every little one that crosses her path. The boys were royally spoiled and of course loved the pool out back. We also took the opportunity to see the topiary display in uptown. Jack is already talking about his next trip to Cissy's.

Vacay at Cissy's

Josh took a short overnight with some old friends this weekend. So, the little boys and I took the opportunity to go visit some sweet friends who live in South Carolina. We left Thursday afternoon and made the Todd's house our first stop. Chandler & Josh were co-chief residents and we were neighbors for three years in Greenwood. Sara and I were pregnant with our first children at the same time, and their oldest, Noah, is about 6 weeks older than Jack. We don't get to see each other often because schedules are so hectic and both families have since added their second children. But, it's so great to be able to pick up where we left off and catch right back up. Jack and Noah acted like old friends, even though it's been almost a year since they last saw each other. I guess they had a lot in common, Lightning McQueen, Thomas, etc.

Later that evening we headed to my friend Kristie's, who is affectionately called Cissy, by all the kiddos. As always, she rolled out the red carpet. Picking up some of Jack's favorite toys (to add to the enormous permanent collection she has at her house) and cute matching pjs for the boys. Sam even got his very own Lightning McQueen car. Cissy knows how much brothers like to share their new toys, a.k.a. don't like to share. Jack could hardly wait to jump in the pool, but we convinced him to settle for watching one of the hundreds of movies in Cissy's collection and saving our swim for Friday.

Kristie and I enjoyed catching up, and I know she enjoys having me visit...but it seems like she probably just puts up with me so she can have the boys there. Cissy is her name and spoiling is her game. She wants to make sure the kids enjoy their time at her house...and boy do they! Movies, swimming, fun lunches by the pool, playground, power wheels and trips for ice cream...what's not to love. Mission accomplished, Cissy! Jack has already started planning his return trip, "can we go to Cissy's house in 6 days?"

Out like a light...

a little bit of ice cream goes a long way

think he's comfortable??

spidey-boy

everything is fun at Cissy's...even hiding under a stool!

Where?

...else can you expect to find not one, but two Rex flashlights that roar to intimidate everyone you come in contact with (after all you are the mean guy)?

...and smiles as contagious as these seen almost every minute of the day?

...and you can jump and swim all day long?!

...and practice your vertical leap for a few good hours?

...then show off that said vertical to one sweet, but uninterested Baby Cat?

...and cruise the streets in extreme style?

...and chill out and lounge as you please?

...and search for treasures far and near??

At Cissy's, of course! We visited my sweet friend Kristie last Friday afternoon and spent the weekend being spoiled and entertained. Jack had a blast during his action packed weekend and is still talking about "Cissy" and all the fun we had. Thank you so much for having us. We can't wait to come back again soon!

Home, sweet, home?

Well, we arrived back home yesterday afternoon. There has been a decent bit of progress down in the basement while we were gone, electical, plumbing and hvac work. I'm not sure about Jack, but I was exhausted from our trip and was eager for bedtime to arrive. It's great to be home, but it's just not as sweet without someone to greet you when you pull in from your trip. Jack and I are on our own for just a wee bit longer now. I'm eagerly anticipating picking Josh up on Sunday evening...it's been a long week. I just don't know how people that travel all the time do it. Consider us thankful that Josh's travels are a rare occasion.

On Wednesday we enjoyed lunch with Shelby, a friend and fellow dawg fan I used to work with in Greenwood. Poor Shelby was having a terrible day, but insisted on keeping our lunch plans. I hope we were able to brighten her day just a bit with our company. I enjoyed catching up and hearing all about what's going on with her and of course the old work place.

After lunch, we returned to Cissy's for a swim. Jack was a little timid at first, but eventually warmed up to the water. He walked around the shallow area forever tossing balls for me to fetch. I wish I could have gotten some pictures, but I was on lifeguard duty. Lifeguard duty and expensive camera do not mix. I did get this shot of him relaxing with his drink poolside. We sat in the shade and dried off for a while before heading inside to cool off. It wasn't long before Jack was ready for a nap and I was happy to rest on the couch until Cissy got home.

Cissy made the yummiest dinner with lots of fresh vegetables. Jack loved the corn (or "cone" as Jack says), nibbled at the green beans and began to show some interest in a hot dog, too. Of course, he made a huge mess too. I thought his nap would have rejuvenated him, but by 8:45 he was pretty much asking to go to bed and even elected to skip his bath...which never happens! He loves bathtime!

On Thursday morning, we caught up with the Wiles family...which recently expanded to five. It was a pleasure to meet 3-month-old Gabby. Jack absolutely adored Hannah Grace & Austin and eagerly chased them around the house. He did not want to leave them or their fun toys behind! Our final stop was my old workplace, PTC. Things have changed quite a bit since I left just over two years ago. Of the 5 staff members I left behind only one is still in that area. One has retired, another quit and two others moved to different departments. It certainly makes going back feel really strange.

After our busy morning of visiting, Jack was exhausted. He quickly fell asleep. About 20 minutes into our journey home, he awoke. He was mostly pleasant the rest of the almost two hour drive. I would have loved nothing more than laying around and doing nothing today, but we were up and out of the house for a MOPS steering team meeting at the church. The meeting went pretty well and we got some things accomplished. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch with Erin, Gus & Mack at Blimpie. Jack especially enjoyed the part when Gus shared his cookie with him! Thanks, guys!

Things are pretty much back to normal except for the fact that Josh isn't here which is very abnormal!! I obviously know that I'm closer to Sunday than I have been all week, but it still seems so far away. We are eager for his return. We got to meet him at the airport around 5:45. I hope his flight is on time...or even early. Is that too much to ask?

In Carolina

While Josh is away Jack and I decided to come and catch up with some friends in South Carolina. After a fun morning at Monkey Joe's with several fun friends from MOPS, we hit the road. Our first stop was to see Sara & Noah. Sara and her husband Chandler lived two doors down from us in residency, and Chandler was co-chief with Josh. Chandler is also in Honduras this week. Their son, Noah, was born about 6 weeks before Jack. They have a lot of fun together and it's too bad they can't see each other more often. Jack & Noah had a blast playing ball together. Later we had dinner together at McAllister's. The boys had so much fun pushing their cars back and forth across the table.

After dinner we arrived at our home away from home...Cissy's! It wasn't long before Jack was chasing poor Baby Cat around the yard. He also soon found his way over to the play area with swings, slides and more. He had a great time. He played so hard that not long after his bath, he was exhausted.

This morning we headed over to see Gretchen, Tripp and new baby Shane. Gretchen & her husband Marty were also friends from residency. Tripp was born about 2 weeks after Noah and a month before Jack. They also just welcomed a new baby, Shane, on Saturday. It was a treat to see the new baby although I forgot to take a picture. Gretchen looked great, and we had a wonderful time catching up about all that's been happening.

We're looking forward to lunch with another friend and some swim time at Cissy's this afternoon. I'll post pictures when we return. I also got another email from Josh and their second day of seeing patients went really well. They haven't encountered any problems. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Weekend in Carolina

I will begin by apologizing this is going to be a simple blog entry. I'm tired and ready for bed, but felt like I needed to get this stuff up (because some folks know I usually update on Monday nights!) I spent most of my evening working on our MOPS newsletter that needs to go out this week, so my blog will suffer because of it...oh, well. I know you will forgive me! LOL

We spent Friday night and most of Saturday in Greenwood catching up with friends. We have some very fond memories from the three years we lived there and several of our friends still call it home. We began our whirlwind of visitations at the Warner's house. Kristie aka Cissy is my usual hostess when I come into town. She graciously put Jack and I up for a couple of days this summer during our trip to Greenwood. We look forward to doing the same again this year. Jack loved the pool! Anyway, Cissy and Bill were preparing to leave for a glorious trip to Aruba. I know, I'm sitting here awaiting the predicted snow and they are basking in the sunshine! Next time, hide me in your suitcase, Cissy!

Our great friends, Chandler & Sara were kind enough to let us stay the night with them. They just moved into a new house with their son, Noah, in November. So, it was so exciting to see their new home. It's just gorgeous, and we look forward to more visits there in the future.

We started Saturday morning with a big breakfast at Cracker Barrel where we caught up with the Wiles family. They lived just down the street from us and are such a fun family. They are preparing to welcome their third baby, a little girl. Hannah Grace & Austin seemed to be excited to have a little sister. They both enjoyed entertaining Jack & Noah during breakfast.
Soon after breakfast the little guys were ready for a much-needed nap. Then, they finally got some playtime together. Jack loved Noah's basketball goal. He knew just what to do with it. The only problem was figuring out how to stand up to reach it. Noah is just six weeks older than Jack, but walking around pretty good. They had a grand time together.

Later that afternoon, we began making the rounds...first was a stop at the Forets. It was a bit sad to think that it could be the last time we say Ryan & Elise before they move back to Lousiana in a few months. We're already trying to plan a weekend together at the Ga v. LSU baseball game in Athens in a couple of months. Then after a hiatus at the new Marble Slab (even in 40 degree weather ice cream is delicious!) Our next stop was the Taylors. They also lived just down the street from us, but have since moved into a larger home to accomodate their growing family. Scarlet was in Josh's residency class and was also my doctor while we lived in G'wood. She guided me through the first 17 weeks of our pregnancy. She and Scott have two children Emma & Dalton and like the Wiles are about to add a third, a boy! Scarlet & Lindsay work in the same practice in Abbeville (just outside G'wood.) Their newest additions are due about a month apart from one another. Here's Jack envying Dalton's climbing abilities!

Finally, we stopped at the Johns' house. Marty & Gretchen were also friends from residency. They have a son, Tripp, who is four weeks older than Jack. Gretchen is also pregnant with their second child, due in July! It was the first time we had seen them in person to congratulate them. We ended up staying around for pizza and hanging out while the boys all played. I found this old picture, which was taken at one of Sara's showers (presumably in September of 2007). Fastforward 16 months to the photo that was taken this weekend. Pretty neat, huh? We were so grateful to reconnect with old friends, but so glad to be home too. They are calling for snow tonight, but I haven't seen anything yet. I'll keep you posted! :)

Day Two in the Emerald City

For those of you that are unfamiliar with Greenwood, it really is nicknamed the Emerald City. On Thursday, we began with a yummy breakfast Kristie made. She'll laugh when reading this to see me going on about toast and bacon, but that's more than the bowl of cereal or instant breakfast I do. After breakfast, we went to PTC, the college where I worked during our three years in Greenwood. It was great to see old co-workers and see how things have changed and continue to change. They were a fun bunch to work with. Here's Jack playing with some make-shift toys in Tommy's office.

Then, we joined Elise, Gretchen & Tripp at Mig's for lunch. It was so much fun to see everyone again. Elise and Ryan (her husband) are now beginning their third year in Greenwood, which is wild to think. I can remember recruiting them like it was last month. After lunch, Jack and I went by the Montgomery Center, where Josh worked, and visited some of his old co-workers. His nurses were very excited to meet Jack. Everyone seemed to be doing very well.

Our last stop of the afternoon was to see Carey and Max. I don't think I had seen Max since he was maybe a few months old and he's more than 15 months old now. He's quite the cutie. Jack enjoyed watching him run around picking up different toys, trying on shoes and showing off his hats, although his K-State ball cap is the cutest. Carey is expecting a little sister for Max in just a couple of months. I was so glad to have the opportunity to see them, especially since I called her at the last minute. Thanks, Carey!

Beginning our Greenwood Visit

Wednesday morning I packed the truck up, and Jack and I headed to Greenwood to catch up with some old friends. My friend, Kristie (a.k.a. Cissy), was kind enough to host us for a couple of days while we bounced around town catching up with old co-workers and friends. Jack was pleased to begin the first day of our trip at Cissy's. I've heard her house referred to on a couple of occasions as Neverland. It's a dream for kids (and most adults), complete with playground, motorized toys, a huge pool and every toy and snack imaginable.

We began our afternoon with lunch with Kristie and Bill and then headed straight for the pool, which couldn't have pleased Jack more. Another friend Tracey brought her little ones over as well. Jack enjoyed splashing Bennett in the pool and watching him swim around. We also got to meet Bennett's new little sister, Anna Kate. She is a doll. It was great to catch up with Tracey and as always the pool was wonderful.

After wearing ourselves out at the pool, we headed inside. Jack had to have a snack, one of Cissy's house rules. Kristie made a great Grilled Chicken Alfredo and Jack found a new favorite toy. He was such a good boy on Wednesday sleeping almost all the way to Greenwood, a two-hour drive. He had a short nap that afternoon, but swimming was a lot of work and after a bath was glad to get in bed.

Carolina on our Minds?

Carolina wasn't as much on our minds as the great friends we left there. So, this past weekend we took a day trip over to our old stomping ground, Greenwood. It looked like it would be a rainy cloudy day, but the sun found its way out and made it a perfect day to hang out. Our first stop was the Warner's house. Jack and I had not seen Kristie since our visit in January. She couldn't believe how big he was and was eager to take his picture. Kristie even introduced him to a bumbo and several silly, animated animals. He was a little unsure about the singing, dancing creatures. It was so great to see her and Bill. We were glad we got to give Kristie her birthday present in person.

The rest of the day was spent with the Todds in our old neighborhood. Noah, the Todd's 6-month-old, and Jack had spent some time together in January, but this play date was long overdue. Both boys have grown so much! They were so much fun to watch. The Todds were gracious enough to make their house Grand Central Station. Scarlet dropped by to meet Jack and catch up with us. We got to hear all about the new house she, Scott, Emma & Dalton will be moving to soon.

The Wiles clan came by as well. Jack especially enjoyed sitting in Hannah Grace's lap. There are lots of photos from our trip in Jack's April photos folder (link on the right side of the screen). We even saw our old house. The new owners have made a few changes to the yard and exterior...we wondered what the inside looked like...but that will remain a mystery. We concluded our visit with dinner at Outback with the Todds, then headed back home. Although it was a short visit, it was a fun one. We hope we can get back again soon. Of course, in the meantime, we've extended invites to our old pals to visit us in Georgia.

For months we've been showing Jack himself in the mirror. He usually looks at us instead. On Sunday, he really noticed himself and his reaction was classic....absolute hysterics! He laughed and laughed at himself. I raced to get the camcorder and captured a little of it on video. It was great! What a fun kid!