Fall Breeze

Don't you love feeling that fall breeze blowing through your hair?

Just another Sunday afternoon ride on the choo choo train...



choo choo, take 2

So, we enjoyed our day out with Thomas so much last summer, that we decided to visit again this year. We even decided to make our day in Bryson City the first leg of a week-long stay in Western North Carolina. Of course it was hot, but our morning with Thomas was again a great treat. I couldn't help drawing comparisons to our trip just one year before. Last year, Sam spent most of his time in the baby bjorn. This time he was down and ready to go. I'm glad we didn't bother with the stroller, he wouldn't have had anything to do with it.

Enjoying the trains

Fearless & feeling right at home on the inflatable slide.

Sam loved this bubble table.

Seriously, he could have stayed here all day. And his hair & clothes carried the evidence.

I can't get over him sitting up there all by himself. He's not a baby anymore, that's for sure!

Thomas & the boys

A grin with mom too!

If a one-year-old takes a poop on a bear...

Bear Hug!

Just minutes outside of Bryson City.

Wiped Out!

 So, we reached our next destination, our cabin for the week, which was located just outside of Asheville. After unloading and exploring some, we headed downtown. Jack got his second wind just in time to participate in his first drum circle, while we waited for our table at Tupelo Honey Cafe...yumm! I could fully devote a post to the good eats we enjoyed while in Asheville. Our first dinner stop didn't disappoint. How can you go wrong with fresh biscuits served with honey?

Letting the beat move him.



I've got moves you've never seen.

Talk about photo overload. And that was just day one. 

Chugga, chugga, choo, choo on Mother's Day

On Sunday, we swung through Blue Ridge to take a train ride before heading home. The boys really enjoyed themselves. It was a beautiful day to take in scenery from the train.

Quick photo before boarding

all aboard!

Soaking in the scenery

Mommy with her boys

toes in the breeze, skittles in hand...

Go Team

Saturday was a long, but fun-filled day. I had been watching the weather for a couple of days and it looked like storms might dampen our plans. Thankfully, the clouds cleared and the day was a beauty. We got the crew up and ready, then hit the road to Athens for the spring football game. We took Jack to his first spring game last year (I guess Sam, too), and he was looking forward to the Bulldog football game again. What he didn't know is that we were hoping to squeeze in some additional fun before the game.

We stopped at a Railroad Days event my dad had told us about at the Council on Aging. Thomas was there, model trains, a ride-on train, inflatables and more. Jack had a blast bouncing from activity to activity. We were thrilled some friends could meet us there too, as well as my mom & dad. Before long it was time to grab a bite downtown and then head toward the stadium.

Jack did so well, walking the whole way to the stadium. He had to get a lift part of the way back (uphill), but did a pretty good job doing most of his own walking. It was pretty windy, and kind of cool in the shade, but a ring pop and cotton candy from the train station were enough to keep Jack interested in sitting. Sam, on the otherhand, was a little more active than a year ago when he just hung out in the baby Bjorn. He wanted to walk, climb and go everywhere. My mom got him to sleep for about 10 minutes, but then the Redcoats woke him up. He eventually fell asleep as I carried him on our way back to the car an hour or so later.

We made sure to stop and ring the victory bell on our way back through campus, and even squeezed in a stop for ice cream. We also stopped by my grandparents' house for a quick visit before returning back to the Sham for a Sunday School gathering with friends. The low country boil hit the spot after a long day, but we eventually retreated a little early because of our exhaustion.

October

October has arrived, and it brought some cooler temperatures with it. They were short lived, but they will be back again soon. Although we've still had some days hovering in the 80s, most days have been pretty perfect weather wise. They are the perfect kind of days.

Perfect for tailgating with fellow Raiders



Perfect for spending time with cousins!

Perfect for celebrating milestone birthdays! Dad, I'm guessing you weren't specific enough when you wished for a Bulldog victory that night.



Perfect for pumpkins!

Perfect for afternoon outings at the park...with bubbles, of course!







Perfect for train rides with fellow choo-choo enthusiasts



Perfect for a hayride with my boys!



Perfect for basking in the glory of God's beautiful canvas. A canvas on the verge of changing all around us!



Perfect for photo posing with friends.

Perfect for watching football. Although I'm not used to having to go to this much trouble just to watch a game. I guess that's what happens when your team is struggling (to say the least).

Perfect for monkeying around with friends. Think Evelyn is having any fun?

Perfect for cutting loose and letting things slide.

So, we've been keeping very busy these days...but still been managing to get our fair share of fun too.







Word-free Post (well mostly)

So, here's what we did last week. Celebrated Jack's birthday with his buddies at school. Broke in our new train table (a b-day gift from Jack's great Aunt Cindy & Uncle Roger). Finally, had a complete meltdown at the thought of having to get anywhere near Santa after waiting approximately 20 minutes in the freezing cold outside the Mauldin House. Oh, well! I did manage to get him to give St. Nick a high-five.