Camp Marietta

We just finished a lovely vacay to the ole stomping grounds...or as I like to call it, The Motherland.

Literally.

The Land of my Mother.

Prior to arriving at Camp Motherland, a detailed agenda was set forth. There was much to do in the Big Town and so little time.

Agenda Item #1: Get Buster inside a firetruck.
A little background information for you. Buster Boy is obsessed with 2 things presently: all things fireman related and baseball. Those 2 things have to make it into his bedtime stories. So I began telling him a nightly story about a little boy that played baseball, grew up to play for the big leagues and then retired to become a fireman and save people.

And then it hit me. I knew such a boy!

And this "such a boy" married one of my dearest friends from high school. A phone call later, a date was made and we were getting Buster into the fire station to meet the man of his bedtime stories and a chance to "drive" the firetruck.

He LOVED every second of being near that red fire engine! Fairy tales can come true.

Here's the boys club...
"Such a boy" Brannon with his smushy baby boy Wade, The Husb and my boys

And the girls club...
Melodie and her little Kenna, me and my girls

Agenda Item #2: Visit with some of our favorite people in the world.
Memomma - my grandmother

Uncle Henry and Aunt Betty


Agenda Item #3: Take Buster to his first "Big Picture Show" - Toy Story 3.
Big Sis accompanied and we had a marvelous time of popcorn, drinks, Buzz, Woody and crying. Lots and lots of crying. The Tenderheart (Big Sis) had a hard time watching Buzz and Woody almost get thrown into the fiery furnace. And as if that wasn't enough, Andy went away to college leaving his toys in the hands of a sweet young girl down the street. This, along with sappy sentimental music, put Tenderheart Bear over the edge and there was much weeping. Loud weeping. Loud weeping that caused the neighbors to stare.

Whoops.

Agenda Item #4: Celebrate D-Daddy's birthday.
The grandkiddos giving the old man some extra puffs.

Agenda Item #5: Spend the day on a boat and try to keep our sanity.

My brother rented a boat for the day on Lake Arrowhead - a most glorious pristine lake with beautiful mountain views. We loaded his family, my family and my parents on the boat and set sail. I was very worried about how Wild Man would fare for so long outside of his comfort zone, but he did exceptionally well. The kiddos swam in the lake, fed ducks that got uncomfortably close, fished with a pretend rod, ate snacks and enjoyed the outdoors. I CANNOT WAIT to do it again!!! We've already decided this needs to be an annual event.







Agenda Item #5: Family Reunion in Montezuma, GA.

No pics because I might have passed out from the heat had I burned up energy getting my camera out.

Oh I kid. It was only about 115 degrees.

I was able to see family I had not seen in about 15 years, while the Husb and kiddos met many family members for the first time. I was amazed at how much people change in 15 years but I'm guessing I changed a little too since the last time many of them saw me, I was 18. That was a husband and four kids ago.

Wow.

I done growed up, people.

And finally, Agenda Item #6: Return home EXHAUSTED but so full of fun memories from a week of camp!!

'Tis a Rough Life

I Heart Boys

...and that's a good thing since I married one.

I birthed 2.

I've got a 3rd nephew on the way.

Even my kitty is of that gender.

Boys are just so darn cute. And when I saw this pic of my 2 nephews, I had 2 thoughts:

1. Holy cow they grew up overnight.

and

2. WHEN DID THEY GET SO DARN GORGEOUS????????

The Best Combination

Top Ten Reasons Why Everything Clicked Today:

1. I was creative. A hand saw, large piece of wood, sandpaper, and paint. I worked on a little artsy project for the family room during both of the babies' naps today and then worked a little higher when they were awake. Got the Big Kids involved with their own piece of wood (minus the hand saw) and I saw everyone's moods swing up mid project.

2. The Husband came home early with no phone call warning. Standing in the laundry room seeing that Jeep pull up the drive made me want to do the hiney dance.

3. Not only did The Husband come home early, he came home with the idea that we should pack up and head to the beach.

4. We headed to the beach.

5. GLORIOUS WEATHER at said beach. GLORIOUS MOODS at said beach.

6. Portrait of Big Sis was ready for pick-up and I was KNOCKED OFF MY FEET when we pulled up and saw an enormous framed portrait of our BABY GIRL in the window of the studio. Reminded just how beautiful she is.

7. Dinner beckoned so we pulled in for a quick Chick-Fil-A run. We get inside and find out it's KIDS NIGHT! All kids meals $0.99. Ring us up for 4 of those bad boys, Chicky Monkey!! Amen and Amen.

8. 4 bathed sleepy children. I wanted to squeeze them all...one in particular...

9. Tiny Miss pooped on the floor and then did a dance in the poo prior to being noticed. Had we not had such a fun day, this might have sent the moods spiraling downward; however, it made for a great laugh, a funny memory maker, and a great chance for me to quarantine the kids all in one room and yell from inside, "Ok, I've got all the kids out of there. I'll hold them in here while you clean it up! Hurry hurry, they're restless!" You know, taking one for the team.

10. At the end of the night, the Big Kids couldn't decide what the best part of their day was because there were too many options.

Gotta love a day like that.

My Blue-eyed Wonders

I always dreamed of a blond haired blue eyed boy. I do believe I got more than I asked for...

My goal for this girl's one year pictures was to capture "The Snaggle". I think Amanda caught it perfectly!

I attempted a wardrobe change midway through (because that's how we rich folk roll) and within seconds Wild Man spilled water all down his shirt and Tiny Miss plastered a scrunched look on her face for the rest of the shoot. Somehow we got some cuteness out of them...even if they were completely over having their pictures made...


This shot came during a break time in between shoots as they were getting a bit too demanding of their manager: WE NEED LOVIES! WE NEED DRINKS! WE NEED SNACKS! It's hard working for Hollywood's elite up and coming. Next thing I know they'll be demanding a specific color of M&M's...

Many thanks to a great photographer!