Summer Camp

I decided to sign Colin up for a short summer camp this year (just 2 mornings for 1 week). I wasn't sure how it would go. He was really excited about going but I wasn't sure how he would react to a me not being there, a new teacher, kids he doesn't know, etc. I signed him up with a friend hoping that the two could stick together if things felt uncomfortable for him. It was an incredible success! So much that I've signed him up for a second week. He adores his teacher and really enjoyed doing something different from our regular routine. Dare I say he might be a little bored being out of school? His first week the theme was "down on the farm". They got a chance to churn butter, do farm crafts, make salads out of fresh produce, bring home plants for our garden, sing songs, and on top of that they learned a little Spanish and French. Next week the theme is "under the sea". I'm so glad he's having such a good time and I love that his self-confidence and independence are continuing to grow.

Fruits of my Labor

My garden has started producing edible delights! We have a ton of raspberries which the boys have been eating by the handful and which I've also turned into jam. I discovered some hidden cucumbers this weekend as well. Yessss! I picked three, but only have a picture of two since we ate one with dinner tonight. Just a couple more weeks and we'll be swimming in tomatoes. I love gardening!!

Hello Baby Lucas!

Today we went to the zoo to see the newest baby elephant - Lucas. He is very cute and playful and the boys simply adored him. To demonstrate, this is how Colin felt when I asked him to stop watching the elephant just long enough to smile for the camera.

I got fewer scowls when I just took their pictures without asking them to stop gazing at the baby.

We walked around to look at some of the other animals while we were there and to play at Nature's Neighborhood, but at the end of the day, baby Lucas won both the boys' hearts and was hands-down their favorite animal at the zoo.

Our Trip to Appalachia

Last week, the boys and I road-tripped to North Carolina. Chris dropped the kids and I off in Asheville to stay with my sister, then continued on to Raleigh for work. We were welcomed by her next door neighbor who was hanging out his 2nd-story window, sans shirt, while eating a bowl of cereal and hollering "so, where's the baby daddy?". I just knew this trip would be highly entertaining. The boys and I had a blast exploring the mountains with Kasey. Our first day started off with a hike to Catawba Falls. We never made it to the big falls but we saw a mini-version that was good enough for a 2 and 4 year-old. It was a really cool experience because there was a local dog that walked with us the whole way and kind of acted like our guide. We also had a fantastic tour-guide in my sister who continuously spouted off information about the mountains and all its flora and fauna.

The river where I almost turned back. Thankfully Kasey is much more bold and sensible then I am. Kids don't need to cross walking over the slippery rocks - just take their shoes off and wade through the 6-inch deep river.

Later that afternoon we headed to one of the many parks in the area. After such a busy day, we all slept well that night.

The next morning we beached-it at a local lake. We took what we thought was a "short-cut" up to the lake so we wouldn't have to pay for parking but which turned into a half-mile trek... up-hill... both ways.

Despite the small quarters, the boys and I slept really well at Kasey's. I mean, Eli didn't nap, but by the end of each day, we were all exhausted and probably could have fallen asleep anywhere. Although, I am sure my sister is happy to have her space back since Colin took up her living room, Eli took up her kitchen, and I completely invaded her bedroom. We sure travel with a lot of stuff. I blame the kids.

Friday morning we checked out yet another park, hoping the early morning heat wouldn't be nearly as stifling as the afternoon. We were wrong. That afternoon we headed to ice cream and air-conditioning.

Chris joined us that evening, at which point we headed to a hotel because there was no way another body would fit in Kasey's apartment, and got to spend the day with us on Saturday. We went for another hike Saturday morning at Bent Creek then headed to downtown Asheville for the afternoon. The boys played at Splashville for an hour before we walked around town taking in the street performers and noshing on pizza at Mellow Mushroom.

Splashville

Stopping for a cold drink at Green Sage.

Living statue

Reading books at a book store, trying to beat the heat.

This living statue gave the boys a Hershey kiss after I gave her a tip.

Tap-dancers

After the boys went to bed that night, I got to check out some of the mountain night-life at Shindig on the Green. Folk music and cloggers galore.

We all had a great time and were sad to go. It felt like we were on the go the whole time we were there and there's still so much we'd love to do. Hopefully we'll get a chance to go back soon.