Mini Vacay!

Charlie was able to take a couple days off of work this past week. We headed to South Carolina (still amazing that I can do things like go to south carolina for a weekend now that we're back south!). Anyway, my mother kept the kids for a couple of days so that Charlie and I could enjoy some time away. This was the first time in over 2 YEARS since we had been away from the kids! Some friends of ours were gracious enough to let us use their gorgeous lake house on Lake Keowee. This was the view from our massive back porch!

This a picture of Charlie and I at nearby Lake Joccasse. It is my favorite lake because of how crystal clear the water is. Notice how you can barely tell the rocks are under water because it is so clear.

After our wonderful time away, we went to Clinton, SC home of Presbyterian College (where I went to school). It was homecoming/our 10 year reunion. We got to visit with friends we hadn't seen in a while. We also got to host our dear friend Melissa the evening before. She had come back for homecoming as well.

Kaye's kids and mine tailgating! (left to right.. Hayes, Jackson, Callie, Coleman)

Kaye, Moj, and myself

Here's a little snapshot of the kids' time with Gami while we were away. They had a blast going to McDonalds and Chuck E. Cheese (for the first time, I might add). Thank you Gami for making this trip possible!

First Pet

I guess we officially bought our first pet today. It was decided on a whim. But, we are all excited to announce that Courtney the beta fish has joined our family. Callie picked her out and named her. Our options were pretty limited due to the fact that we only invested $1 into her "tank" (i.e. large vase from dollar store). Apparently beta fish are the only fish that can live without a filter in their water. Coleman got to be the first one to feed her tonight. Here's to hoping she lasts a little while (of course Petsmart guarantees her for 14 days)!

You can't tell in this photo, but she is actually a pretty shade of blue

We joined Papa and Bebe for lunch at the Varsity this past week. I just love this picture of the two of them.

Visitors, Farms, and Orchards

I am playing catch up on the blog. We have had a busy fall thus far, but it has been a lot of fun. Two weekends ago Aunt Laura came to visit. We celebrated her visit by attending the Braves game. It was Laura's first time going to a Braves game. The weather was great that evening. It was a lot of fun. The pic of Coleman in the fireman hat was from Firehouse subs earlier in the day. Laura captured a good one of him.
We visited Kinsey family farm with some friends from preschool this past Thursday. It was a gorgeous day and we all enjoyed a hayride and petting and feeding the animals. The kids each picked out a little pumpkin as well.

This past Saturday, we went the four of us to an apple orchard in North Georgia. As you can tell we've had lots of great outdoor time the past week. The orchard was fun (although a little hot). And, Coleman had a couple of meltdowns. It helped to just stuff apples in his mouth! We enjoyed picking apples and then the kids and I split a hot apple pie.

another "Callie original"

And, as if all that wasn't enough, we had another fun event after the orchard. Charlie's uncle lives in North Georgia and had invited the four of us, along with Papa and Bebe to a United Way fundraiser barbecue. The best part was playing on the bouncy slides/houses

We also got to see 3rd cousins for the first time (at least since Coleman has been born).