Father's Day

Snuggled up watching a show while I get ready for church

Katherine received some gardening lessons from Pop

The kids (and Paul) love the big tractors

We had a great Father's Day.  We went to church this morning followed by lunch at FireHouse.  We all took naps when we got home.  Tonight we went to the Troutts for supper.  The soybeans are being planted this week so all the big equipment was there.  The four of us rode the Gator back there to take a look.  I have to admit -- the tractors are pretty impressive.  It is amazing how big they are and how quickly they will plant the 280 acres.  Luke was disappointed the cabs to the tractors were locked.  I would have been surprised if they hadn't been.  We also picked some squash, peppers and cucumbers from the garden.  Katherine picked a couple of tomatoes that she carried around with her everywhere. 

Love these sweet faces!

Watching the ducks at the park

We took our time getting home today.  We took advantage of not having our normal alarm clocks and slept in some which was great.  Then we made our way to the square in Franklin for breakfast at Puckett's.  There was a nice Saturday crowd, but we were able to be seated right away.  We opted for the buffet that had a little bit of everything on it. Turned out to be a good choice.  Everything was tasty and the service was excellent!  We love all the shops on the square so we went in a few of those.  Paul found Bill's Father's Day present and treated himself to one, too!  I bought a cool Nashville print that I plan to frame for the bonus room. 

When we left Franklin we ran back to pick up Paul's truck and set off in search of the perfect slab of granite for our kitchen.  We have talked about upgrading the counters since we moved in nearly 5 years ago.  We finally decided it is time!  We hit three different show rooms and learned a lot about granite and different stones.  Although we didn't decide on a slab today we are fairly sure which company we want to use so that is a step in the right direction! 

The grandmothers joined forces this morning and met at a park in Hendersonville for the kids to play followed by lunch.  When we got home this afternoon they had just pulled in, too.  Both kids were asleep in the car so we all chatted for a bit to let them sleep a little while longer.  We were excited to see the kids and they were excited to see us.  We rested this afternoon and cooked one of our emeals for supper.  We capped the night off with Family Movie Night and watched Cars!

Mommy and Daddy's Night Off



The clouds rolling in

Self portrait - not so good



Our 7th anniversary is Monday.  We decided to do our celebrating this weekend.  Paula and Bill kept Luke and Mom got Katherine.  They were able to get the kids picked up from school so all I had to do  was run home after work, change clothes and head south.  We were staying at the Marriott Cool Springs.  I met Paul there and then we headed out.  We had planned to pick up some food for a picnic, but the clouds were pretty dark so we decided to go in and grab a quick bite before heading to Arrington Vineyards.  It rained the whole time we were eating and it was close to 7:30  before we got there.  It was packed!  The area is absolutely beautiful.  It was quite a hike up to the tasting lodge where we found out there was an hour and a half wait.  They close at 9 so we opted out of the tasting and purchased a bottle instead.  We enjoyed it while listening to live jazz and admiring the gorgeous view!  The rain showers cooled the temperatures off and there was a great breeze blowing on top the hill.  It was fabulous!!!  There were a few hundred people there -- some on dates, some birthday parties and lots of families with small kids. 

We left shortly before they closed at 9 and we made it to the car just in time -- it rained and rained!!!  It was too early to go back to the hotel so we went to Carraba's for dessert -- tirimasu!  It is always yummy.  It was so nice having a night to ourselves!

Pillow Fight!

The kids have seemed to enter a new phase the past week or so.  They are starting to play together routinely.  Katherine wants to be doing whatever Luke is doing and vice versa. It is so fun to see their relationship developing.  He is definitely protective over her, but also likes to goof off.  Tonight, they had a pillow fight in our room. They were both squealing and laughing -- so fun!  We ran out and got Mexican for supper tonight, but weren't gone long.  We had to get back and get our bags packed.  Paul and I are going to have a quick overnight away for our anniversary!

Summer Harvest and Miss Independent

Paul called me at work mid-morning to say that the wheat was going to be harvested at the farm today.  Bill wanted to go pick the kids up from school so they could see it and wanted to make sure it was ok with me.  Of course it was!  There were showers off and on today so  was afraid it might get rained out.  He got the kids mid-afternoon.  When I got there about 4:30 they were just finishing up.  I drove to the back of the farm to pick Bill and Luike up.  They got to ride  in the combine for about an hour and a half.  Luke seemed to be in a trance when I picked him up -- I think he was tired from the riding. Once he perked up he was so excited about his adventure!  Paula and Katherine stayed at the house.  Kitty was also able to there to see all the fuss.  It worked out perfect and I am so glad our kids are able to get a little taste of the farm life. 

K is quite independent these days.  She likes to pick her clothes and shoes out most days.  Tonight, she  insisted on putting her pj's on herself.  It took her a while, but she eventually got it!

Treehouses!

One of the more traditional treehouses

Nonna and Katherine - she liked to ring the bell

Luke enjoyed the pirate ship treehouse

One of the houses employed "vertical gardening" which was cool

A fish treehouse -- yes!  It is made out of old CDs

We all enjoyed our picnic

Katherine loved the blueberry pie Nene made!

The treehouses exhibit has opened at Cheekwood.  We knew the kids would love it.  We were not sure if the weather was going to cooperate for us to visit today or not.  We finally decided to make a go of it.  It actually turned out great!  It was overcast and it misted a time or two but the temperature was nice and not too humid.  We stopped at Calypso Cafe to pick up our picnic fare. 

The treehouses were so neat!  The kids (and adults) loved it.  The gardens are so beautiful this time of year.  I have a feeling we will be back for another visit, or two, before the exhibit ends. 

Saturday Randomness

I had to work this morning, but was not in a particular hurry to get there.  We (Luke) decided we should it breakfast at McDonald's.  We didn't put up too much of a fight.  The restaurant in Gallatin has  life-size Ronald that the kids got a kick out of.  They were leary at first, but soon warmed up to him.  While I was at work the kids and Paul went to visit Kitty in hew new place.  At 96 years young she has moved to an assisted living facility.  She has been there a few days and Paul said she seems to be settling in well.  She enjoyed seeing the kids and visiting for a while.  They spent the rest of time with Bill and Paula until they picked me up around 2.  We then went to visiti Memaw.  It has been way too long since we have seen her.  She was doing well, too and kept making over the kids.  Luke likes visiting there because she has a closet of old toys he can dig through.  She could not get over how much Katherine had changed!

This afternoon we took it easy and stayed in for supper.  After supper Paul and Luke went to the neighborhood Paul.  Katherine and I opted out this go round.  Instead we stayed home and played tea party!  She has gotten a lot of bug bites the past few days so we want to keep her in a much as possible.  Paul said Luke was  a lot more comfortable with the pool.  He went under water on his own and "swam" a little bit instead of sitting on the side.  Baby steps I guess.

Finally Friday!

Cute pics taken before school this morning!  We are ready for the weekend around here!

Clowning Around

The kids are always fun at bedtime!  Well, most nights they don't want to go to bed at all.  Katherine is still fairly easy to put down.  We read two books, say prayers, rock for a bit and then we lay her down. Paul and I still rotate taking them to bed each night.  That way neither one of them gets used to one of us every night.

Peaceful Morning

Mom scheduled her sunroom to be painted today so I could be there while it was done.  It is so peaceful at Mom's. I had plans to do work on the laptop but then could not get it linked to her wireless.  So, I just piddled around her place.  I did write cards to all our church kiddos so that was an accomplishment.   The painter was someone Paul uses a lot in his jobs so it was good to meet him.  When he finished I stayed around to put the room back together.  Now, that the room is painted she can get window treatments, etc.  Her place is really coming together.

I made up for my peaceful morning by running all afternoon before I went to pick the kids up.  They had a good day!

$1 Scoop Night

Luke always picks some sort of fruit flavor

Katherine has graduated to getting her own scoop!

Luke has decided it is fun to relieve himself outside!

We took advantage of Baskin Robbins $1 scoop tonight!  It is a great deal - kids scoop for a dollar. 

Chattanooga - Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel

One of the cool trains you can stay in

Luke loved this water exhibit

Katherine enjoyed the toddler area

There was so much for the kids to see and do

Bubbles!

Starting her a little early I think!

This morning we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel.  It was a nice buffet and kids eat free!  We requested a late check out so we could go to the pool after we ate.  After a quick pool visit we got ready for the Children's Museum.  We debated between the museum and the aquarium. After talking to a friend that frequents Chattanooga we decided on the museum.  It helped that this is what Luke picked, too.  I think it was the best choice.  The kids loved it!  It was very hands on with lots of activities for both kids.  Katherine loved the toddler area with a play kitchen, tree house, etc and Luke enjoyed the more advanced exhibits.  There was a Tinker Toy area that was cool as well as a roof top activity area.  Luke gave us a little scare when he slipped away from us momentarily.  I panicked and immediately found an employee to help us.  She got on the handheld to all the employees and he was located (by Paul) in just a couple of minutes.  He never knew he was missing.  We gave him a long talk about not leaving us.  Even though it was short lived I was scared.  I think he understood the severity of what happened and stuck right by us the rest of the time.

We stayed there for a couple of hours and then grabbed a burger at Five Guys before we got on the road toward home.  It was a quick trip back and we were home by mid-afternoon.  Paul and I had a burst of energy and immediately started laundry, cleaning and washing the cars.  Not really sure what got in to us, but I am glad it did.  It will make Monday night a little easier tomorrow!

Quick Getaway

Katherine showing off her mosquito bite

Anxiously awaiting the train

Mr. Conductor!

So cool seeing the train on a real turn table!

Since we do not have a true family vacation planned for this year we decided to make a quick trip to Chattanooga this weekend.  Paul had to get a crew started this morning at Summitt Hospital so the kids and I dropped him off while we went to get breakfast. By the time we were finished he was ready go.  We took our time getting to Chattanooga.  We realized on the way that we forgot to pack a stroller.  We knew we couldn't make it without one considering the places we were planning to go.  We made a pit stop at Wal-Mart in Manchester where we found a princess umbrella stroller for $15!  We were pleased and Katherine was ecstatic.  She loves anything pink and girlie! 

By the time we got there it was after 2 o'clock eastern time.  We found a neat deli for lunch - Sweet Pepper's. We were not familar with them, but it was very good.  I wish we had one close to us.  After that we headed over to catch the last train ride of the day.  Luke was SO excited.  He anxiously awaited the train.  It was a relatively short ride to the next station where we got out and watched them turn the train around on the turn table.  We also toured the machine shop where they are restoring some old steam engines.  Luke loved it!  It was like Thomas the Train in real life!  Katherine had fun, too.  She loved the ride.  We let each of them pick out a souvenir in the gift shop. Luke picked a train bank and Katherine picked a ball.

Next stop was to check in at our hotel - the Historic Chattanooga Choo-Choo!!!  It is so neat!  The hotel is in need of some updating and repair but it is very nostalgic.  Luke got a kick out of all the train cars. We didn't get to stay in one of those - just had a regular room by the pool but it was great!  After a little rest we went out to explore.  We went to Coolidge Park and let the kids play.  Luke was disappointed there was not a playground, but he had fun running around in the grassy areas.  It was packed so we did not stay a very long time.  There were lots of neat shops and restaurants to look through.  Unfortunately, most of the shops had already closed up for the night.  We ate at the NorthShore Bar and Grill.  It was good and family friendly.  The kids have been fabulous -- no fussing, whining or crying.  Katherine hasn't made a peep except to call everything "yellow". 

We decided to divide and conquer when it came to the sleeping arrangements.  Paul and Luke were together and Katherine and I.  They were both wired!  It was well past their bedtime before they were finally asleep.  I had my nose in a book most of the night.  I finally finished a book I started last week.  It was the first book I read cover to cover in a long time! Oh, how I have missed reading!

Tomorrow is the Children's Museum!