The Dirty South

One of the things I have wanted to do since we moved to the South, is go to Dollywood. We tried to get several different occasions to get people to go with us, but I think they really thought we were joking. What better way to experience the South! I figured even if the attractions were not fun, the people watching would make it well worth the while. So, even though we could not convince any of the locals to go on our little adventure, we were able to convince Bob and Shelley. I not sure if it was because they did not know any better or maybe more the fact that they are always willing to do anything with their grand kids.
We actually had a great time and the Smokey Mountains were beautiful!!

Dollywood

Owen and Briggs loved this water area they had for kids. It was perfect, because they were entertained with that while Rob, Bob, and Shelley could go on the "big kid" rides

Are you kidding me, mom!!

Owen loved this ride. I have never heard him laugh and squeal like he did on this. I'm not sure if it was more fun to watch him on this ride or for him to ride it.

Rice Krispy Treat as big as Briggs!!

Don't worry Dad I will push you!!

Believe It or Not... We went to the Ripley's Aquarium

They had an interactive kids area the boys loved

Briggs and his "1st favorite animal"

The tunnel where we were surrounded by all sorts of different sea animals

The Zorb Ball.
This was the highlight of Rob's trip. Luckily he found someone that would share in the fun with him. For those who are not aware (as I was not before). The best way to describe a zorb ball is a giant placenta looking thing that is filled with water. You get inside of it and roll down the hill.

"Take a picture, I am a dinosaur, Rooaar"

Ober Gatlinburg Tram

Chair lift to the alpine slide

Owen and Grandma

And that would be the pregnant women they had to make sure no one was on the track in front of me or behind me when I went down.

Everything is Better When Grandparents Are Around

Rob's parents came to town so spend some time with their favorite grandsons (I am sure I won't be able to say that much longer, so I have to take advantage while I can). No trip to Greenville would be complete without going downtown (I know, we really need to get more creative).

Briggs and the Nutcracker, can you tell which is which??
Never can get enough of the blow up toys

Monster Man Owen

Saturday Morning we went and hiked Table Rock... The boys would not leave until they got to play in the water!!

The water was Freezing!!

Grandpa and his boys

One of Briggs' dreams finally coming true... For the last month he has said when he grows up he wants to be a scuba diver, a doughnut maker and tight rope walker, can't get much closer than that.

Such a happy family

The boys

Saturday night we wanted to give Bob and Shelley a little taste of the south. They had a "carnival" in Simpsonville we took them too. Notice those black clouds behind them... We ended up getting soaked! It was a lot of fun and very entertaining!

Watching the Hot Air Balloons

Brotherly Love

On Sunday Rob got put into the Bishopric... My last official Sunday morning not being a single mom. (Baby Alexandria 24 weeks)

Briggs' Last Day of School

Briggs loved his class this year. Here he is with two of his buddies, Andrew and Nathaniel He loved his teacher Miss Anne. She was a trooper putting up with 5 boys and only 3 girls

Take Me Out To The Ballgame...

We have a minor league team here in Greenville, so at the end of Briggs' t-ball season the team all got to go to a game and walk around the field. The highlight that night seemed to be seeing the mascots, eating hot dogs, and ice cream out of helmets.
They also had an end of the season Party at Chuck E Cheese. I however did not get a chance to document that with pictures, because someone broke into our car right after we got there. Luckily they only got my diaper bag and once they realized what it was they threw it out. As if going to Chuck E Cheese, isn't punishment enough!!
We are proud of our little ball player and can't wait to watch him for many more years to come!

When Mom is away, the boys will play...

At the first of May I was able to go to Austin for a girls weekend trip. The boys had so much fun with their dad, for over a week after I got back Briggs would ask every day..."When are we having another Guys Weekend." I reassured him he could have one whenever they wanted!! We have such great neighbors, they made sure my three boys were taken care of while I was gone. I had so much fun relaxing, eating, sleeping, and laughing, "planning Andria's wedding" (btw, congrats sis) I did not get any pictures, while I was gone!!

The boys playing in the creek in our neighborhood

Owen playing in Jessica's sand box and drinking "BOP juice". Having dinner at the Soule's house

A little picnic with Lizzie, Faith, and Chick fila. What could be better

Put Me In Coach...I'm Ready To Play Today

TEAM BEES!! Briggs had his first t-ball game today! It started out with team pictures and then an intense two innings of play. He is on the team with three other little guys from our neighborhood. They were pretty stinking cute to watch. He is growing up too fast!!!!

First Hit

In Action

The Ball Boys

Owen...wondering when he gets to play

It's Tough Being Two

About three months ago Owen started climbing out of his crib every morning and would come downstairs and say "Good morning mom, I climbed out of my bed all by myself," with a huge grin on his face. We decided it was time for him to sleep in a Big Boy Bed. However, Owen thought that since he now sleeps in a Big Boy Bed, he no longer needed to take naps. Mom didn't feel the same way, and was not ready to give up her few moments of peace and quiet she got in the afternoon. Besides, if his big brother is still happy taking naps shouldn't Owen be too? So now we spend around an hour a day, trying to get him to take a nap. I am now at the point where I lock both of his doors and put a gate on the outside. All this just to make sure the little monster cannot escape (Please do not turn me into Child Protective Services, it is a win win for both of us. He gets the rest he so badly needs and I have my sanity.)
Yesterday I heard him playing up in his room for lets just say quite a while. Finally, when I decided to go up there he had taken all of the clothes out of the hamper and spread them all over the floor. He then he took off his diaper, put on one of Briggs' t-shirt and pj short (twisted, inside out and backwards.) He fell asleep on the floor in his little sumo looking outfit and to top it off had an accident in his shorts. When I went to check on him I just busted up laughing and he started crying... I don't think that is the reaction he wanted from me.