We have really enjoyed our first week of summer vacation. One of the best things about being a teacher is getting to enjoy time off in the summer with my kids. We have already spent 3 days swimming since school got out and had a couple of fun outings.
Pine Mountain Wild Animal Park
On Wednesday, we went to Pine Mountain Wild Animal Park with my Mom, Heather, Matthew and Noah.
Feeding the animals was such fun. Although Jack was a little apprehensive.
Heather wouldn't let the deer and buffalo give her any kisses and kept rolling up her window!
We got to feed zebras, deer, pot-bellied pigs, buffalo, bulls, and some other types of animals. The big ones (large deer and buffalo/bulls) LOVED sticking their heads (and tongues) inside our vehicle and looking for food. We had a great time!
Caroline is calling the baby deer to her.
Caroline and Noah walking to see the ligers, black bears, and camels.
Braves Game
Caroline and Jack before the game decked out in their Braves Gear.
Last night we had a blast going to an Atlanta Braves games with some of our lifegroup friends.
Perry, Sarah, Caroline and Jack
Even though I thought I was incredibly prepared backing everything from bug spray and sunscreen to wipes and trash bags, wouldn't you know it, I FORGOT THE TICKETS. I had to borrow the Nadreau's car and drive ALL the way back home and get the tickets. Oh well, we made it back before the game started. We sat up in the upper deck which was unbelievably hot (until about the end of the first inning when the sun when behind the stadium a bit). After enjoying some ballgame fare of hot dogs, cracker jacks, peanuts and frozen lemonade, the kids had fun doing the 'tomahawk chop' and cheering for the Braves.
Waiting for Jeff Francour (Jack's Favorite to bat)
We got to see Chipper Jones hit his 400th homerun and that was such a thrill.
Watching Chipper at bat - Number 400!!!!!
The Braves made several homeruns which is always so much fun as they shoot off fireworks from the large Coca-Cola bottle.
The Braves beat the Marlins 7-5~~~YEAH!
We just returned from a restful 6 days at my parents' lake house on Lake Martin. We've been going for 9 years now (I remember because Caroline was a baby). The weather was great. Not too hot, but warm enough to want to jump and swim in the water. Water cool, but not too cold and of course those afternoon showers that cool it all off for spending an evening of talking on the porch.
Our friends, the Nadreau's, (http://www.nadreaufamily.blogspot.com/) joined us for part of our time there. It was a great time of fellowship and James and I really felt like we bonded closely with good friends. Caroline and Jack enjoyed Perry's company as well and they got along really well with each other.
The days were spent, swimming, tubing, and FISHING. Holy Cow, do those kids like to fish. Perry caught one and they were all so excited and Jack wanted to eat all of it (what can I say, the boy LOVES catfish). Caroline ALMOST caught one she will tell you, but it jumped off the line. (already the stories are starting of the "one that got away").
Jack celebrated his 5th birthday while we were there. He thought it was a pretty cool way to spend his birthday.
On Saturday, the weather wasn't so great so we made the annual pilgrimage to Auburn WAR EAGLE!!!~~ We enjoyed visiting all the Auburn gift shops and book stores. I got some pictures of us all (check out our new pictures on our sidebar). I am continuing my quest to brainwash our children into thinking Auburn is the ONLY university out there for them! I think I've got Caroline in the bag... Jack - he's his daddy's boy, and I'm not sure he is convinced.
I also tried my best to get some pictures of the kids to print and frame. Jack was so NOT into posing for pictures, but I did get a few good ones.
Sometimes the simple times away are the best. Although I love a good trip to Disney World or the like, a relaxing trip to the lake is very hard to beat. I liked having the time to slow down, reconnect with my family and my Lord, and engage in great conversations with James and our friends. It is hard not to feel warmed and comforted by the beauty that is around us that God and Mom and Dad so graciously allowed us to enjoy!
