Slacker

I apologize for slacking on my blog posts, I realize it's been a while since my last update. Things have been going well here in North Carolina, we haven't done too much - hence the lack of blog updates. Rob started flying last week, which means long days for him and myself and not as much time with Daddy for Andrew and James. It's hard to believe that we only have a month left here before we move to Idaho, the time has flown by! Rob's house in Idaho is finished and just went through inspection, we are all looking forward to getting to see it in person!

Two weeks ago we went to Rob's friends Jason and Mary's house. They have a beautiful home in Clayton which is about 40mins from us. Rob knows them from his time living in Alaska. They have a little girl a couple months younger than Andrew named Isabella or "Bella." We had a great time at their place, the dinner was wonderful, and the kids had a great time playing together. They rode bikes, played with puzzles, books and bubbles, and of course playtime with a little girl wouldn't be complete with out dress up!

James, Andrew and Bella

Now let me explain this picture. Although it may look like Andrew is holding a purse, please be certain that he made it very clear to us that it was not a purse but in fact his suitcase. He also informed us that he was headed to church...by the look of those Mardi Gras beads, I'd say he was a Baptist ;) Yes that is a princess wand in his hand and he LOVED that thing, wouldn't let it out of his sight!

Pool time!

This past weekend my sister Angela came to visit for a very quick trip. She was only here for a few days to go to the Carrie Underwood concert in Fayetteville, NC (about and hr from where we live). We were lucky enough to have some nice sunny weather while she was here and took the boys to the pool. Andrew really loves the water, he is just tall enough to walk on his tip toes in the shallowest part of the pool with out any help. We are still working with him on not swallowing the pool though. James like the water too, especially getting to splash!

Snacking at the pool

They don't have heated pools in the South so it can be a bit chilly at first

Our little fish! (and I'm not talking about Nemo ;))

Splash splash splash!

This picture cracks me up...Andrew pointing his toes

Here are a couple pictures from the Carrie Underwood Concert...

Dresses and cowgirl boots? CHECK!

She had some really cool effects including this one... singing in the back of a truck that they lifted in the air and flew around the arena!

On Saturday we all drove together to take Angela to the airport in Raleigh and then took the boys to the mall so they could play before the long car ride home. They even got to go to the Disney Store and pick out a toy! Here they are playing on the rides at the mall...

 Rarrrr!!!

 

Cookies with Kendall!

On their last night in town Andrew and Auntie Kendall made some delicious oatmeal cookies for everyone! Andrew and James really enjoyed having their Aunites and Gram come to visit.

Rolling the dough

Smiles from the bakers!

Spotted...

I thought I'd share a funny story about Andrew... I was wearing a leopard print cardigan sweater at church today and Andrew was sitting next to me. He started pointing at the spots on my sweater and then looked up at me and said:
"Why are you wearing a giraffe shirt?" 

I had to contain myself from laughing. Apparently we need to work on identifying our spots :)

Mt. Olive Pickle Festival

This week we have had some visitors: Erika's Mom Sandy, also known as Gram, and sisters Kendall and Robyn, flew in to spend some time with Rob and the boys. Andrew and James have had a great time reading new books with Gram and their Aunties, going swimming with Robyn and getting lots of tickles and love from all of them! It's been really fun having them here!

On Saturday we went to the Mt. Olive Pickle Festival...YES there really is such a thing! Mt. Olive is a popular brand of Pickles (as well as a city in NC) and every year they do a big  3 day event in Downtown Mt. Olive. It is a huge deal around here and it was obvious by the turn out - the streets were packed! There is something for everyone: Car shows, carnival rides, petting zoo, face painting, live music and of course some good eats - including free Mt. Olive Pickles!

Let's just say our time at the Mt Olive Pickle Festival was ...Kosher ;) 
(That joke was for you Dad!) 

James testing out the tractors. I think he is going to be a farmer - potato farmer to be more specific - that boy loves tractors and his french fries!

Can't have a county festival with out a PIG race!!

I had to get a shot of this menu...take a moment to look it over, see anything you like?

The south loves their fried food...as Miss Carol says they'd fry water if they could!

James and Auntie Kendall

Andrew taking a rest in James stroller

Andrews first Tattoo!!! (airbrushed that is) We didn't think he was quite ready for an arm band tat so he chose a lightning bolt instead :)

He would flex his muscles for us when he'd show off his "bolt"

Enjoying some cotton candy

This was my favorite vendor of all the stands at the festival.

Auntie Robyn enjoying Hillbilly Bob's homemade creme soda in a tin can....it was very tasty!

Camels in North Carolina....who knew??

Andrew insisted we feed the camel while he watched....Auntie Kendall went first

Rob's turn...

I must say I never thought my first encounter with a camel would be in North Carolina of all places

Andrew and Rob going down the big slide. He loved it and got to go a few more times

 

Wee! Second time around

Last time with Auntie Amy! I love the way he is clutching my arm...SO FUN!

James and Auntie Robyn making a masterpiece!

Pickle in the middle!

Daddy I'm not tired...ZZZzzzz! I love that he is still holding onto his balloon:)