Jr. Rangers: Stream Splashers

Today we went to a Jr. Ranger Program called "Stream Splashers". The Rangers talked about all of the different insects and other animals you find in the stream at Metcalf Bottoms. We found all kinds of gross...I mean cool...stuff. Then, on our way home, we stopped at the "Y" for a swim. The kids had a lot of fun!

Blackberry Picking

Today we headed out to The Milne Farm in Greenback. It's so beautiful out there. They have an old farmhouse that is gorgeous. My dreamhouse would be an old farmhouse like that. You can read their story at their website www.milnefarm.com. They are also a super sweet homeschool family. They boys had a blast picking (and eating) the blackberries. They did encourage "tasting". :o)

Tie Dye and Mud Pies

We've had a fun week so far. The kids have been begging to do some tie dying. I went to buy the stuff, but, when I saw these little kits...I felt like it was worth it. We got more colors and the squirt bottles made it a lot easier. The boys are so proud of their shirts. Ethan begged to do some socks, underwear, and shorts. If it was up to him, he'd be tie dyed head to toe.

Yesterday we went to goodwill to find some utensils for making mud pies. Well, they were so overpriced, so we headed over to the dollar store and I let the boys each pick out a couple of things. They had fun for hours.

Also, yesterday while we were out...we stopped in Old Navy. Luke managed to knock over one of the mannequins! I think it really embarrassed and scared him...which may be a good thing. I think it was a good natural consequence for him doing what I've asked him not to do over and over.

Sweet Pea got in trouble so she had to watch from inside. :o)

Summer Heat

It has been such a hot last few weeks! I may end up having to move north! :o) It's reminding me of Florida here....hot and humid. Also, you get the afternoon thunderstorms. I took the boys to scout out a location for a shoot Monday night. They were so sweaty and red faced, but, we still got some cute pictures.

Something about this one reminds me of a painting my gramma used to have hanging in her house.

The Birds and The Bees..........

Wow....we were not ready for that! Ethan is so inquisitive. He asks so many questions and he doesn't just accept any old answer. He has started asking questions about how babies get in the mommy's tummy...when he's given a "God put it there" kind of answer...that's just not good enough. He says..."I still don't understand". So we had to have a talk that we never thought we'd have with our 6 year old. It ended with "there are some things that you will just have to wait to understand when you're older". He's a cool kid....definitely keeping us on our toes!

Boy Stuff

Chad's such an awesome dad. I am so glad our boys have him. They just idolize him and you can tell how much he loves them by watching him with them. He's patient with them and spends time with them even when he's exhausted from work and school. He takes the time to do simple things with them that mean a lot to them. Today he spend a few hours fishing with them at the Alcoa Duck Pond. Luke caught 3 catfish and Ethan caught one really big one. After that they fed the ducks. Then it started raining so he took them to get ice cream. They had such a great time. I know it's things like this they will never forget.