Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig...

...well sorta. We made it home from HHI on Saturday about 4pm. It was a pretty uneventful trip. I will say that the car was a lot quieter on the way home. I think the silence was a combination of depression and exhaustion.



When we got home SJ's parents and sister were waiting at our house; SJ was very excited to see them. I hadn't mentioned before, but SJ dealt with a bit of home sickness while we were gone. She had a rough time in the beginning, but eventually she got over it. I just have one question, though. Why is it that home sickness is at its worse in the evenings? SJ would be fine in the mornings and throughout the day; around 4pm each afternoon she would get weepy. Just something I found curious.

After we arrived home, we didn't have much of a chance to rest. We went to my family reunion Sunday and Kaylea and I have been camping with Memommy and Mr. Jimmy in Townsend ever since. So, even though we are "home" we are not home.

Savannah Smiles

Savannah was just as great as we last left it. I must say, however, it was very HOT!!! We all thought we were going to melt right there on River Street.

We took Auntie M's auto tour of Savannah. This consisted of us in one car, them in another car and speaker phones being used to communicate. Hey, what can I say? We are thrifty and it was HOT!!!

After our tour we walked down River Street and did a little shopping. Kaylea and SJ just HAD to have new shirts and chocolate gelato, although not in that order. Then all of the us girls got tattoos at the market. Finally, we ended our trek down River Street at Wet Willies. The girls enjoyed their Weak Willies, while the adults sipped on something a little stronger. The slushies were quite refreshing because it was sooooo HOT!!!

Next we were off to Tybee Island to climb the lighthouse and eat dinner at The Crabshack. By the time we got to the lighthouse we all had decided that a climb to the top was pretty much out of the question - you know, because it was HOT!!! I guess it was a good thing that we had made that decision because they sold the last tour tickets about 20 minutes prior to us arriving. We did, however, get to take some pictures of the lighthouse and snoop around in the gift shop. (Now, that's MY way to tour a lighthouse!)

Dinner at The Crab Shack was awesome. We sat outside amongst the palms and palmettos looking over the water and enjoying some fresh seafood. Well, Bub, Auntie M, Vickster and I enjoyed fresh seafood. The others decided to be land lubbers. While we were waiting for our meal the girls got to feed the alligators and SJ got to talk to her mom and dad while they looked at her on another Webcam. I think the only thing that could have made dinner any better would have been a big air conditioner. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention; it was really HOT!!!

We ended our day with the girls taking pedi-cab rides through Savannah. The pedi-cab drivers, or should I say peddlers, told them some ghost stories and pointed out some of the things that the tours don't include. Overall, a good time for them.

I guess the day was a hit. Everyone had fun and hopefully the girls learned a few things. Now, we are off to the pool and beach for our final day of vacation. I'm really going to miss this place, EVEN THOUGH IT IS SOOOOO HOT!!!!

Now you see why SJ and Kaylea just HAD to have new shirts.

Us girls getting our tattoos.

Tybee Island lighthouse - that's a lot of steps!

No, this isn't the alligator they fed.

Another tasty meal - seafood, YUMMO!

I guess we weren't the only ones that were HOT!!! At least we weren't advertising it, though ;)

Another Fabulous Day

We had another great day. It started with The Salty Dog and ended with putt-putt. In between there was a whole lot a frolicking in the sun. This is the life!

A picture that needs no explanation.

Man was is HOT! The coolest part was SJ getting to talk on the cell phone with her mom while her mom could look at her on the live webcam.

Shouldn't the sign say, "Birds will take a finger off if given the chance!"

Too much fun playing in the waves. Sorry folks, that is as close as you will EVER come to seeing me in a bathing suit.

SJ and her Sandman. She's from Indiana and does what she knows best. Heck, I think their snow just melted about a month ago.

Kaylea and SJ in the stocks.

I know, it looks like Auntie M made a hole-in-one, but don't let her fool you. She was just striking a pose for the camera.

Kaylea loves her cousin, SJ!

Today we are off to Savannah and Tybee Island. There should be lots to tell when we get back.

Sun, Surf and Fireworks

How better to end a beautiful day at the beach than to watch fireworks over the palm trees?

Kaylea and SJ waiting for the show to begin.

Palm trees and fireworks - amazing!

A Day In Charleston

Yes, we all had fun in Charleston. I don't think Kaylea and SJ were really "into" the History lesson that accompanied the Carriage Tour. Go figure, a 9 & 10 year old bored by History. (psst...I was kinda bored, too. I just won't tell them.) They did, however, think it was cool to ride in the carriage and they loved the horse, so I guess that portion of the trip was not a total loss.

Later, we went to Battery Park - or as the locals say - Batree Park. There were lots of statues of REALLY old people that they had never heard of. But they liked climbing on the cannons and connon balls.

The girls, also, enjoyed the market. Kaylea bought a little sweet-grass basket. She was so excited when she found one that she could ACTUALLY afford.

Overall, we had a good day and one that the girls will remember. Today we are off to the beach again. Yea, more sand dollars!!!!

SJ with the biggest french fry known to man. Aaron's Deli really knows how to make 'em!

SJ, Kaylea and Me as we waited for our carriage tour.

Kaylea and SJ taking a ride on the cannon.

Kaylea and SJ in front of a statue of a really old person. I don't think they noticed he was wearing nothing but a fig leaf, a sword and a shield.

All our beauties posing. From top to bottom: Miss C, Vickster, SJ, Kaylea

Fun In The Sun

Yesterday we spent the day at the beach. Finally, Kaylea and SJ were able to not only see the ocean, but play in it, also. We found lots of Sand Dollars, flew a kite, splashed in the water and built a nifty sandcastle. We hope you enjoy the pics.

Kaylea and SJ on the beach.

SJ with her sand dollars. She was the first to make a find.

All the girls playing in the sand. L to R: Miss C, SJ, Vickster, Kaylea

Well folks, today we are off to Charleston for a carriage tour, lunch at Aaron's Deli and a stroll through the market. More pictures will follow.

Let The Fun Begin!

Yes, by looking at our nifty countdown clock, you can see that our happy little family is at the beach. The week that had been "FOREVER" away is finally here.

Our "little" group is not so little, though. We are actually closer in appearance to one of those polygamist families with all the youngins. The happy family consists of Mr. Bob, Auntie M., Miss C (Mr. Bob's 16 year-old daughter), Vickster (Auntie M.'s 18 year-old niece), Bub, Me, Kaylea and SJ (Kaylea's 10 year-old cousin). I'm sure people look at us and try to figure out which kids belong to which adults. Oh well, "Keep em guessing." That's our family motto.

We arrived at Hilton Head yesterday afternoon after the longest car trip known to mankind. I'm quite sure that Kaylea and SJ thought we were taking them to the far side of the moon, as opposed to the beach. Heck, they probably think we are just pulling their leg at this point and they are somewhere in Idaho. You see, we haven't actually seen the ocean, yet. Yesterday when we got here, we had to unload and unpack, then there was dinner to eat. After dinner the girls went swimming in the pool while Auntie M and I went to the grocery store to buy all of the needed supplies for the condo. So, like I said, we could be playing a mean trick on them right now, and they would never know it. "Trust us, girls. We are at the beach. We promise."

Needless to say, we don't have any pictures to post, yet. But stay tuned; there will be some appearing shortly. Now, since I didn't come to the beach to sit in front of a computer and blog, I am going to excuse myself and go get ready for a day of fun in the sun!

Catch ya later!

Everything Is Better With Music

I hope you enjoy the beach music. We are just doing our part to get everyone ready for summer. Look out Hilton Head, here we come - well, o.k. we have a few more weeks, but who's counting? OH YEA, we are; that's right!!!!!!!

Kaylea Is A Happy Beachcomber!

While Kaylea was home with her "pox" she did get some news that put a huge smile on her face. We got an e-mail letting us know that her FAVORITE cousin "SJ" will be joining us on our trip to Hilton Head this summer. Kaylea was so excited; she had to tell everyone!

****Just to fill in the family tree - SJ's mom is my first cousin, Cizzy. Cizzy's mom, Aunt Shashan, is my mother's oldest sister****

Cizzy is two years older than me and we were very close as kids and teens. Cizzy lived in Kentucky and I lived in Florida, so we were loyal pen pals (yes, I am dating us - this was way before e-mail) through Jr. High and High School. I always listened to Cizzy's advise and felt like she was a sister.

Cizzy has two beautiful daughters, K8 and SJ. K8 is almost 15 and SJ is 10. Bub and I spent a lot of time around K8 when she was small. She was more like a niece than a cousin. Then when SJ came along, Bub and I were really taking notes. You see, SJ is only 10 months older than Kaylea, so I would turn to Cizzy with all of my pregnancy and parenting questions. Cizzy was the best mom I knew and I wanted to do everything just like her.

Needless to say, SJ and Kaylea have kinda grown up together. Well, as together as they could, being 5 hours apart and only seeing each other about 3 times a year. Kaylea always wants to see "her cousins". I think she looks up to K8 and SJ the same way I did with Cizzy when I was younger.

When we began planning the trip to Hilton Head, we (Auntie M, Mr. Bob, Bub and I) decided that it would probably be more fun for Kaylea (and us) if she brought a friend along. When we told Kaylea she could invite someone, she immediately said she wanted to see if her cousins could come. Kaylea hasn't seen K8 and SJ in over a year and we all agreed this would be the perfect opportunity for them to get to spend some quality time together. Well, I guess K8 decided to forgo the trip, but luckily SJ was on board.

The girls should have a blast. We are planning a day in Charleston and a day in Savannah, but other than that, they will just be riding bikes, playing on the beach and swimming for the entire week. Auntie M. has even talked about us going crabbing, which could be fun, also. Especially, when we get to eat what we catch.

Luckily, we don't have that much longer - only about 5 weeks and 7 hours until we will be leaving. I think I am going to try to figure out how to install one of those countdown clocks on the Blog, so Kaylea can always know how much longer. (It will also keep me from going insane). Now, all we have to do is just wait - oh, and start making my lists! We don't want to forget anything!

Life In Kaylea Land

Things are crazy, as usual, in Kaylea's little corner of the world. The child is involved in so many activities, it makes my mind spin. She has chorus at school 2 mornings a week; Girls Scouts every other Tuesday; Handbells and Church Choir every Wednesday afternoon; Karate every Wednesday evening; and Art Classes every Thursday afternoon. WHEW! (You can't tell me that my child wouldn't be adversely affected if I returned to the regular working world.)

More important than the extra-curricular activities, we are currently trying to get her prepped for the Terra Nova (TCAP) Test. This is the year end standardized test that is administered by the school system to track the progress and academic level of the students. Personally, I hate these tests! Last year, Kaylea didn't do as well as we thought she would/should. Bub and I were a little shocked when we saw her results. They weren't bad, but mostly just in the middle percentile. With the excellent grades that she brought home on her report cards last year, we were just assuming that her test scores would be in the upper percentile. Her teacher, Ms. W., was a little surprised, as well. Ms. W. said that Kaylea just might not be a good test taker. Well, if that is the case, we are in for a long road ahead. Unfortunately, as all of you are aware, our educational system uses "tests" for the primary method of evaluating a child's learning. If the child knows the material, but doesn't test well, the grades are an inaccurate reflection of comprehension and knowledge. Seeing as I can't single handedly change the philosophy and practices of the entire educational system, I suppose we might need to invest in some study skills classes for Kaylea in the future. Can you say, "Hello, Sylvan!"

After TCAPS are completed, it is pretty much a downhill ride for the rest of the school year. There will only be six weeks left and those weeks will be filled with parties, field days, field trips and other special activities. It is hard to believe that the school year is almost over. We are cutting Kaylea's school year short by one day so we can head out of town to Hilton Head the first week of June. All of us are starting to get excited about the trip. We can almost hear the beach calling our names. It should be a nice and relaxing way to end the school year and begin the summer.

Now, I guess it is time for me to start researching some summer programs to keep Kaylea busy and away from the TV for the remaining 10 weeks of summer vacation. So far, we are considering a reading program at UT; an art camp; continuing with karate; and a summer reading program at the library. Oh, and of course, there are the Kid's Summer Movies at Movies on the Parkway and we have our Dollywood and Splash Country season passes. I think I will be able to keep her entertained, how 'bout you? If any of you have any additional suggestions, I welcome all of them! I am always looking for new things to try out.

Now that I have made you conscious of the fact that there are only 6 weeks left until summer, go day dream about your vacation(s)!

WOOT! WOOT! School's Out For Winter Break

Yes, the little children of Sevier County are dancing in the streets.

All winter long, they have prayed for snow to no avail. The teachers have worn their lucky snow day outfits, but no luck. Shoot, I have even seen kid's on the playground perfecting their snow dance, but NOTHING!

Now, they finally have been given their days off. Unfortunately, it had to come at the expense of some very sick and flu ridden children here in the county. You see, our absentee percentage has been teetering just below the acceptable maximum for a few weeks now. Each day the Central Office was requesting the absentee reports, asap. Apparently, yesterday our sick children tipped the scale and school was called off for the remainder of the week. We were already scheduled to have winter break the 15th - 18th, so we just got two more days added on.

I would never say that anyone was glad that there were soooooo many sick kids; however, I will say I saw a lot of happy people (students and teachers) yesterday afternoon while walking the halls of the school.

To all of you sickly ones out there, I hope you get to feeling better over the extended break. We will be thinking about you as we head out for the beach! See ya!

Greetings From Hilton Head BBBBBeach......Man It's Cold!!

As many of you know, Kaylea and I have gone to Hilton Head Island on an impromptu vacation with Auntie M, Mr. Bob, Memommy and Mr. Jimmy. We all were sad that Bub couldn't extend his vacation and join us, but we will make sure and bring him back a t-shirt. So far the trip has been very UN-beachy. That would probably be due to the cold weather and cutting winds. I haven't even made it down to the ocean yet; however, Auntie M badgered Mr. Bob into going down to the beach with her and Kaylea this afternoon. I don't know about you, but it doesn't seem like a place I would want to be under the current conditions.

Kaylea on the beach, BRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

Kaylea wrote, "I Love Vacation" in the sand

Kaylea is having a blast, though. She doesn't care how cold it is outside; she is on vacation at the beach. I think she will probably live near the ocean when she grows up because she loves being near the water. Today, we took a day trip to Savannah, another one of Kaylea's favorite vacation spots. Unfortunately, she was very disappointed when we were not able to eat lunch at Paula Deen's restaurant. Apparently they were closed for the week to do some yearly maintenance. Boo for us - yeah for her employees!

We, also, walked on River Street and stopped in at the Savannah Candy Kitchen. It isn't a trip to Savannah without getting a few pralines and some taffy. It was really too cold to do much walking so we all decided to take a tour of the city in a nice HEATED trolley. I think the tour was a little too much excitement for Kaylea because she was passed out on my shoulder within fifteen minutes. I was able to wake her when we stopped at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral. She was very intrigued by the Holy water pool at the entrance to the cathedral and the rosary candles at the alter. You could tell she wasn't a good Catholic girl, however. She was trying to figure out how to drink out of the Holy water pool and lit about five candles before I could stop her. I tried to cover for her error by explaining to her the purpose for the rosary candles and telling her since she lit five candles, she needed to say five prayers. We used the kneeling bench and prayed, at least I think that is what she was doing. If not she was at least acting like she was praying. It was a lot of new stuff for a little Baptist girl from East Tennessee to take in. She was very interested in their faith and practices, though. I guess I can be thankful for that. I always try to emphasize to her that our religion is not the only religion and she seems to take interest in learning about how others worship. Thank goodness she looks at things that are different with curiosity and wonder instead of shying away and just thinking they are weird.

Well, that is enough for today. We are going to bed so we can get up early in the morning and head out to Charleston for the day. I'm sure the day will be filled with new adventures for all of us.