All for one...

... and one for ALL. Now battle the tree!

Pumpkin Patch 2010

Cooper and his gourd



The perfect "pumpkin" for Cooper (shhhhh, don't tell him its a gourd!)

Hiking Grayson Highlands

We went for a hike on Saturday to Grayson Highlands, where we had planned to see the wild ponies. Along our 2 mile adventure, we planned to stop at the outcropping of rocks just beyond Dad and Cooper in this picture.

But it took a REALLY long time because along the way there were wild blueberry and blackberry bushes every few feet, and our little grazers needed to stop at each ripe berry!

We eventually scaled the rocks. It was pretty breezy up there!

What a great summer weekend get-away!

Biking the Creeper Trail

On Friday we all went to Virginia, stayed in a cabin overnight, and then attacked the 14 mile Creeper Trail. The converted rail-line is now a packed, downhill path through the woods and along streams. It was beautiful and a great way to spend a summer day!

A lunch spot by the creek was cool and refreshing.

At the bottom of the trail, it was a refreshing 90 in the sun... cool compared to the 100 degree heat in Kannapolis.

Conductors Cooper and Claire were working hard on the railroad.

Happy Father's Day!

Dad, ice cream, and a great summer day... what could be better?

Too Hot!

Father's Day was too hot to worry about getting into our suits before cooling off in the sprinkler... so in we went in our clothes!

We had a blast splashing in our clothes... how silly!

AHHHHHH!

Equestrians

Today we learned how to ride like real cow-pokes.

EmmaLeigh got a real riding lesson where she learned to ride all by herself upon a pony named BlackJack.

Cooper got quite an experience upon Levi, who gave him a bit more of a ride than anyone was expecting! Good thing that helmet works (all involved are a-okay... Cooper may just wait a while before climbing back in the saddle, so the saying goes).

Claire is always joyful, but riding a horse just about threw her joy level through the roof... She could not stop smiling!

Grandfather Mountain

Cooper: Come 'on, Dad... Onward and Upward!
Emma: What a great view... how's my smile?
Claire: Uh, Dad... Did you carefully read the sign before leading us out here?

Apparently we're not afraid of heights...

Trip to Grandfather Mountain

Kicking off the summer with a great trip to Grandfather Mountain, NC. We felt like we were on top of the world!

Lunch break with an awesome view!

Check it, Dad!

Wow, Claire! You look SUPER close through these binoculars... like you are right next to me! What amazing technology, these binoculars!

Great Kids!

Hiking, climbing, playing, watching... what a great day in back-country North Carolina!

Memorial Day Weekend 2010

WhooHoo! Let the summer begin!

EmmaLeigh was already showing great form on the kneeboard...

Cooper made sure that Grandad took his time while building the new privacy room around the outdoor shower. No need to get this done quickly, Grandad! I'll help slow you down a bit!

All of the kids had a great time jumping and swimming around. It is going to be a great summer!

Kindergarten Grad!

Mr. Gossage, the Head of School, awarded me with my diploma. It says I have successfully completed Kindergarten. Yay!


Mrs. Royal was a great teacher. She taught me all I know about my ABC's.

Goodbye, graduating class of 2022. Have a great summer and I'll see you in 1st grade!