Hornback Family Gathering - Summer 2011

The Hornback Families from Houston, Texas arrived on the 20th for a week long vacation at a cabin in Wears Valley. It was great to see everyone and get to spend time catching up. We hung out at their cabin and also had a picnic at Metcalf Bottoms where the kids had fun playing in the river, catching a big green caterpiller and checking out a snake that was resting on the river bank. So fun to see all the kids in action together - dancing, laughing, playing. The kids ages matched up pretty well and they all seemed to hit it off together.

Father's Day 2011

Happy Father's Day!! Wishing a happy day to Doug and to his dad, Don - We love you!
We started our day here getting things ready for Daddy to wake up. We went and got him a coffee and gathered his cards and gifts before we headed up to wake him up. He loved the photo cards and the bike shorts he had been needing. :) It was a nice relaxing morning here at our house - Breakfast burritos (Daddy's favorite) and Star Wars - Thank you Spike channel for the marathon running all weekend. It made for the perfect morning and afternoon before Doug had to go in for work.

Happy Birthday Mamaw!

Happy Birthday going out to my Mom today! :) We helped celebrate by taking her chocolate peanut butter cupcakes and the kids swam and played like crazy. Love you so much, Mom!

His First Ribbon - 1st Place!

Noah was so proud and excited to see his blue ribbon tonight! It was confirmation that he had in fact taken first place in his event at the swim meet. We thought so, but didn't want to claim it before we knew for sure. Way to go, Noah!!!

First Swim Meet -- Green Meadow -vs- Gettysvue

Noah swam in his first swim meet last night! We were so proud of him. The meet was supposed to be held at Green Meadow, but their pool pump broke and it got switched to Gettysvue at the last minute. Noah had spent half the day at soccer camp at Maryville college, but we pulled him a little early so he would be rested for the meet. Warm ups began at the Gettysvue pool at 4:45pm. He warmed up with the team and we found out he was scheduled to swim the 25 freestyle 8 & Under boys event. He was a little nervous and I was glad I was working the meet as the 8 & Under boys tent parent. That way I was the one who rounded him up when it was time to swim and I got to stand right behind the block as he raced. He did so good! He dove off of the block for the very first time and swam against two other boys in his heat. He came in first! We are all so proud of him and the huge smile on his face when he climbed out of the water - was priceless. I don't think I'll ever forget that smile. I love that boy. So, so proud of him! His swimming has improved so much from the first week. Rachel didn't compete this meet, but after watching some of the 8 & Under girls swim, I am convinced that she will be fine and hoping that she will feel up to competing at the next meet we attend. I am looking forward to watching her race too!

LOVE This

How could I not??? I know, I know... bed head... jammies.... but look at them. :) Makes a mama's heart happy. Who wouldn't grin at that?

Happy Phoebe

Phoebe loves riding in the car. :) Doug had picked her up from his parents house after our trip and called me to tell me to come out and see how happy she was hanging her head out the window on the ride home. Love her so much.