Look Rock Hike & Cades Cove Picnic

 We took the kids up to the mountains over the weekend for a hike up to Look Rock and also to picnic in Cades Cove and play in the river. We had a lot of fun hiking and also playing in the water. The kids even got to see a crawfish up close when Doug spotted one crawling up the bank of the river. We tried hard to catch some tiny fish - no luck, but lots of laughs. Most of all, it was much needed time away with the kids, having fun, laughing and making memories. I have so many memories of the mountains, and I love that we are making our own with our kids. Definitely good times.

Couldn't Leave Out Our Kate --

 Had to snap a few of my sweet baby girl too -

First Day Of School 2012

First day of school!!! First day of fourth grade and first grade!! I can't believe it's already time for them to head back to school. It truly seems as though the summer just got started.  Lots of photos this morning -- Luckily the kids don't mind a mom that is 'snapshot crazy'. They were more than happy to pose for me this morning. No problems getting up and getting ready - I set my clock for extra early, so I could have a cup of coffee and relax for a few minutes before waking the munchkins. They woke up and were happy to get dressed, eat breakfast and gather their first day goods. Talk about excited -- both of them. I'm glad they were - It would be hard if they were nervous or scared. Luckily they are ready to embrace school again and it was a smooth and easy transition (so far!).  I am looking forward to hearing how the first day went - what they loved, what they liked and maybe didn't like. Noah marched right in and I think Rachel might have been a little lost walking in without her brother.... she hesitated while she was waving bye. I told her she would be fine and to head on into class. She's a big girl and I know she's going to have a super day.

** Edited  to add that they both had a great first day! No homework tonight - thanks new teachers!! : ) SO glad they both had happy and fun first days at school - the best way to start out the new school year.