Labor Day Hike

On Labor Day this year we headed up the mountain for a nice morning hike. We thought Sam was ready to hike by himself this time so we left the second pack at home.

Troy, however, is not ready to "hoof it" yet...

So Josh strapped him on his back.

Starting off on a section of the Foothills Trail.

Arriving at our destination...a little waterfall

Sam had picked up some rocks to throw in the water.

Shiloh & Dozer came with us also...we want them to feel like they are still part of the family.

Waterfall

Josh & the boys enjoyed wading in the water...

a little too much!

So, Josh decided it would be a good time for a swim. We hadn't brought swimming things...

so, we made do.

Josh & Sam check out the waterfall up close.

That's my boy...superhero undies & hiking boots!

As you can see, Sam LOVED IT!

Troy, not so much...

"Seriously?"

Finally picture proof that I was on the hike also (although I didn't join in with the swimming).

We had a great time...there's just something about getting outside & being in the woods that helps us stay connected. What a glorious creation! After we dried off and hiked back to the car we changed into our Clemson attire & headed to Chick-fil-A for some free chicken. And of course more football that night. All in all not a bad way to spend the day.

Two Videos

Perhaps these videos will make up for my lack of posting this summer?

First Friday!

Once again we took advantage of living so close to our Alma mater and joined in the festivities of Clemson's First Friday. Each year on the Friday before the first football game (or the Sunday, remember when we kicked off against FSU on Labor Day?) Clemson has their First Friday Parade & Pep Rally. This is the second year we have taken the kids to the parade (we never stay for the pep rally, I'm not sure I did as a student either). We had a blast at the parade and then headed over to Anderson for supper with Nanna. (Later Josh, Elizabeth, & I ran the Mid-Night Flight but I don't have any pictures from that.)

Josh & the boys in our shady parade watching spot.

Me & the young'uns.

Troy really got into marching.

Sam was super excited about the band but yawned in EVERY SINGLE picture Josh took. Way to play it cool, man.

The rest of the pictures make me laugh...out loud. Need I explain why for this one?

I don't exactly remember why Sam was unhappy...probably because Troy was touching his seat. You can see how bothered Troy is about that.

Sam tires to fish-hook Josh while all Troy wants to do is get down and march some more.

Good-Bye Summer...Hello Football!

Once again we had our annual lakehouse weekend. Josh took an extra long weekend so we left Thursday morning and were able to have 3 full lake days with Mimi & Pappa. Pops & Nanna weren't able to join us this year but the did let us take their boat. Let's face it, a boat makes everything more fun! On Friday morning we took a long boat ride and managed to find our way back to the house despite the poor channel markers. Then it was swim, swim, swim, with some skiing and tubing thrown in.

Troy loved to "drive" the boat.
Josh & Pappa went fishing on Saturday morning at my uncle's neighbor's fish pond. The pond was very well stocked and both of them caught fish on their first cast. There's something to be said for having a successful fishing outing.

We saw a bald eagle fly over the house. Not the most identifying picture but the best I had...I promise it's a bald eagle!

The lakehouse...what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in memories. What a great place and I'm so thankful that we have it in our family to use and enjoy.

Sam's favorite part of swimming is climbing out & jumping back in. He did this all morning.

Josh jumped in with him a few times.

You can see his smile even from a back/side view!

Josh had the brilliant idea to take the "tupperware" slide thing, clean it off, and put it on the dock. Sam had a blast on his water slide!

Sam helps Mimi make cookies.

Who needs a shirt at the lake?

Getting ready for the family picture...there were so many attempts. It's a challenge to get 4 adults, 2 kids, & 2 dogs in one picture but we try every time!

Lakehouse weekend '09