Rooms With a View

DAREDEVIL

Since we really did not take a real vacation this summer, we promised the kids we could go to Six Flags after the Lacrosse tournament in Gainesville. HUGE mistake. It was too hot, too crowded, too expensive and too spread out. Since I am still recovering from the car accident, I did not ride any rides. Instead, I took photos.

The kids walking in.

The kids looking at me. They were actually waiting for me and Charlie to catch up since I don't walk fast enough.

In line for a water ride. They waited in line for over an hour. At least they were in the shade for most of the line.

Mitchell was about to pass out. Why Patrick is slapping him on his behind is beyond me.

This is the newest ride at Six Flags and the kids favorite. 

Yes, the hill goes inverted on the way down. Charlie said that when you look down, you cannot see the track since it is behind you. I so wish I could have gone on this. 

The kids.

That is it for the photos of Six Flags. We left and the kids headed straight for the pool to cool down.

The next day, we left for home...

We had some tired kids on the way home. Maddy and Patrick were asleep before we hit the freeway.

Vinny was asleep until I snapped this photo.

A very tired Mitchell. All in all, we had a great time. Now, if only I could go on a real vacation all by myself.

 

K SDRAWKCAB

Now, for some photos from the Lacrosse tournament. After the boys won their third game on Saturday (the first of the summer) then had one more game on Sunday morning. If they were to win that game, they would play in the Semi-Finals. As it turns out, they did win! They lost in the Semi's but we are all so proud of them for getting that far. They took 4th place in the tournament.

The young man in the gold helmet is Mitchell's friend Ernie. Ernie is the friend who took the kids fishing. He is an amazing player. Too bad he goes to a different High School.

Mitchell with the ball.

Mitchell is in the back with the ball again. He has the red shoes and red elbow pads.

Mitchell on the left.

Mitchell being checked (hit). This is how they attempt to get the ball out of the other's net.

Mitchell running with the ball.

Mitchell trying to score. If you look close, you can see the ball in the goalies net.

Mitchell going after the ball.

Number 28 about to check Mitchell.

Mitchell got the ball back.

And Mitchell.

After the last game, we drove to Atlanta. We promised the kids a day at Six Flags.

After checking in and going for a quick swim, we went to Shoney's for dinner. HUGE mistake. Terrible food and terrible service. The only good thing about dinner was that Patrick ordered and ate something we never thought he would. If you don't know Patrick, let me tell you, he is the pickiest eater alive!

Can you tell what is beside the fries?

Vinny cannot believe her eyes. Patrick is eating Popcorn Shrimp.

This car dealer was across the street from Shoney's. Why is the K not only backward but upside down. Drives me nuts! This is why the title of this post is backward.

Photos from Six Flags tomorrow. Today I will register my daughter for her last year in Middle School and my son's first year of High School. Where has the time gone? Not looking foward to having two kids in two different schools!

GEORGIA!

Last weekend, we went to Gainesville, GA for the last Lacrosse tournament of the summer. We had an extra kid with us this trip by the name of Maddy.

Mitchell reading while Maddy and Patrick looked at funny videos.

Vinny reading and eating licorice.

The kids. We stopped off at an Outlet Mall to do a little school shopping. After shopping, we went to Wendy's.

Patrick found a hearts shaped chicken nugget in his lunch.

Once we checked into the hotel, the kids headed for the pool. Here, Patrick gives Maddy a lift.

Vinny relaxing.

Mitchell being cool.

Vinny & Maddy.

Vinny & Maddy found a new use for the tiny hotel pool towels.

Vinny loved having another girl on the trip. Here Maddy curls Vinny's hair.

The boys watched TV.

This is Jo. Her son, Luke, plays on Mitchell's team. Her oldest son is going to play Lacrosse at Piedmont College in Georgia this year. She stopped by our room and we searched for a comforter for her son Josh's dorm room. 

More of this tournament weekend tomorrow!

HIDE & SEEK!

On our second night in Folly Beach, we decided to make dinner in and then play some games. So, after a lovely dinner of Spaghetti and Meatballs, the games began.

Sunset from the screened in porch.

Three full kids.

Vinny & Claire have the same colored Toms.

During a round of Hide & Seek, it was either Patti or I who went out to the porch and discovered Claire hiding behind the Air Conditioning Unit. It was very startling. I had to take some photos...

There was no light out on the porch. The only light in this photo was from my flash. So, you can imagine it might scare the person who sees this in the dark.

She is just too adorable to be scary!

Too adorable! Vinny and I spent the night at their condo and the next morning it was time to say goodbye.

Saying goodbye is never easy! 

Patti & Alex. We have vowed that we will not wait another 4 years to see each other. We are hoping for next summer.

STARFISH!

 Before telling you about our afternoon on Folly Beach, I must tell my sister in law what happened to Mr. Crabs. The men who caught the Horseshoe crabs, tossed them back into the ocean. When the large one hit the water, it sounded like a car hitting the water.

After lunch, we decided to spend some time at the beach. First stop was under the pier to see what we could find in the tide pools.

A starfish inside of a sea shell.

More starfish.

And more starfish.

Me and my beautiful friend Patti.

Vinny took this photo and I played with it a little. I plan on printing a copy to frame.

Claire, Alex and Vinny.

Vinny & Alex

Alex, Vinny & Claire.

Claire & Vinny have had enough water. Patti and I also got into the water. I just could not take the camera into the water for photos.

Patti showing she still got it! I wish I could still do a cartwheel this well.

Claire & Vinny showing Alex how to do a handstand.

Claire & Vinny doing cartwheels. 

More Folly tomorrow! I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

MORE FISHING AND LUNCH!

More photos of fishing.

The guy next to us caught these two and put an end to their romantic moment.

These are Horseshoe crabs. The big one was all caught up in the net, the little one was not. 

The little one was making a run for it back to the ocean. 

I decided to pick him or her up.

Isn't he/she cute.

Vinny, Claire and Alex with Mr. Crabs.

Vinny got gutsy and picked up Mr. Crabs.

After the crabs were back in the water, it was back to fishing.

Patti is Irish which makes her kids half Irish. This means they have Irish skin. So, Patti spent most of the time making sure her wee ones were covered in Sunscreen.

Sunscreen for Claire.

Vinny & Claire calmly fishing.

After fishing, we ate lunch on the pier. Nice view don't you think.

Claire and Vinny.

I hope you all have a great weekend and for those that are mothers, have a wonderful mother's day!

FOLLY FISHING!

On our second day in Folly, we decided to go do a little fishing off of the Folly Pier. We were able to rent the gear and bait at the pier. I had not fished since I was young girl but amazingly, it all came back to me.

While Patti was attempting to put a hat on Alex's head, she hit her lip with the bucket of frozen shrimp and gave herself a fat lip. I told her to put the frozen shrimp on her lip to control the swelling. It worked.

The man next to us caught this cute little guy.

Claire fishing.

Alex fishing.

Vinny fishing. The best part of this pier was the abundance of dolphins playing near by. I took about 100 photos of these cute guys. I promise to only share a few.

Claire was the first to catch a fish. After a quick kiss, we tossed him back into the ocean.

A dolphin jumped but I missed the jump and got the splash.

Claire caught another fish. Alex wanted to give it a kiss but decided it was too slimy.

Two dolphins!

Patti fishing.

I promise this is the last dolphin picture. 

More fishing photos tomorrow!

RED ROOF & BRIDGE!

I thought I would share a few photos of our hotel and the bridge in Charleston. Our hotel was actually in Mt. Pleasant which is one the other side of the bridge.

The view from outside of our room. That is the bridge.

I saw these contrails in the sky when I went outside. There must be some military base near by.

I have never seen this many contrails in one sky.

Vinny took these photos as we crossed the bridge. She did not enjoy this experience. I was not aware that she hates bridges.

Looking up!

A C 140 which is proof of a military base. 

Have a great Wednesday!

FOOTBALL AND FRIENDS!

Today is the last post of photos from our HIlton Head vacation. I hope you enjoy!

 
Patrick throwing the football.

 
Mitchell about to catch the ball.

 

Mitchell about to throw the ball.

 

Patrick

We met a really nice family from Atlanta during our stay. They have a lake house at Lake Hartwell which is only an hour from us and have invited us to join them this fall for a weekend. Here is the group shot just before they left.

 

The pretty girl on Patrick's left is Megan. Her boyfriend is on Patrick's right. Her two brother's on are on Mitchell's right.

I hope you have enjoyed this photographic journey!
 

BOOGIE BOARDING PART 2~

More boogie boarding photos from our last day!

 

Mitchell, Patrick & Vinny. Vinny had the most amazing timing when it came to catching the waves. 

 

Vinny heading out to catch a wave.

 

Patrick paddling out to sea.

 
Mitchell watching for a wave.

 

Vinny.

 

Patrick

 

Vinny just chillin.

 

Mitchell paddling out to catch a wave.

 

Vinny waiting and Patrick checking out girls. He did a lot of checking out girls. In fact, his neck was sore after the first day!

 
Vinny.

 
Vinny & Mitchell.

 
Vinny.

 
Mitchell, Patrick and Vinny. Notice Vinny is the only one who caught the wave.

 

Mitchell finishing up a good ride.

 

Patrick walking and Vinny crashing.

 

Mitchell again.

 
And Vinny.

Today my baby boy is moving into his dorm! I will probably spend my weekend crying. I hope your weekend is better than mine!