WNC Nature Center and Memorial Day Weekend

We've tried to get all of our long weekend activities in yesterday and today since tomorrow it looks like it's going to rain. Again. Ugh.

Our new stroller came in on Friday evening so we gave Luke the option of going swimming or taking the stroller out to do something fun. He decided on going out so we decided to hit up the local WNC Nature Center. Why we had never gone there before, I don't know, because it's awesome! It's not large, but it has enough to spend a morning there. They have wide paths that are shaded and playground type activities in between each of the animal exhibits. There are also tons of places to have a picnic and we will definitely be returning with a picnic the next time we go. We bought a pass yesterday that allows us back to the Nature Center as well as to many zoos/aquariums/science museums across the country. Luke's new thing is that he wants to go to a museum to see dinosaur bones. It looks like the Asheville science museum may have one so we'll hit it up soon. But we are on the lookout for a good natural history museum in NC or VA.

Luke had so much fun yesterday that he wanted to go back today, but we'll try to keep it special for him and limit it to once every few weeks. We saw otters, owls, deer, bears, wolves and coyotes and all the animals seemed to have a nice area. Sometimes I feel like zoos have them cramped up, but they had all kinds of room here.

Last night we had a cook out with my mom and dad since we're supposed to have thunderstorms in the evenings. Luke got to take his sprinkler and played with water balloons in their yard while we cooked. He had a blast! Today we spent a good chunk of the day cleaning out our basement (and by "we" I mean "Dillon") We ran around for a little bit and then came home and we all napped. Tomorrow who knows what we'll get into. We're just thankful for an extra day off together, and I'm extra thankful that I'm off until Wednesday! A good long weekend!

Playin' on the porch

Dillon let her taste the cream cheese on his bagel. 

Luke and his otter at the Nature Center!

Luke and his otter at the otter exhibit!

Dillon said "let me take a picture of 3 cougars." For those of you that don't know I'm older than Dillon.

We have black bears in our yard so Luke was really interested in them!

Testing out the stroller on Saturday morning.

Car Shows and Family Visits

It's been a busy and not-so-busy weekend. Yesterday we spent a good chunk of our day at the car show that our good friend Jeff put on for the Enka High School FFA. It was a great event with TONS of cars and vehicles to look at, bouncy houses, tractor rides and hot dogs for lunch! Luke had a blast hanging out with some of Dillon's co-workers and their kids. Charlotte was her usual easy-going self and hung out in the stroller all morning. Luke was very excited to see Dillon's buddy, Seth because he brings him special treats from Holland when he travels. Because of this Seth has become almost like Santa Claus in our house and Luke was very excited to get to see him. It was super hot outside, reaching almost 90 degrees which made me a little grumpy, but all was well and we had a good time.

Today, we had promised Luke a trip to the swimming pool, but rain dampened (literally) our plans and we had a whole day to do whatever we wanted. We ran some errands and chilled out at home this evening as both kids have slept most of the afternoon away. It's been nice.

We had a good visit with my Uncle Charles and Aunt Jerri this week. Luke loves them both very much and talks about them a lot. They were sweet enough to get Luke some blocks to play with and while he was playing with them this evening he said "I'm really glad Chawles and Jewi (his R's aren't pronounced the greatest) got me these blocks." I was glad that I got to spend some time with them this week on my days off.

This upcoming week is just a typical week. I was going to take Luke to go strawberry picking at a local farm on Tuesday, but once again I'm not sure that the weather is going to cooperate so we'll have to see. I'm not sure if I want to get all muddy and then have to clean both kids off. We're looking forward to Memorial Day next weekend and hanging around all weekend. We bought a new stroller that I'm looking forward to using because Charlie can hang out in the front part and Luke's going to be able to stand on the back (and sit if needed). We've run into some issues of stroller sharing when we're out walking a lot. Luke either has to be whiny and walk or we have to carry the baby and let him in the stroller. We're hoping this solves the problem! That being said, I'm hoping we can put it to good use next weekend and go do something fun!!

just a little Saturday morning photo session ;) 

Oh my gosh. I love him so. His new favorite song is Uptown Funk and we listen to it all the time. His little innocent ears don't know that the background singers are saying "Hot D@mn" and he says all the time he wants to listen to the "Hot Day" song.  

One of the doctors I work with gifted this to me after her baby was done with it. I think she said it had been through 7 babies or so. Charlie loves it!

Lydia checks out the baby! I love that all the little girls are so interested in the baby. Lydia and Brynlee both were infatuated with her. <3

Seth/Santa Claus

tractor ride!

Luke and Brynlee 

Dillon's co-worker and friend, Dustin and his little boy Maddox

Maddox said there was a ladybug on Luke's glasses!  

My aunt Jerri loves pictures, almost more than I do, I think! These next pics are courtesy of her!

This one is mine! Dillon doing the Heisman! haha

My uncle Charlie is 84 and wears a Fit Bit to get 10,000 steps in daily. I've bought an off-brand Fit Bit and am going to try to do the same! I hope to be in such good shape at 84!