Fall ball

Sam has moved up to Mighty League so we're getting our feet wet by playing Fall ball. It's a little more laid back but they still keep score and the coaching is more serious. Sam's on the Black Team and all the boys are cute and having fun!

Black Rock Mountain State Park -- Labor Day weekend

Our long weekend at Black Rock was cut short by the tropical storm that came off the Gulf and crossed over N. Ga. In addition to that, Brian left Macon with a horrible sinus/head cold that did not get any better and totally wiped out Saturday - for him. Otherwise, the boys and I had a pretty good time. Saturday morning (while B felt ok) we made a quick visit to Goats on a Roof. As soon as we got back B went to bed and the boys and I went on a "critter exploration" in the (cold) stream that feeds Black Rock Lake. Since we were the only ones to show up we had a personal escort by a Ranger. The boys made fast friends with our campsite neighbors: Eli, Evan and Adaline. They rode bikes, played games and explored the woods. Brice had is first official bike crash complete with a torn shirt, torn up belly, and a nice black and blue hip bone..... Sunday, before we packed up, we went on a geocaching expedition and found several good caches. Despite our early departure we made as much fun as we could out of the roadtrip home. We stopped at Tallulah Gorge for a little peek....1,000 feet down! Then we stopped for supper at The Varsity in Athens. Sam thought it was the best hotdog he'd ever eaten. Classic Disney movies kept the boys entertained while Brian and listened to bluegrass as we drove home through the rain.

A brief moment when B felt good and showed off his juggling skills.

Goats on the roof!

Geocaching

Red Top Mountain State Park -- August

Lots of pictures, lots of fun! Our campsite was just up the hill from a small beach area on Lake Allatoona so we spent lots of time swimming. Ruby loved it! We visited Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. It was SO hot but really pretty. After climbing up the mound we all wanted to jump in the Etowah River! Instead we went for ice cream! Later, that night we went to a blue grass concert at the state park's 1869 log cabin. Brice loved it! Before we packed up to leave, we went to the playground so Sam could get his baseball fix. This was a fun but all too short trip.

First day...

Our first day was a little strange.... Our pediatrician called late last night to inform us that Sam's strep culture taken on Sunday afternoon had come back positive and he couldn't go to school for TWO days! I cried like a baby; he was SO excited about 1st grade. When we told him, as he was already in bed, he took it so well. Told me, "It's ok Mommy. I've got all year." Since he wasn't feeling bad we decided to do the morning as usual, stop in his class only very briefly to drop off a few supplies and not touch ANYthing! His teacher gave him to worksheet and a book to read and we were on our way.
Sam stayed in the car while we took Brice to his first day at "big school". He was so excited and had a hard time focusing and listening to all the new instructions about his morning routine, but I know he'll catch on. He kept asking, "When are we going to the cafeteria?" So, we left after he got settled in. I cried all the way down the hall. I'm so thankful that Brice has the same teachers Sam had and the principal is the same too. It's comforting.
Sam and I have been home all day but got word that he could go to school tomorrow after all, since he's fever free and will have had three doses of antibiotic by school time tomorrow. Yay!

Last day

Friday, August 5th, was our last day at our beloved Eagle's Nest Children's Center. A place that has loved and nurtured our boys for the past six years. I cried like a baby! We LOVE this place and it's hard to believe that our regular routine won't include going there every morning and afternoon. Thank goodness for their summer camp! We will get to reunite with all our EN friends. Here we are dropping Brice off, in full show-n-tell garb!

Comparison...

Sam 2009.

Brice 2011

Brice's Preschool Graduation

The four graduates marched in to Pomp & Circumstance.


Brice was SO excited!

"I pledge allegiance to the flag..."

"My name is Brice Anthony Whitley and when I grow up I want to be a ninja."

Mrs. Dieynaba

Ms. Sallie


Grammy

G-mama

A phone call to Papa since he couldn't make it.

The school hosted a sweet little reception in the courtyard outside the Chapel.

The school director, Mrs. Tshanghi