2 Parties, 1 Day

Today was a busy day. We played hard this morning and made some craft projects for some special family members. (coming soon) After T's nap we had 2 birthday parties to attend: Hank turned 1 and Nolan turned 3! We got home around 8:30, Josh put T in the bath and then to bed while I finished doing some final cleaning and packing before our trip tomorrow morning. We are leaving no later than 7:00 am tomorrow to go to a nature/wildlife resort with my parents in GA, and when we return, we will be bringing Josh's Nanny back with us for the remainder of the week. So, I'm trying to get, and keep, all my ducks in a row.

Here are some shots from the two parties, along with some other randonmess that is our lives:

McKinley came over last night to play and watch the Olympic Opening Ceremonies.

We decided to do pedicures. Tillman was going through McKinley's stash deciding which color she wanted.

She has stock in nail polish.

Tillman found the one she wanted!

Watching Mickey Mouse to keep her still.

It's really cute in person. The picture just doesn't do it justice.

Thank you, K for my pedicure!

I decided to get one too. McKinley did them. I liked Tillman's color so much I chose to use it too, plus a mint green color.

McKinley did some fancy artwork on my big toes. She has nail tape she can use to make fun designs. Again, the picture doesn't do it justice, but I love them and got compliments on them today at the two birthday parties we attended.

T playing this morning. Hugging/laying on a babydoll and driving a truck. Well-rounded??

Party #1 - She found Buddy!

The birthday boy, Hank and his Angie

Hey, Josh.

Tillman found Maddi, too. She sat on her, picked her up, and squeezed her around the neck. Here she was trying to convince Josh to let her pick Maddi up again. Poor puppy.

The party scene: beautiful & hot!

Hank's party was a Wonder Pets pool party.

Angie & Josh being silly by the pool.

Party #2: Getting cowboyed-up.

Nolan's party had western theme with an emphasis on Toy Story's Woody and Jessie.

All this cowboy loot took the place of a goody bag. What a great idea.

She loves it! (And Christy made them all herself!!)

Cute face, Tillman. Really.

Playing with all the fun homemade activities.

Soda Saloon

Playing tag/peek-a-boo with Ridge. They were so cute together.

Josh trying to convince Nolan (the birthday boy!) that it was really Josh's birthday party. Nolan didn't go for it.

Mining for gold.

Lasso-ing the horse

She was just a hair too short. Still cute though.

Behind bars.

An outside look at the venue. It was at South Cove on Lake Keowee.

Of course she found the slide.

The cake - made by Christy. It was yummy.

Tillman felt the need to help Nolan with his gifts.

She kindly got a new seat.

KID. AT. HEART.

Now we're all exhausted and headed to bed so we can get up early in the morning and get "on the road again." The theme song of our summer.



Swamp Rabbit Trail

Today Josh, Tillman, and I enjoyed an adventurous day on the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville. Two days ago I mentioned to Josh that it would be nice to walk the Swamp Rabbit Trail as long as it wasn't too hot. Well, he took that and transformed it into us renting bikes from The Great Escape, biking down to Furman, coming back and biking to Falls Park, having a picnic lunch at Falls Park, and stopping back by the fountains for T to cool off before heading back to the car and returning to Easley. I love that about Josh. I give basic, mundane suggestions and he turns them into fun, all day adventures that the whole family enjoys. T must have REALLY enjoyed herself because she slept 3+ hours!
Here's a recap of our Swamp Rabbit Trail adventure:

Buckle up and wear a helmet for safety!

Getting all strapped in before heading out for a ride.

Josh is a skilled biker. He can ride a bike with a toddler on the back and take a picture at the same time. Me, not so much. I about crashed when he tried to give me a high five.

Having fun!! Does my helmet look funny to you? It should.

I didn't adjust it very well before we got started. I was a tad uncomfortable up until this stop.

What does a train say? Choo! Choo!

We stopped for a quick look at the train as we made our way onto Furman's campus.

Exploring the train.

And having a quick snack to refuel.

A nice gentleman offered to take a shot of all 3 us of.

T running off to show us the ducks. Soo excited!

What does a duck say? Quack! Quack!

Loving the ducks.

Chasing them too.

They got tricked. They thought we had food.

Nice view on campus.

Loving on my big girl.

Clock tower

Our view for lunch. Quite nice, I think!

Eating on a bench at Falls Park.

Another angle

Hot & hungry; in the zone.

I love my family!!! Having so much fun!

She's such a big girl. Sad and adorable at the same time.

What we saw when we looked straight ahead from our lunch spot. Not bad.

Falls Park

...And then...we played in the fountains! :)

Trying to catch the water.

Where'd the water go?

Trying to convince T to be brave and touch the "big water."

She needed a little extra boost. I pratically forced her into the water. :)

Back to her comfort zone.

And her feet apparently needed to get wet?

She kept trying to trap/contain the water.

I just love this one.

And, yes, Josh convinced Tillman to "Look for the water."

Face full.

Saying bye-bye to the fountains.

We had a GREAT time! Thank you, Josh! :)