Pop n Flop

Our very first Popsicle and flip flop day of 2014.  Get used to it, we expect a whole lot of these days. Fun in the sun, back yard, flip flops, ice cream, hammock - oh, yeah.  Bring on the sun.

The Apple and The Phone

Watching Isabella drive around the neighborhood while talking and texting on her pretend phone, I couldn't help but think the apple didn't fall far from the tree.  Little Deborah driving around in her sunglasses and with her phone.

Home Sweet Smile

Mommy and Daddy were thrilled to fly back home to this smile.  Home sweet home with amazing kids.

The Faithful

Another day, another opportunity to work with some our Kentucky faithful who made their way to Charleston.

Charleston Has It All

Window boxes, revolutionary era homes, cobble stone streets and Church's that lean from the Earthquake of 1886.  Charleston has it all.

Play before Work

Before heading to the conference room for the work part of the trip, Deborah and I enjoyed a carriage ride through the original eight blocks of Charleston.  Yes, Charleston is as romantic as they say.

Dakota

Our work horse for this tour was a massive Percheron named Dakota.  While his size and strength are apparent at a glance, it was his personality that made us fall in love with him.

It turns out, Dakota has a sweet tooth.  He is particularly fond of peppermint balls and has a favorite stop along the route where the lady of house comes out to feed him peppermint.  He stopped on our tour and refused to pull away again until she came out.

Oh, Dakota...

Oh, Dakota...you jester.  Deborah and I decided to get our picture taken in front of Dakota.  Turns out he wanted to be in picture.  When we didn't honor his request, he headbutted his way into the frame.

Not once, but twice he headbutted his way in.  And then proceeded to nibble on my wife's shoulder.  For years I have told Deborah that she has sexy shoulders.  Apparently, Dakota agrees.

Then the Work

Oh, yeah. There is the work.

Hello, Charleston, SC

We checked into the charming Francis Marion Hotel for a three day business expo.  Built in 1924, the Francis Marion offers a wonderful glimpse into the old south.

Seafood in Charleston

If you get the chance, enjoy dinner at the legendary Hyman's Seafood Company in downtown Charleston. You have to try the hush puppies and the crab cakes.

Back at the Dance Hall

Missing our kiddo's like crazy, Nana sent us this picture of Isabella in her ballet outfit.  It appears they aren't missing us as much as we are missing them.

A Smile Before I Go

Mommy and Daddy are preparing to fly to Charleston, SC tomorrow.  Isabella gave us one last smile and diva pose before we heading out.   This little diva pose is cracking me up, it's her "go to" when I reach for the camera.

Gonna miss this little diva.  Can't to go, can't wait to get back.

D for Dollar

Of all the letters in the alphabet upon which to get tripped up.  Well, not anymore.  Isabella has pushed through and conquered the mental block that kept her from recognizing the letter "D".

Her reward?  A dollar, of course.  D for dollar, dog and dining.

Sunday, Dress, Photo Op

Isabella sporting a new dress and excited for her photo op.  She insisted on brother joining her for one.  Kudos to brother, he joined her against his will.  Who can no to a diva in a new dress?

Entertaining Ride

Isabella enjoying her new in car DVD entertainment center, headset included.  Again, why didn't we think of this sooner.  Drive time has never been this quiet.

New Shower Head

Isabella is thrilled with her new wand shower head.  Truth is, so are Mommy and Daddy.  This wand is making tubby time easier, quicker and less fussy.  Why didn't we think of this sooner?

A Hopeful Sign

Having survived the coldest winter of her life, Isabella was thrilled to be able to go outside after school and enjoy a little sunshine.   Spring?  Maybe not yet but it is a hopeful sign for one of the most hopeful girls I know.

A. B. C.

We are counting down to the August start of Kindergarten and working hard on our ABC's.   Daily flash card and writing sessions,  Bella is making big progress.

The Chattanooga Acquarium

We woke to the sound of rain in downtown Chattanooga.   With any out door activities in doubt, we walked over to the Chattanooga Aquarium and enjoyed some fishy experiences.

Isabella was intrigued by the turtles and took the two pictures of them.  The diver cleaning the tank came over to interact with her but she wasn't too sure of him.

Shark Bait

The kids enjoyed the petting tank where they had the opportunity to lean over and pet baby sharks and sting rays.   Skyler leaned a little too far and nearly went head first into the tank.  You can see in the picture, both feet off the ground.  He had to catch himself by putting his hand into the tank.

That's my Skyler, shark bait.

In the larger tank, Isabella thought polka dot sting ray's were funny.

Butterfly Paradise

The Butterfly exhibit wasn't on our itinerary but I have to admit we all enjoyed the wonderful view of colorful species and trying to get them to land on our finger.  No luck with the finger but one took a liking to my fleece.