Sweet SummerTime

We're really getting into the groove of Summer around here.

Cooking out, being outside, time on the lake, camping and the list goes on.

As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, there are a ton of things still left on our bucket list left to do but we'll be marking things off of the list.

Just like spending more time on the water and rides on the boat.

We spent this past weekend at my in-laws house.

We drove up after work and enjoyed a sunset cruise.

I'm pretty big on Shelby's 7pm bedtime, but we're at the point that on the weekends we can be a little more flexible.

We're able to stretch her until about 9pm....maybe 9:30pm.

(Of course, it was different on our trip to Florida)

 Even Mr. Buddy loves a sunset cruise.

Really, he just enjoys any ride on the pontoon.

Funny for a dog that had to literally be dragged down the boat dock just 5-years ago.

We're so lucky to have Brad's parents keep Buddy on a regular basis for us when we leave town.

We call it 'going to camp' for him.

He LOVES IT!

 A Friday night boat ride wouldn't be a complete without a few cocktails.

She's fascinated with any bottle.

Beer, water, anything.

 This year, Summer also means a lot of trips to Dan Nicholas Park near the lake house.

Such a hidden gem.

If you recall, this is where we camped a month ago.

Saturday we took Shelby back over there for a ride on the train, carousel and a little time on the playground.

All of which have become favorites of hers.

 Then back on the water......

 Shelby is doing incredibly well for only 18-months if I might say so.

Brad has done a good job working with her in the water.

Pretty amazing just how fearless she is.

 Of course, something to be careful of too.

 Our next camping trip is on the books.

We're headed West to Pisgah and explore all the waterfalls in and around Brevard.

I just love this area of Western NC, and am happy to be able to introduce Shelby and Brad to it.

So, giving that, Brad did a little tidying up the camper.

Shelby was all about helping too.

 Summer also means working and helping in Grammy's garden.

 This is Shelby's first year to experience the garden.

She seemed pretty intrigued.

 It's crazy to think that back when I was a kid I was embarrassed that my parents had a garden.

I always wondered why we couldn't just buy our produce from the grocery store like other people.

Boy, have times changed....

I love fresh, home-grown veggies.

 Shelby helped pick zucchini and squash.

 She was pretty excited.

 Summer also means more time at the pool.

The pool actually is better to teach Shelby how to swim versus the lake.

She seems to like it better too.

This past weekend was her first real time wearing a Puddle Jumper and boy was her Daddy proud!

 Sweet Summer Time.

Can't wait to make even more memories in the weeks to come!

Summer Bucket List

We are still more than 2-weeks from the official start of Summer on the calendar, but I consider Memorial Day my official start.

I've been seeing several bloggers post their Summer 'Bucket Lists', so I thought I would join in.

 

Mine probably isn't as long as others.

 

So, here we go, and note, that this is no particular order.

 

* At least 2 or 3 more camping trips in our travel trailer.

* More time at the pool.

* Get a tan.

And, no NOT A spray one like I had this weekend.

 * Take more pictures

* Eat popsicles at the pool

 * Go for a convertible ride with Shelby

* Go on boat rides and possibly have Shelby ride behind in the tube?

* Make homemade ice cream

* Make and eat smores by the campfire

* Have a cookout

* Go on a bike ride with Shelby and Brad

* Visit family in Arkansas

* Spend more time with both sets of parents

* Visit with family visiting from Seattle

* Go to the beach

 

Simple and straight forward.

Nothing overly ambitious, except making homemade ice cream!!!

How about you?

What are you excited about this Summer?

Goodbye Summer 2011

Summer is over and Fall is here.

I'm sad and glad all at the same time.

Other than it getting dark early, Fall is my favorite season.

The leaves, pumpkins, weather, football and much more.

But, in honor of our very busy summer I thought I would make a Shutterfly photo book recapping our good times in pictures.

I still print hard copies out here and there but I find this is the best way to compile everything into one book.

Check it out by clicking here.

Are you sad to see Summer go?

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday! (actually, I hate Mondays...)

Anyhoo -- fun weekend which mainly consisted of the lake and symphony in the park.

Let's start out with the lake where my in-laws neighbor had a big party! Before we went Brad commented that it would probably be a bunch of rednecks and I thought.....no way! Well, I am here to say that Brad was right - but it was fun and great people watching fo sho!

Here's Brad in his straw hat trying to keep cool in this crazy heat that we've been experiencing. I was pretty shocked that he wore this hat but thought it looked cute.

Most of the party people came by boat - we just walked over 2 houses.

We offered to put up the Stephens' tailgate tents to help give some shade.

There was even a live band who played all sorts of fun music.

My MIL and FIL who are always fun to hang with. (oh.. btw ... helped my MIL set up a Facebook page yesterday! can't wait to see how much she likes it!)

We headed back to Charlotte yesterday and I had plans to do symphony in the park aka 'Pops in the Park'. They only do this for a month each year and I love it! Last year I didn't get to go because we had too much going on so I was totally going this year!

Brad opted out which did not surprise me. He's all about 'couch time' on Sundays and I knew he wouldn't want to sit out in the park, drink wine and SWEAT!! Especially since it was 95 yesterday.

So, Kelli came with me and we had a great time. I would like to go again this Sunday but if so I won't get out there until right before the concert so it's cooler.

Of course, giving that lawn space fills up fast we'll have to go and lay our blanket out in the morning to save our spot.

I know today is the 'official' first day of summer and the longest day of the year -- but is it just me or do you feel like the summer is half over??

That's it for today!! CIAO!

Men and How They Wear Their Sunglasses

This is such a random post but one I have thought about doing for quite a while. Now that it's the season of sunglasses I thought it was time.

Sunglasses -- have you ever noticed the different ways men wear them when they are not on their face?

I never noticed it until I moved to the Carolinas but it's pretty interesting if you look for it.

Here's what I have come up with.

Here's the "preppy way" and I would say most men who live in South Carolina(especially Charleston) wear this way --with straps.

These are random pictures but all I could find.

Anyhoo -- they don't generally have plain straps yet ones with a palmetto tree and crescent(SC).
I like the look but have never dated a guy who wore these.

Second way men around these neck of the woods wear their sunglasses? On the back of their neck.

Here's a random picture of the Food Network's Guy wearing his this way.

I've always thought this way was a little strange even though I have dated guys who have done this. My question is......WHY??

Okay -- here's the way Brad wears his sunglasses -- and probably the most logical way to wear them.

On the head.

What do you prefer?? Have you ever noticed this before? I'm so gay.. I know.. sorry... LOL!

Easter Weekend Wrapup

Easter weekend has come and gone! A fabulous time! Brad and I really enjoyed hosting and look forward to doing it again.

On our menu was:
Apps - bruschetta, meatballs, veggies and dip. Cocktails!

Dinner: Prime rib, parsley seasoned potatoes, parmesan encrusted asparagus, mac and cheese, salad, bread.

Dessert: Cake!

Here's the table. So fun to use the china!

Here are my hydrangeas. White, blue and pink. Just as I envisioned, I didn't want them too tall so people could see across the table.

Check out my placecards and little bunnies! I got the placecards from a Dee Gee sorority sister from LSU who makes fun stationary, place cards, etc. Check her out here.

Another shot of my table arrangements.

I had flowers in our kitchen too.. Farmer's Market! Love it!

Easter goodies for Paige and Reed.

Reed snacked on goldfish most of the day.

Paige is on the GO! these days! Very independent!

Gorgeous tulips from Jeff and Robyn! Thanks!

I'm keeping to my goal of cooking out of my cookbooks. This is the one I chose for this weekend.

I made a Spring Spritzer from the book. Sparkling water, white wine and a twist of lemon.

Buddy even got a special Easter dinner. Chicken! REAL chicken!

Brad's Prime Rib! Better than the last time! Yum!

My parsley new potatoes. GREAT recipe from that Tuxedo to Tailgates book too!

The family - minus me and Reed.

He watched YouTube during dinner.

Robyn's coconut cake for dessert! Just divine!

Then yesterday, actual Easter day, we went up to the lake since the weather has been so nice! Brad worked on getting 'our' jet ski ready for the spring/summer season.

Charging the jetski battery.

It's been in the 80's here in Charlotte! So we put our swimsuits on and went for a boat ride! So fun!

Well, that's it for Easter this year! Time to bust out the white pants and white shoes!! CIAO!