Birds' house & Longwood Gardens

The kids and I took a quick night away this week to visit Nate and Anna. The weather, especially for August, could not have been better. We enjoyed playing at their house, park and wandering Longwood Gardens the morning before we left. Thanks for having us!

Sky Valley: family photos and field games

Every year the Stegall family grows and expands. A great professional photographer (Sposa Bella) took pictures again this year. Here are a few from my camera. 

 Sarah planned fun field games after dinner one night. Water balloon toss, foot races, s'mores, and dancing on a beautiful night capped off our fun week together. Having daily activities and slightly older children made this year even more fun than years past.

We took nearly 12 hours to drive home from the mountains. The next day Alice asked if we could go back. I said, "No way, I'm so sick of the car." Alice replied, "Daddy, me and Sawyer can go back today and you can meet us there." It's great to hear how much she loves her cousins and the mountains!

Cherokee: visiting the Indian VillageGa

 Alice said, "Why have you never taken me here before? This is the best place I've ever been!" She thought the Cherokee Indian Village was amazing. My dad replied to Alice's question with, "I can tell you aren't very old." The village seemed small and I was impressed with their basket weaving and wood work. The process is long and tedious but the outcome is stunning.

Grandaddy, Henry, Jeb, William, Sawyer, Will, Annie, Aubrey, Alice 

Dancing was the favorite for my kids

Cashiers: Sliding Rock

The water was terribly cold and the sliding was a lot of fun. Alice proved again that she has no fear and loved it. Sawyer splashed from the sidelines while all the cousins took turn after turn. 

Highlands: Sunset Rock & The Bascom

 This year my parents, siblings and their family all met in the mountains to, again, give our kids the memories and fun we had with Mama Ann and Granddandy growing up. Sunset Rock, the Nature Center, Sweet Treats Ice Cream and more recently, the Bascom are favorites.

we love Lake Martin!

 Last week was the first weekend Mark's entire family spent time at his parents' new lake house. There is a lot to love about water life, including morning, afternoon and evening swims and fishing! We're excited to go back again for Labor Day.