Bombay Hook

The weather was nice one afternoon while in Delaware, so the kids and I decided to go hiking.  We ended up at Bombay Hook NWR, and it was amazing.  There were several short trails, and we hiked them all.  The sheer number and variety of birds that we saw definitely made this trip worth-while.  We saw swans, geese, ducks, hawks, and all other types of birds that I couldn't identify.  We also saw a mama fox and her kits.  This place was so beautiful, and the weather was just perfect.  We will definitely be back.

Cherry Blossoms (Part Deux)

A couple of years ago, we were lucky enough to visit D.C. during the peak bloom for the cherry blossoms.  Seeing those trees in full bloom was amazing.  I loved every minute of it.  This year, our visit coincided once again with the blossom's peak, so we decided to go.  The trees were just as beautiful this year as before, but the crowds were so much worse.  It was shoulder-to-shoulder around the tidal basin.  We didn't stay in this area long. Instead, we walked over to the not-as-busy West Potomac Park and found some less crowded areas. 

We enjoyed seeing the beautiful trees, but the crowds and the cold weather soon forced us inside.  We decided to dip into one of the Smithsonians, and since Brian wasn't there to veto my choice- I picked the Smithsonian Art Museum.  This was my first time in this particular museum, and I really enjoyed it.  The kids were not too happy with my choice initially, but in the end they thought it was pretty cool.  We got through over half of the museum before they started complaining.

After our Smithsonian visit, we left D.C. and went to Arlington National Cemetery where we watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also looked around the visitor's center and visited JFK's grave.  I am so glad that the kids got to experience this.  It led to a wonderful discussion about the sacrifices that the men and women of the armed forces make for our country.  Overall, we had an excellent day in D.C.

Spring Break in Delaware

The kids and I went to Delaware over Spring Break to visit with the Sanders bunch.  Brian was unable to go this year due to work, and he hated missing out on that.  Still, the kids and I were so thrilled to spend the week with Poppy and Nana.  We also got to see Uncle Brandon (who spoils my kids rotten).  He came for the weekend with all sorts of rockets for the kids to launch.  Olivia was a little leery of getting too close during the launch, but Owen loved it.  Brandon also gifted some rocket kits to the kids, so I'm sure there will be more rocket launches during the summer.

 The kids always look forward to going to see their grandparents.  They are excited to hang out around the house, to walk the dogs, and to help Poppy feed the geese in the pond behind the house. 

While in Delaware, we were also able to go see Uncle Mike and Aunt Connie (and make a trip to Byler's!).  It was a great week!

Owen is 11

 Owen celebrated his 11th birthday at the end of March.  On his actual birthday, we ordered pizza and let him pick out an ice cream cake from DQ.  We later celebrated at Granny Buie's with family (and cake #2) and again in Delaware with the Sanders bunch (and cake #3).  Here are some facts about Owen at age 11:

• He is a pretty funny kid and is always looking for a joke.
• He loves playing video games.
• He is a good student and likes school- especially math.
• He likes to be helpful and has started helping his dad with tasks around the house.
• He likes the newer "pop" music and always makes me go back to his favorite songs when I pass by them on the radio.
• He has an adventurous spirit and is always up for trying new things.
• He is my big eater- the days of the kid's menu are near an end.

In addition to celebrating Own's birthday at our house, we also let him pick an activity that we could all do as a celebration.  He wanted to do an escape room.  He had done one before with some of his friends, but this was a first for the rest of us.  We did the Pirate Cove Plunder room at Escape Quest, and do you know we got out.  It was really a lot of fun.  We all enjoyed it and will probably do another one in the future.

Grand Spring Ball

 Owen's first year of cotillion ended with the Grand Spring Ball.  This was a formal dance held at the Country Club.  Owen was excited to put all of the dance moves he had learned to good use.  I snuck in for the last thirty minutes- during which time he danced a beach shag with Ava and a foxtrot with Claire.  Owen has really liked cotillion this year and plans to enroll in the level 2 class next year. 

Owen's Smoky Mountain Field Trip

Owen has been looking forward to his fifth-grade field trip to the Smoky Mountains all year, and it did not disappoint.  He had such a wonderful time.  His group spent three days / two nights exploring Pigeon Forge and the surrounding areas. Granny Mel went as a chaperone, and she also had a great time. 

Day one began early.  The bus pulled out at 5:00 a.m.  The students headed to Rock City and then they attended Dolly's Dixie Stampede later that evening.  Owen said that his favorite part of this day is when the group made a conga line and went around the room at the stampede pre-show. 

 Day two started off with a visit to the Titanic museum.  Everyone was given the identity of a Titanic passenger at the beginning of the tour, and then you get to see what happened to "you" at the end.  Owen and Granny Mel were both survivors. 

After the Titanic, the group traveled to Ober Gatlinburg where they participated in activities such as ice skating, sight-seeing via the scenic chair lift, and riding the mountain coaster.  That evening, they attended the Hatfield and McCoy's Dinner Feud show.  This was Owen and Mel's favorite thing of the whole trip (and it was mine when I went on this trip with Olivia last year).  This show is just so entertaining.   

Before coming home, the group visited "The Island" entertainment complex to do some shopping.  Everyone had a great time on the trip. 

Baileys Wedding

You know you're old when both of your flower girls are married.  My youngest cousin Bailey tied the knot with her beau last weekend.  We are all so excited for this happy couple and were thrilled to help them celebrate this day.  The wedding was just perfect.  The ceremony was held lakeside out in the country.  Their reception was in a "fancy" barn and was lots of fun.   Bailey is the last of my girl cousins to get married.  I love weddings, so the boys better get crackin'.