Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Holiday Festivities

We have been busy this holiday season. And I decided that I should post something before Christmas is upon us! Bobby has enjoyed so many different activities this year from decorating the tree to making graham cracker houses with his friends. Sue was brave enough to have all of us (11 toddlers and mommies) over for this activity! It was totally chaotic but definitely fun. Unfortunately, Bobby's architect and graham cracker mason(me) was not very good, and our house did not last long. But we have learned from our mistakes and will do better next year...I hope!

We have searched out a tree, deocorated the house and had fun looking for the Elf on the shelf each morning.

We also went to the Holiday Express at Pullen Park with our friends the Thomenius's. Bobby had a great time...a train and lights...what more could a little boy want!! The wait in line was a bit much for him, but overall, it was a great experience.

And finally, I went to a cookie exchange with my friends...without any kids! It was such a great evening being able to relax and enjoy some mommy time...thanks Heather. Although, it seemed that all we talked about were the little ones:)

We hope that everyone has a great Christmas and I will post more at the end of the week! Merry Christmas.

Getting the house ready



The graham cracker house adventure


Riding the carousel

Riding the Holiday Express

My contribution to the cookie exchange

The entire spread

Friday, December 5, 2008

Thanksgiving 2008

A week late, but better late than never. We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. As usual, we headed to Wilmington, and it was wonderful to be able to see just about the entire family. On both sides, both mine and Sam's.

We had lunch on Thursday at the Godwin Camp. It was great because I think that it was the first time that just about everyone was there. Needless to say, the boys had a blast running around outside, playing on the tractors, with each other and going for rides with Poppy. And for some, even some hunting was to be had.

We were also able to spend a lot of time with my family, so that was great too. We have so much to be thankful for, and I am reminded every time that we are with such loving family.

The Longs with Great Grandma Alice

The Longs

The Longs with Great Grandma Sarah

And of course, the Foy family photo shoot

Riding in the hay wagon with Aunt Betty

GG and Poppy with their boys

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Halloween

I must say that Halloween was a ton of fun this year. Last year, Bobby didn't really know what was going on, but this year he was very aware of everything. The day started off with a Halloween party at my friend Sue's house. It was great to see all of the little ones all dressed up and enjoying the day. We had arts and crafts, which as usual, Bobby wasn't too terribly interested in. But we did manage to make a pumpkin...or I should say that I made it. A little too perfect for a 20 month old...HA!!

Then we had our annual Halloween cul-de-sac get together. Everyone on the street contributes some good food and we sit around, eat, drink and enjoy the company. Then the trick or treating began. Bobby was so cute in the wagon with Anwyn, off to go and knock on the doors. He even knew how to say "trick treat." It was SO adorable, and once again, I am amazed at how much he has changed in the past 12 months.

We hope that everyone else had a great day and evening....

Bobby the Pirate...ARGH, ARGH!

Brady, Bobby, Addie, Brayden, Easton and Landon

Bobby and Easton sitting with the "big boys" on the street

Bobby and Anwyn enjoying hotdogs

Getting ready to head out for trick or treating

Ahoy Matey!!!

At the first house and getting ready to say "trick treat"

Megan, Anwyn, and me and Bobby

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The Artist

Today Bobby officially became an artist. He has completed his first canvas, and I must say that I am very proud of him. We already have a place picked out in his room for it! If you would like to commission Bobby for your own piece of art, please let us know:) I can't wait to do these every few months and see the progress that he makes...






Monday, October 20, 2008

Pumpkin Time

Yesterday we went to Hillridge Farm with the Parks family. We did this last year, and everyone had a great time again. The boys, Bobby and Carson, were really able to enjoy all of the activities this year. The huge slide, hay maze, all of the animals, and of course the wagon pulled by a tractor. Here are some pictures, and I put one from last year too. It is amazing how quickly they have grown.

Talking to the goats

Down the slide with Mommy

And down again with Daddy....no fear!

Bobby and his pumpkin this year

Bobby and his pumpkins last year

Bobby and Carson this year

Bobby and Carson last year

A great day for everyone

Monday, October 13, 2008

Mountain Time Fun

Last week my parents rented a cabin in Foscoe, NC. This is just outside of Boone, NC, near Grandfather Mountain. Jenni, Carson, Bobby and I all joined them for a week in the mountains. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't perfect, but a great time was had by everyone regardless. In fact, it forced all of us to relax and rest more than we probably would have otherwise. Sam came up for the weekend, but Jon was unable to make the trip due to work obligations....

We spent time hiking to the cool waterfall near our cabin, playing outside, making smores by the fire (both inside and out), visiting the local towns and trekking up Grandfather Mountain. I can't thank you enough mom and dad for such a wonderful week!

A rainy foggy morning on Grandfather Mountain

A trek to the waterfall nearby



A beautiful day spent at a park in Banner Elk

Smores by the fire

Thanks again Mom and Dad!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Final Summertime Hurrah

This weekend Bobby and I went to Wilmington...again. We just can't get enough of the beach. Unfortunately, I think that mother nature is going to put an end to our beach days:( But we tried for one final boating/beaching day on Saturday. My friend Megan and her daughter Anwyn came and joined us for some beach time fun. We will be sad to see the warm weather go, but I am looking forward to all the things that fall and winter bring...more time at the park (without sweat and mosquitos), pumpkin season and all the holiday activities. Here are some pictures from Saturday. We hope that everyone has been able to enjoy their summer as much as we have. Thanks Mummu and Papa for always opening the doors for us!


Bobby and Anwyn in the wagon heading down to the boat

The boat ride to the beach


Abbey Nature Preserve Dedication

I am way behind in putting this post out there, so I am sorry for the delay. On September 12, we finally had the dedication for the nature preserve or "park" as my family calls it. The park was created by family and the NC Coastal Land Trust, in memory of my Aunt Margaret Abbey. It was a wonderful ceremony, and had a record turn out for that type of event. It was wonderful to see how much interest and loyalty that the local communities have put into the park.

Much of the leg work for the ceremony was done by my dad and my Aunt Betty, with the help of many volunteers. So thank you to all of you! It was wonderful, especially to see Papa do the ribbon cutting.