Riley Family Vacation 2012

Riley Family Vacation took place this year at the Riley compound. We all gathered together for a week full of fun which included grilling out, swimming, swinging, jumping, rides on the ranger, and playing all manner of games. (The children had fun too!) For something different, we headed up to Pigeon Forge for a few days where we shopped, the men rode go carts, we ate at the famous Apple Barn, and joined some friends at their campsite for the annual firefly exhibit. I must be honest and say that the firefly exhibit was not all it was cracked up to be but we had a great time none-the-less. There is nothing like time with family and never enough of it!

Memorial Day 2012

I just don't think it would feel quite like Memorial Day without the Dacula Memorial Day Parade. It was slightly overcast that morning which made for perfect parade weather and the kids loved seeing all the neat things and grabbing up as much candy as they could. Caleb discovered his pockets and was having trouble keeping his shorts up by the end of the parade because they were so full of treats. A visit with Grandmama and a swim at Papa Ron and Nonna's house made for the perfect holiday.

"Just the Good Stuff!"

A few years ago, one of the grandchildren told Papa Ron to get "just the good stuff" when he was grocery shopping for family vacation. This has become the motto whenever the kids are with Papa Ron and Nonna and it still holds true today. While Samuel and I were gone on our cruise in April, the children stayed with them and were treated to all sorts of things. There was a trip to the Mall of Georgia, story time at Barnes and Nobles, breakfast at Krispy Kreme, movies in Papa Ron and Nonna's bed, and cupcake making with cousins. Colleen even got to spend the night with Grandmama all by herself. They had a wonderful time as always!



Back to Blairesville

We must confess that the trip over the mountain to Blairesville is not always a fun one, but our time with Great Grandmother Kirkland is well spent and we were thankful to have the opportunity to visit with her again. This trip included our traditional meal at Fatz, some time outside in the gazebo, and a trip to Wal-Mart where G.G. Kirkland spoiled the children with treats galore! She even gave them the treats she had bought for herself and they loved it! They all fell fast asleep on the way home, with happy hearts and full bellies. So much love and thanks to Great Grandmother! (I also sneaked in a maternity picture to try and track my progress with Cora.)

Summer of Fun

What did we ever do without this pool?! The small plastic pool that served us well for two summers finally bit the dust, so we decided to upgrade to something a little larger this year. Thanks to the greatest man on earth (aka: Daddy) we now have a beautiful garden, ten foot pool we can all get in and enjoy, and a wonderful floating deck to bask in the sun. It is going to be a great summer!