Savannah Trip

Donald had the opportunity to give a presentation on BYOT (that's Bring Your Own Technology for you non-educators!) with some Coweta County teachers and administrators last week in Savannah, and Emily and I couldn't resist riding along to one of my favorite cities.  This was Emily's first trip and, although we had to split our time between business and pleasure, we had a great time.  She enjoyed shopping at the college art supply stores and taking pedicabs, one of her favorite traveling activities.  We also spent a day at Fort Pulaski, where she had an absolute blast.  I have to admit that a trip to the Fort was not top on my list of Savannah activities but she had so much fun that I think we'll have to go back on our next trip.  She's already scheming for a visit to Andersonville!  Enjoy the pictures!

Obligatory (and delicious) trip to the Savannah Candy Kitchen

The Peacemaker was docked in Savannah and we were able to board and take a tour. Such a neat experience! Emily especially enjoyed meeting the crew.  They sat up top (above?  I don't know ship's lingo) and played guitars, flutes, and drums.  Very cool - and hippie.

Beautiful brickwork on River Street

Having a run through the fountain at Ellis Square. We had to run back to the hotel for dry clothes and a hot shower, but she  had loads of fun - you can tell from her expression!

Working through the Junior Ranger workbook at Fort Pulaski. She was completely obsessed with earning a badge there and now wants to earn an actual patch by visiting two other parks.  

It took 25 million bricks and 18 years to build Fort Pulaski!

She did it!

The view from Fort Hambright

Having some fudge and pralines while watching the Falcons game. Well, they watched and I read People magazine - and ate pralines.

Spending some time sketching the fountains and buildings in Ellis Square. I think , besides the Fort, that this was the best part of the trip for Emily.  

Breakfast at the hotel on the day we came home. That's right - you see soy milk on the table. Who is this kid, anyway?

Visiting Blick's Art Supply - just like the local SCAD students!

Pedicab aficionado!

A fun way to spend an evening while Donald was in meetings - We didn't bring suits because we (mistakenly) thought it would be too cold.  So instead of swimming, we dangled our feet in the water and played cards.

Happy Halloween!

Donald and I have been a bit under the weather, so we decided to cancel our yearly Halloween dinner and keep it low-key this year.  Donald manned the fort and gave out candy while Emily and I ventured out into the madness that is our neighborhood on Halloween.  She's all tuckered out and ready for bed right now!  And so am I!

Ready to go!  That was one heavy bucket by the time she got home.

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week has been great so far.  We've worn shades, hats, book character costumes, have carved a pumpkin, and are looking forward to a Veteran's breakfast tomorrow.  Can't wait for Friday when we get to wear our favorite team jersey!

Matching hat girls!

Emily got to hang out with the CFA Cow before the morning broadcast.  So glad that they've gone equal opportunity and added a female cow.

Favorite book character this year - a gymnast.

Pumpkin carving in the classroom!

Mary Poppins and gymnast - we were inspired by the London Olympics this year!

Pumpkin Carving Party

We LOVE going to our friends, the Westbrooks, annual pumpkin carving party.  We had a great time carving pumpkins with nearly 30 people this year!  Emily and Donald decided on a Falcons theme for our pumpkin this year and it turned out to be fabulous.  So cute to see all of the kiddos sitting on the steps with their pumpkins!  Also, Emily made a new furry friend who followed her around for a good bit of the night.  She was so proud!

Emily makes this same face when she's concentrating!

Love this grossed out expression!

Not Impressed!

We had some fun fooling around with McKayla Maroney's "Not Impressed" pictures after trick or treating.  Emily's pretty close, don't you think?  Well, except for the obvious different in medal colors!

Lazy Sunday Morning

This is what a lazy Sunday morning looks like at the White House, whether you're a cat or a human.  I just happened to take a picture of the cats!  I'm always concerned about them when we are at home during the day - they sleep so much that I worry that something's wrong with them!  On the other hand, I can't say that I wouldn't spend my day doing the exact same thing, if I could.

Happy Birthday, Amy!

We celebrated Amy's birthday this week with dinner and cupcakes at the White House, followed by a trip to the Pirate Ship up the street.  If you've never seen how the White House neighborhood does Halloween, visit www.swansbroughmanor.com to see what goes on right up the street!  We even managed to sneak in some family photos, which doesn't happen that often. I'm usually too busy taking pictures of the girls!  Hope all of your wishes came true, Auntie Yam!

Chitlin Hoedown

We took our annual visit to Yatesville and the Chitlin Hoedown this weekend with our friends, the Blounts.  I  managed to take two pictures during this trip - one at the beginning and one at the end!  We were too busy to stop to snap any pictures.  The barbecue was delicious, as usual, and Maw Maw's Fried Pies were legendary.  Wish I could learn to make them like that!

Tuckered out after lunch!

A Trip to the Farm

Emily's class took their big field trip last week to a local farm and I was lucky enough to get to go along.  We had such a great time taking a hayride, running through the corn maze (creepy!), watching the pig races, and jumping on a giant trampoline pillow.  It's always fun to see Emily running around with her friends and having a great time!

Squealie Nelson is in the lead!

Happy Birthday, Bobby!

Our sweet Bobby, known to many as Adam, celebrated his 23rd birthday this week.  Who would believe that screamy little boy who subsisted on macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, and Sunkist for so long has grown up into a man?  We had fun celebrating with him at Nanny's house before he headed back to Augusta.  Emily even had time to give him a smashing new hairdo.  Happy Birthday, Bobby!

Modeling the gift Donald brought her from the Genghis Khan exhibit at Fernbank.

Nanny got very tickled at something funny

Bobby gets origami money and dog biscuits for his birthday.  Don't worry , the biscuits are for Daina the Dingo, not for him!

These girls love their Bobby!

Posing with Nanny

Bobby as Mongolian Princess

Bobby's hair was begging for a fishtail braid.