My New Pedometer

Don't know if any of you have ever heard of a pocket pedometer.I hadn't but it was something that I could really use.I haven't had much luck with the pedometers that are attached to a waistband.

I receive a periodic e-zine concerning walking.In one of the e-zines the woman recommended a pedometer that you place in your pocket to track your steps.I loved that concept since I have had a problem with attaching pedometers to my waistline.Needless to say many pedometers have fallen off and broke.

I love this pedometer.I place it in my jeans pocket in the morning and forget about it.It tallies my steps all during the day.I ordered it online.It is by far the best pedometer I have ever owned.This is the first one I have bought online.All of the others have been bought in local stores and are no where as nice as this one.

I was surprised when I googled the pedometer that there was a web page all about the pedometer.Here is the link if you would like further information:

http://www.omronpocketpedometer.com/?gclid=CK2MnL2I4ZcCFQMQswodP0w0Dw

The National D-Day Memorial

On the way to Virginia Beach on our Thanksgiving weekend getaway we stopped at the D-Day Memorial in Bedford Virginia.It is located about 150 miles East of us.We had never been there.We want to go back and spend more time there.It is so very impressive.

This is a quote from the brochure regarding the picture that I downloaded to add here:

The figurative sculpture on and around the beach alludes to actions and events associated with the amphibious landing.Often inspired by specific incidents or particular individuals the sculptures themselves are generalized personifications of the abstract characteristics this Memorial exists to celebrate.

Proportionally Bedford suffered the nation's severest D-Day losses.Nineteen soldiers from Bedford lost their lives on D-Day.In 1944 Bedford's population was only 3,200 people.

This is only a small part of the memorial.The brochure alludes to 20 Architectural Features and Historical Illusions.If you are ever in that area of Virginia I would highly recommend a visit to the D-Day Memorial.Bedford East of Lynchburg right off of Route 460.

This is a link to their website for further information:

www.dday.org

Speedway In Lights

Yesterday we drove down to Bristol TN to take in the Speedway In Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway.We went last year and really enjoyed it although it rained some.This time it was cold but thankfully no rain or snow.

I was rather disappointed that as hard as I tried,most of my pictures did not take.A few took and this is one of them.

Last year we got out at the infield and walked around.Didn't do it this time since it was way too cold.

The one thing that our 7 year old grandson looks forward to is the drive on the concrete oval that the race car drivers drive on during a race.The embankment is unbelievable.What a feeling to be riding in the car and the car tilted sideways so high up.The vehicle in front of us was having fun on the oval so our daughter who was driving decided to go up higher on the embankment.All I can say is that I know that I would never drive up there like that.Watching the Bristol races on TV does not show how steep the embankment is.You have to drive on it to realize how steep it actually is.

Sand Creation

This is the creation that our grandchildren made in the sand at Virginia Beach.Jeremy named it Mt.Everest.He has a fascination with Mt.Everest.

Before we left the beach he demolished Mt.Everest.I thought that was rather sad but he wanted to demolish their creation.I thought it was rather cute how the two of them went around on the beach looking for sticks to add to their creation.

I honestly don't remember playing in the sand when I went to the beach as a child.I remember getting in the water and enjoying it.I must have played in the sand too but have no memories of it.Glad I was able to capture these memories for our grandchildren.

Playing On The Beach

Our grandchildren love playing in the sand on the beach.I took this picture when they were playing and building in the sand.The weather was just right for them to be playing in the sand.

Our granddaughter wasn't exactly dressed to be playing in the sand but that didn't stop her.What amazes me is how at home they are on the beach.We are land locked and at least 300 miles or more from the closest beach.At least they knew this time that the weather was too cold to get in the water.They loved getting in the water when we were at Foley Beach in SC back in August.

The more I think about it the more I realize that I love going to beaches during the off season.I don't care for the water all that much.I love the sound of the ocean waves,watching the sea gulls and just enjoying the lovely scenery that God has made.I enjoyed the water when I was younger.Now is the time for me to enjoy the beauty of the beach.

Look At The View From My Back Door

Isn't this view lovely.We had a little snow overnight which didn't accumulate to much.The lovely thing is how nice the trees look covered in snow and ice.

The roads are clear which makes it so nice to enjoy this Winter Wonderland.I took some pictures since I knew that it wouldn't last very long.

Sea Gull Soaring

I love this picture.I took it from my hotel balcony at Virginia Beach.Watching a sea gull soaring is such a peaceful,calming feeling for me.I took several pictures of sea gulls soaring and this is the one that captured it the best.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Sand Angel

Since my granddaughter isn't feeling well today I thought that I would show a picture of her making a sand angel when we were at Virginia Beach over our Thanksgiving weekend getaway.

Mariah and her big brother Jeremy were having fun in the sand.They both look right at home playing in the sand.You would think that it was part of their everyday life.Neither of them were upset that it was too cold to get into the water.They were very happy to just play in the sand.I let my daughter have my camera to take some random pictures of the two grandchildren playing in the sand.I took some and she took some.I thought it was cute how Mariah was making a sand angel when she wasn't even prompted to do it.

Peaceful Beach Scenes

Since it is a snowy day here in the mountains of southern West Virginia I thought I would show two beach scenes.

These two pictures were taken at sunset from my balcony at Virginia Beach on Thanksgiving day.I love the colors of the sunset.It got darker a little earlier at Virginia Beach than here at home since Virginia Beach is further east than we are.Sunrise and daylight came earlier there but thankfully the blackout room drapes kept the room dark so the grandchildren could get plenty of sleep.Sure didn't want our 4 year old granddaughter up at the crack of dawn.

I took lots and lots of pictures on our getaway so I have plenty to share in the days to come.We also went to a naval museum and got to go on the deck of the battleship USS Wisconsin.We stopped by The National D Day Memorial on our way to Virginia Beach.The D Day Memorial is located in Bedford Virginia.On the way home we stopped at a civil war site.

Our Thanksgiving Day Adventures

I took this picture from our hotel balcony looking down the beach at Virginia Beach.I love the color of the water and sky!What a view on Thanksgiving morning.When I first looked out our balcony door I noticed a lot of people were out jogging.There aren't any in this picture since it was taken a little later.I am thinking that it must be a tradition for people to get out and jog on the boardwalk every Thanksgiving morning.

Since we were spending Thanksgiving in an area where we had never been we were in a quandary as to where to eat our Thanksgiving meal.Our daughter brought her lap top along so she got it out and did a search of restaurants in the area.Most were closed but a few were open.

She found that Shoney's was open and serving a Thanksgiving Buffet.We have a Shoney's in our area where the food is quite good.She was able to get directions on the website that was to take us directly to the restaurant.We needed the directions since none of us was familiar with the Virginia Beach area.

We decided to eat around 2 thinking that the restaurant wouldn't be crowded.We start out on our adventure not really knowing where we were going.We followed the directions and kept going down roads in a very nice lake side residential area.Low and behold we get to the street where the restaurant was located.No restaurant.....the directions took us to someones lovely home in the upscale neighborhood.We got such a laugh out of that.

Thankfully our daughter remembered the road that the other Shoney's was located on and remember seeing an exit off of one of the major roads that had a road by that name.We were able to find the other restaurant location on our own.We are wondering if someone might have hacked into the Shoney's site and

put in directions to a friend's house as a joke.We kept saying that the directions led us to Mr.Shoney's house,lol.I was also wondering how many other people have been misled by the bogus directions.

We had a nice meal then headed back to the hotel.We went out for a walk on boardwalk and some rest and time in the indoor pool.

Since we ate early in the afternoon everyone was getting hungry around 7.As we already knew there weren't many places open.We kept seeing billboards for sandwiches at WaWa which is a gas station-convenience store with an area where they make freshly prepared sandwiches.We don't have WaWa in our area but I remember seeing them when we were in Maryland back in May.The three adults each had a sandwich made which were quite good.Both grandchildren weren't very adventurous with their eating.They each got a hot dog.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving day with many laughs added in.

Our Thanksgiving Getaway to Virginia Beach

We left last Monday evening for our getaway to Virginia Beach.This picture was taken from our breach front hotel balcony.The dates for the pictures messed up on my camera so please disregard the dates.I fixed the dates after realizing that they date listed was almost a year off.

Virginia Beach puts on a holiday lights display every year during the Christmas season.You ride on the boardwalk to see the lights.This is the only time of the year that cars are allowed on the concrete boardwalk.You pay a $10 admission fee which goes to charity.The cars ride on the boardwalk single file.We picked the night before Thanksgiving to take the ride on the boardwalk to see the lights.There wasn't even a wait.Glad we went then since the wait for the cars got longer and longer as each night progressed.

I took some pictures as we drove on the boardwalk but most of them did not turn out.Glad the pictures that I took from our balcony turned out really nice.

We had a wonderful time in Virginia Beach.The weather was nice although on the cool side.Most days it was in the upper 40's to low 50's.The day after Thanksgiving it was in the 60's.Lots of people were out and about on the boardwalk and beach that day.I will post pictures and more about our trip as the days go by.Since I took lots of pictures I have plenty to share regarding our trip.Even some sea gulls posed for me!

Happy Thanksgiving

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.We are heading out in about an hour.We were going to leave in the morning but due to the snowy forecast we thought it would be best to leave this evening.We will travel a few hours then stop and spend the night.We will be out of the range of the snow two hours away.

We are heading to Virginia Beach Virginia.The picture I posted yesterday was The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.It is 17 miles long.My grandson is really looking forward to travelling on it.We will drive over it to the Delmarva peninsula on Friday.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.We will be returning on Sunday.Hope the traffic isn't too terribly bad that day.

Do You Know Where This Is Located?

We are going to the area where this located.It will be our Thanksgiving get away.Grandson Jeremy is looking forward to traveling on this.He read all about it in one of his books and is really fascinated with it.Will answer where this is located tomorrow.

I Was Tagged

I was tagged by Susan.I was to go to my 6th folder of pictures then post the 6th picture in that folder.

This picture was taken in April of 2007.It shows snow in our backyard.I really didn't think that it would be another snow picture but it is,lol.Do you see a theme here?

I won't tag anyone else but wanted to participate by posting a picture.

Another Snowy Day

It is another snowy day here in the mountains of southern West Virginia.I took this picture a few hours ago.I was standing on our back deck when I took the picture.I love taking pictures of snow.I measured 5 inches of snow just before taking the picture.It has snowed off and on all morning.Once again schools are closed.

The snow started yesterday evening.We have been having a problem with low water pressure the last week or so.Last night I decided to color my hair not even thinking about the low water pressure.It took forever to rinse the coloring out of my hair.About 15 minutes later I came out into our living room and heard some noise coming from down the street.I looked out and saw all kinds of yellow lights flashing on trucks.It was hard to tell since it was dark and also snowing but I figured that it must be the water company working on the water main.I checked and we didn't have any water.Good thing I rinsed my hair when I did.They worked for about two hours in darkness,snow,cold and wind replacing the water main.

I am so happy to have great water pressure once again!

A Snowy Day

We are experiencing our first major snow of the season.The snow started yesterday evening and continued on through this morning.The sun has come in and out during the day along with some intermittent snow showers.We have about 5 inches of snow now.

I took this picture this morning from our back deck.Schools in our area are closed due to the snowy weather.We are in the mountains which means that the roads can be quite treacherous in snowy weather.Thanks to the sun coming in and out we haven't had to do any shoveling.The snow has melted off of our driveway.It has been a cold day in the upper 20's.We are staying home today.Tonight it is going down to 15...brrrrrrrrrrr.

Boys and Trains

Our grandson Jeremy loves trains.The fascination with trains started when he was around 2.He loves Thomas and all of the trains and stories that go along with Thomas The Tank Engine.We have the play room cleared out so that he can set up his train tracks and play with his Thomas trains.

A week ago the annual model train show was held in our town.This was our third year to take Jeremy to the model train show.The picture was taken at the train show.We stayed there a few hours going around and around at the different train layouts.

One That Didn't Get Away

This is my granddaughter's smile that didn't get away.Whenever she sees me with my camera she either turns or hides her face with her hands.That makes it so hard for me to take a picture of her.I really believe it is a game for her.Hopefully she will soon out grow that game and enjoy having her Nana take lots and lots of pictures of her wonderful smile.

This picture was taken on her 4th birthday two weeks ago.She was getting ready to open her gifts.It seems like she was only born yesterday.These 4 years have flown by!

I believe the Wendy's cup was taken from our daughter.Our granddaughter usually has milk or if we are buying her a drink we get her diet soda as a special treat since she doesn't get it at home.

Rain,Snow,Wind...Bring It On!!

This is how it looked at our house last week.This isn't our actual house.I should have taken some pictures of the three guys as they were replacing our roof.Didn't want to disturb them so this will be the representation of our roof being replaced.I had no idea how noisy it would be to have 3 guys on our roof walking,hammering and whatever else they do to remove an old roof and replace it with a wonderful new roof.

The winds blew really hard yesterday evening.It was so nice to not be bothered by the winds coming down over our hill.Then the heavy rain came and our new roof stood the test.We are expecting snow over the weekend so I now can say bring it on!

Oh the joys of a new roof!!!

Happy Veteran's Day

I want to wish all of our veterans and their families a very nice Veteran's Day.This will be my first Veteran's Day without my dad.He is a World War ll veteran.My hubby Ken is a Viet Nam veteran.

Chef Mickey's at The Contemporary Resort

We rode the monorail from Magic Kingdom to The Contemporary Resort for our dinner reservation at Chef Mickey's.Our reservation was at 7:40.I made the reservation back in April and the only time slots left were the ones later in the evening so we were fortunate to get this reservation time.

This trip was also a celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary.The meal is served buffet style.All of the food was quite tasty.This was a character meal.Mickey Mouse,Minnie Mouse,Donald Duck and Pluto all came around to the tables and posed for pictures.A celebration song is sung and special cupcakes are brought to the tables of those that are celebrating a birthday or anniversary.I am adding a picture of the cupcake.We were also given two place mates that were signed by the characters.All of us had a great time and would recommend it to everyone.

After eating we took the monorail back to The Magic Kingdom and spent a few more hours in the park.

Tuesday August 12th Magic Kingdom

Here are a few pictures that I took when we were at Magic Kingdom on August 12th.We went to Magic Kingdom on both that Tuesday and Thursday the 14th.

We went to the park at 3 on Tuesday since it was staying open to midnight.On our arrival at 3 The Dreams Come True Parade was starting.What a great way to begin our day in Magic Kingdom.The first two pictures were taken during the Dreams Come True Parade.It was a very feel good parade.

Since we spent two days at Magic Kingdom I will write more about the rides on my report for our day in the park that Thursday.

Since we arrived later in the day we decided to use the day to do a few rides and get see both the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular at 10 and the Spectro Magic Parade at 11.

We left the park for awhile for our late dinner reservation at Chef Mickey's which is at The Contemporary Resort.I will add some pictures taken at Chef Mickey's in my next posting.

Trip To The Biltmore House

We took an over night trip to The Biltmore House and Estate over Labor Day weekend.The Biltmore House is located in Asheville,NC.It was an overcast day so the sky isn't too clear in the picture.There is a bus in front of The Biltmore.We had to park in a parking lot and take a shuttle bus to the home.

This is a picture of the outside of the mansion.It is the largest privately owned home in the US.

The home consists of 259 rooms on 4 stories.There are 33 bedrooms which were used by family and guests.The home has 43 bathrooms,65 fireplaces and three kitchens.In the basement are an indoor swimming pool,bowling alley and gym.

The tour of the home was quite interesting.Construction of The Biltmore got under way in 1889.The home was opened in 1895 after 6 years of construction.The home is surrounded by 8,000 acres of land.For more information concerning The Biltmore please check out their web site:

www.biltmore.com

I will continue my Disney World blog tomorrow.

The Biergarten Restaurant in the Germany Pavillion at EPCOT

These are two pictures that I took in The Biergarten Restaurant in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT.The first picture is the polka band playing with some children at the stage getting ready to dance to the music.

The second picture is rather dark.I was hoping that it would show how massive the restaurant is.The authentic German food is served buffet style and we found it quite tasty.

A Dream Trip..Walt Disney World...EPCOT

The first picture is Spaceship Earth that you see as you enter EPCOT.The second picture is the sign that awaits you as you enter Walt Disney World.The trip

met and exceeded my expectations.I took lots and lots of pictures and will be sharing them here.

We visited all four parks.We left bright and early Saturday morning August 9th and returned Monday evening August 18th.We spent one night in Savannah GA on our drive to Disney World and two nights in Charleston,SC on our return trip home from Disney World.

That Monday we went to EPCOT and spent a very busy day in that park.Didn't even have time to see much of The World Showcase area.Really needed two days for EPCOT.We will do two days in EPCOT whenever our return visit might be.We were on the Disney Dining Plan which meant that we had paid in advance for 1 counter service meal,1 snack and one sit down meal each day.I had to make the sit down restaurant reservations months ahead which meant lots of advanced planning for our trip.

My most favorite ride from all of the rides is Soarin which is located in EPCOT.It was such an exhilarating ride.I loved every minute of it.The concept is that you are hang gliding over California.Our 7 year old grandson enjoyed it as much as I did.

Monday evening we ate the Biergarten Restaurant which is in the Germany Pavillion.The food and atmosphere were so nice.I really enjoyed hearing the band play the polka music.After eating we found a great spot to sit and watch the Illumi Nations fireworks display.Little did I know when I made the dinner reservations in the Germany pavillion that we would be in the best area after dinner to watch the fireworks.

I took pictures in the Biergarten restaurant and will add them to my next blog.I believe I will take a day and write about each park since there is so much to tell and pictures to share.

A Hike To The Cascades

We took what was suppose to be a 4 mile round trip hike through the Cascades nature area in Pembroke Virginia on Friday.We hiked the lower trail in and the upper trail out.There were lots of stone steps and steep inclines going in on the lower trail and a rocky downhill hike coming back out.The pictures show the water coming down from the falls along the trail.The bottom picture is the falls in the distance.

The lower trail goes along a river and is so scenic.I took lots of picture along the way.We attempted the hike two years ago but due to time constraints we didn't make it too far in before we had to turn around.So glad we were able to make it to the falls this time.

The people we met along the way were all so kind and friendly.They would give us encouraging words.Some were using walking sticks.I need to get a walking stick.I know it would help on the steep steps and steep inclines going up and down.

It was in the upper 80's on Friday but in the forest it was nice and cool especially the closer we got to the falls since we were heading up to a higher elevation.We noticed as we continued walking down the trail from the falls it was getting warmer and warmer the closer we got to the parking area.

Here is a link to the area:

http://www.gilescounty.org/cascades.html

View From Hotel Room

These are pictures of the same view taken from our hotel room last week.The first picture was taken the afternoon that my husband,daughter and grandson went to the water park.I looked out and saw how dark it was so wanted to take a picture to show that I knew that they would be soon arriving back from the water park.The second picture was one of the sunsets and the last picture was taken on a clear day.There were thunderstorms off and on all last week when we were there.

Mountain Views from Blue Ridge Parkway In NC

On The Road Again.....

We just got back from another trip.This was an impromptu trip.Our daughter Kimberly wanted to go down to the Smoky Mountains Pigeon Forge area so went along and shared the costs.

It was a fun trip.We decided to stage another picture like the one we took last year.It is very hard to get our 3 year old granddaughter to sit still for a picture.I kept snapping pictures and hoping at least one would turn out.Her older brother Jeremy was holding on to her so she wouldn't get away but she managed to escape.

We did a few things on this trip that we had never done in that area.On Wednesday our daughter Kimberly,grandson Jeremy and hubby Ken went to the Dollywood Splash Country Water Park while I stayed with granddaughter Mariah.We knew that she was a little too daring to trust her around so much water and so many people.Mariah and I had a nice time together taking a walk and eating lunch out.Their water park excursion was cut a little short due to thunderstorms developing in the area.The three of them had a very nice time.It was in the 90's that day so it made for a great day at a water park.

Thursday evening daughter Kimberly and I went to a murder mystery dinner theater.The show was titled American Idle.Here is a link for the theater:

http://www.murder-mystery-theater.com/

Coming home we drove over the Great Smoky Mountains National and on to The Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee NC.The ride on the parkway was so relaxing.We got on at the southern most entrance to the parkway.We drove for about 5 miles before we saw another car.We are thinking that most people don't drive it all the way to the end in Cherokee NC.We got off of the parkway in Asheville NC.We were hoping to get a view of The Biltmore Estate.We got as close as to the entrance but never saw it.They charge around $50 to enter the estate grounds but we couldn't see paying that much with two young children not understanding they couldn't touch anything in the castle.

It was a fun trip.Now we are back home relaxing till our big trip to Walt Disney World on August 9th.We are counting down the days.....

Happy 4th of July

I took these two pictures last night during our area wide Fourth of July Fireworks display.It was held after our local professional farm team's baseball game.The date varies every year since the fireworks are held either on the 4th or the closest date to when the team plays here at home.If you click on the pictures and enlarge them you will be able to enjoy all of the array of colors.The bursts of color don't show up as well in the smaller pictures that are posted.Click on them....enlarge and enjoy!!1

We took our grandson to see the fireworks.We didn't attend the baseball game since last summer when we took him to a baseball game he kept asking us when the game would be over so we could leave.We ended up leaving before the game was over.

Since we didn't know what time the fireworks would start since it depended on the time the game ended we got there about an hour before the fireworks started.There were a lot more people there this year so I am thinking that more people in our area are staying home for the holiday.Another factor is that a neighboring town is no longer having their fireworks display due to traffic concerns.

We are having a rainy day.Too bad yesterday's weather didn't last on into today.It was bright and sunny in the low 80's with a nice breeze.Perfect weather for the beginning of July.

Thirty Five Years Ago..June 9,1973

While visiting a friend's blog I noticed that she had celebrated her 33rd wedding anniversary.She had posted one of her wedding pictures.

Since we recently celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary I thought I would scan one of our wedding pictures and post it here.Doesn't seem like it has been 35 years already.The years fly by!

Childrens Summer Reading

I've been reading news reports concerning children losing a lot of what they learned over the summer.

Our grandson has been staying with us and we have made it a point to read a book a day.He is a very good reader and we want that to continue.I found that on the Scholastic website there is a summer reading program for children.You can set up an account and log the child's summer reading there.Here is the link:

www.scholastic.com/summerreading

They have suggested books for a child to read but a child can read any book and log it in.So far our grandson Jeremy has read 10 books and they are books that we have here at our house.For every 4 books that a child has read Scholastic will donate a book to a reading program.

I posted the picture of the above book since it is a book that Jeremy has enjoyed.It came in a child's meal at Chick Fil A.I love the way Chick Fil A gives children educational things in their meals.

Our 35th Wedding Anniversary

This picture was taken on our 35th wedding anniversary.It was taken at The Tennessee Shindig Show in Pigeon Forge TN as we entered the theater.

Hi Again

Didn't realize that it had been 2 weeks since I last posted on here.We were away the week before last then last week our grandson spent the week with us so I have been busy.

We were in Pigeon Forge TN the week of our 35th wedding anniversary.The picture I have posted is a picture of a flag at a bank that was taken across the road from our hotel.Hubby and I had a wonderful time in Pigeon Forge TN although it was rather warm when we were there.We arrived on our anniversary.We ate at a nice restaurant then went to the Tennessee Shindig Show which was a wonderful way to spend our 35th anniversary.We went to other shows and did some shopping at the outlet mall on the other days.

Since returning home our weather has turned cooler.It had been in the 70's but now it is inching its way back into the 80's.

We are counting down the days till our Disney World vacation but we don't want to rush the summer.Our grandson returns to school the week after our Disney Vacation.Hope the heat and humidity aren't too unbearable in Florida.

I just hate to see all of the flooding that is happening in Iowa,Illinois and Missouri.We are about 2-3 inches below normal so far for this time of the year.We could really use a nice rainy day.

My Grandson The Photographer

The other evening I was outside with my grandson.I had my camera with me since I wanted to take a few pictures of my grandson since it had been his last day of first grade.

After I took a few pictures my grandson asked if he could go around in the yard and take some pictures.He had so much fun.He took the picture which I added here.It is a good size plant in our front yard.Not even sure what to call it.During the summer white flowers appear on it.I love the angle of the picture.I thought that the angle of the picture was quite interesting.The plant isn't all that big but it sure looks it in the picture.He had to get down low to take the picture.

Monday is our 35th wedding anniversary so hubby Ken and I will be going away to the Smoky Mountains area for a few days.I am looking forward to getting away but it will be hotter down there than it is here.The last few days we have been experiencing days in the upper 80's.It hasn't reached 90 yet.

Our oldest daughter and her family have taken a trip to Atlanta.They left early this morning and arrived safely late this afternoon.We lived in the Atlanta area for the first 12 years of our marriage.Both of our daughters were born in that area so they both have fond memories of our years in that area.

I was wondering what the date was when I first started this blog so I checked before posting here.Hard to believe I have been at it for a little over a year now.My first post on my blog was May 30th of last year.

Have a nice week everyone.I will post again on my return from the Smokies.

Fun Day at School

Today was fun day at our grandson's school.This is a picture of Jeremy enjoying the water slide.

The forecast was calling for rain this afternoon.It started sprinkling towards the end of the outdoor activities.The children didn't seem to mind since they were wet any way.

This is the end of our grandson's first grade school year.It has been a very good year for him.The parents and grandparents were invited to attend the afternoon outdoor activities.The first graders were going outside at noon after they had eaten their lunches.

The first activity was a whipped cream eating contest.Jeremy's class enjoyed that.After all of that fun they moved on to their next activity which was playing on the playground until the class before them finished with the water slide.Then it was on to the water slide.That is where I took the picture that I posted.It was a big hit with all of the children.It was one of those big blow up things that they climb up and then slide down the wet slide where water was waiting for them at the bottom of the slide.

After the water slide it was on to the blow up bouncy things that they bounced around in.That is also a big hit with the children.After bouncing around for awhile they were on to the sprinklers and getting wet once again.That was the last water activity.

Then it was on to the balloon popping contest.One of the girls was afraid to sit on the chair and pop the balloon.Her classmates cheered her on and she finally got up the courage to pop the balloon.

After popping the balloons they moved on the wet shirt race.The children were divided up into 4 teams.Each child was to get a wet shirt from the bucket and put it on then race across and tap the adults hand across the way from them and head back and remove the shirt.It was then the next person's turn.

They then had jump rope and sidewalk chalk drawing time.After all of that fun they headed into the cafeteria for snack time.Each child got cotton candy,a snow ball,a slice of watermelon and some popcorn.

After all of that was eaten it was time to head back to the classroom.If all of that food wasn't enough it was time to celebrate a classmate's birthday.They were then treated to a cupcake,potato chips and a drink.

Needless to say the class had a very fun filled afternoon.They don't know it but tomorrow afternoon they will be treated to a pizza party.Thursday is their last day of school.They will get out 1 1/2 hours early.That will bring to an end a very good 1st grade school year for our grandson.

Sack Race

I couldn't get both pictures downloaded together so I downloaded the class picture with the post.Here is the picture of my grandson participating in the sack race.