"Inflatable pool, full of Dad's hot air"

Our attempt to beat the heat Sunday resulted in Ben heading up to Walgreen's and purchasing a three-ring pool for Emery (and me). So while Daddy went to goof off on the boat, Emmy and I spent the afternoon in her pool. She loved it! Ben blew it up and filled it with water before lunch so that it could heat up while Emery ate and napped. By the time we made our way out there, the water was plenty warm. Emery loved splashing around!

Checking things out before her nap

Rested and full, I plopped her in!

Lots of Water Babies on those buns

Dry and diapered afterwards

First Attempt at the Haywood Mall Play Area

Our pool doesn't open until Memorial Day weekend and today's weather is hot and muggy with the occasional shower thrown in. Having already been caught in a downpour once already today, I decided not to tempt fate again and headed to the mall for some indoor playtime with Emery. The thought of sweating and swatting mosquitoes while keeping Emmy from eating sand and ants just didn't sound very appealing. Unfortunately, most of Greenville had the same bright idea as me. Emery's first trip to the Haywood Mall play area was STRESSFUL!!! For me, not for her. She actually had a blast because she is fearless and was totally oblivious to the enormous nine year olds running around and barely missing plowing into her.

"Hmm....am I supposed to crawl through this tree?" (see aforementioned enormous 9 y.o. running in the background. Seriously, kid. Go someplace else. You are clearly over the height/weight restriction).
I realize her socks look a little silly....that sun bubble just wasn't meant for socks. But I knew that shoes weren't allowed in the play area and the thought of my child walking around barefoot in there gave me the willies. So we made a fashion sacrifice for hygiene.

Emery loved climbing on the steps and then sitting at the top of the slide, backing up traffic. It's difficult to explain playground etiquette to an eleven month old. But she finally went down the slide...and again....and again...and again.

Hello!

We will definitely visit the play area again, but probably not on a weekend. Ben would be so proud of me....I didn't buy a thing! I actually intended to buy a chai latte from Starbucks, but the line was wrapped around the food court. The mall was like Christmas Eve. I barely found a parking spot. What recession!?

Clay Walker in Greenville!

I bet not many of my friends can hear the name "Clay Walker" without thinking of my sister and me. We have been following him for 15 years....seen him in concert countless times, met him, won an autographed guitar, and had pictures taken with him. He's probably a little afraid of us by now. But we didn't let that stop us from seeing him at The Blind Horse here in Greenville. Best Clay show ever! The venue is pretty small and we were able to get really close to the stage. Plus, Clay played some of our favorite old school songs....one of which we'd never heard live before. Hee haw!!! What a great evening. Alison, Hayes, Mom, Dad and Nanny all came up from Atlanta. Mom, Dad and Nanny babysat while my sister and I got to experience a rare late night out. Too funny, though....a strong storm was rolling through right as we were getting ready to leave for the bar. Not wanting to look like drowned rats for Clay, we begged Dad to drive us and drop us off at the door. After the show (past midnight--poor Dad!), we called good ole' Alan and he came back to pick us up. I had vivid flashbacks of pre-license days. Alison and I had a good laugh while standing outside waiting for him. 30 years old, married mothers waiting outside a bar for their father to drive them home. Even better than not getting caught in the rain was being able to have a few drinks without any worries of getting pulled over or stopped at a checkpoint. Having to care for a 10 month old and 12 month old in the morning pretty much ensures you won't drink too much, but it was nice to have a few beers and know that we would definitely be getting home safely.

Hayes and Auntie Alison come for a visit

Ben went to a golf tournament in Charlotte at the end of April and while the cat's away, the mice will play! Alison and Hayes came to Greenville to keep Emery and me company. We had a great time together! Emery and Hayes are so funny with each other.

Here they are enjoying dinner at the country club
Naked racing down the hallway. This picture was taken several weeks ago (I'm a little behind), so Emery still needed assistance from her Toddlin' Train to walk the length of the hallway. But not anymore! She easily walks the entire house numerous times each day. I love it. Her drunk toddling is so adorable.

Emery helped give Hayes his bath. Hayes was not too happy about this.

Thanks for coming to see us!