Happy 90 Mema!

(Before the game) Even though these pictures have nothing to do with Mema turning 90, I thought I would dedicate this blog to her and print off each post just so she can see them. This first picture was taken at 10 AM before the Clemson vs. Florida State game in September. It was a beautiful day for the 12 hour football/tailgating event. (Below: After)

I'm still not sure whose golf cart this was, but they were gracious enough to let G. sit in it and eat the Chic Fil A from the SC Mayor's Tailgating Party.

The view from the top (The President's Box) was amazing, as was the food! I think G. is ready to go back. He has been singing Clemson Tigers! 

Fall 11

I feel bad that I haven't updated in a while. I do wish  I had a better camera, but for now this will give you an essence of the life of G.

Every Saturday morning since September 1, G has had a soccer game. (Here he is, #15, throwing it in). The first game he scored 8, the second 5, and this last one, 1...maybe 2...regardless, he's playing and having fun!

 G. has also enjoyed spending a couple of night's at dad's. The first time we came over for a sleepover, G. packed up the car and even, thoughtfully, included lawn chairs!

A new treat at dad's....bubble baths.

We celebrated Matt's 19th birthday before he left for Clemson. It's been a tough fall for G. without his big brother around.

That's September in a nutshell.

Playdate with Ella

Thank God for good friends! Gregory's classmate from Interfaith, Ella, invited G. over to play while I had to work on Wednesday. 

They had a picnic at Market Street, built train tracks and ended the day bouncing at Wonderwild. Boy, was G. exhausted!

Thank you so much, Kate!

Kindergarten

It's hard to believe that Gregory started kindergarten today! He was so excited this morning and I think he had a great time.

Here he is with Thai, Florence, and his longtime friend, Savannah.

 (Two lefties and two righties!)

Dog Days

It is hot...so hot....really hot. Swimming is even hot. Gregory does not complain at all. In fact, he wants to be outside playing baseball or riding his bike to the park. It's too hot for me, so I am trying to find other ways to keep him in the house.

Luckily he likes building train tracks by himself :)

If only we had more room for the slip n slide!

Swimin' and Slidin'

Gregory has gotten to be such a great swimmer this summer. I love the way his head always pops up smiling when he jumps in or goes down the slides. Since we only have one week left of summer, it is my goal to take him swimming 5 of the next 7 days.

Uncle Neil

For the first time he can remember, Gregory got to meet his Uncle Neil the other night. Here is what G. had to say about his only uncle:

"I love him. That's all, mom."

SV Part II

After leaving Wichita, Gregory and I "vacationed" for a couple of days in Dallas. We got a great deal on very nice hotel rooms and had fun.

When we arrived in Dallas late in the evening, we checked into our hotel (driftwood) and walked across the parking lot to Benihana. G liked the "silly tricks"!

 We slept in our heavenly bed, then picked up breakfast and ate at Coffee Park. 

 We made it to Legoland Discovery, but it also happened to be the official grand opening day of the Grapevine Aquarium, so we bought the specially priced tickets for both.

 That night we got to sleep on the 32nd Floor of the Sheraton overlooking Downtown Dallas. What a view!

Gregory heading home.

Summer Vacation Part I

Summer highlights from our recent four day stay in Wichita:

The brand new Children's Garden at Botanica was amazing! We got there in time for story time, then explored the park!

Even Nana climbed up in the treehouse with G.

 G's wish came true on day #2 when  we visited PaPa and Grandma Joan who had a Lightning McQueen kite to fly with him.  This is something he has wanted to do for a long time!

Wichita Wingnuts ball game 

 Something else G. has wanted to do for a long time...feed the ducks. He and Mema shared the popcorn with the geese and had a great time.

 G and Nana having ice cream with candy worms at one of my favorite places ~ The Wichita Art Museum!

Two kids in a candy store :)

We miss you all very much.

Super G

On his last date at Interfaith, Gregory's class held a Super Hero Party! Ms. Rose made the capes and each child got to decorate it in their own way. What a fun way to end the school year!

Basketball Camp

G. went to basketball camp at church every morning last week. While he didn't want me to leave, he was always having fun and sweaty when I picked him up. The week culminated with a basketball game on Friday. Once again it was a bit overwhelming to G. who hung in during the first quarter but them chose to sit by Coach Stacey and play with his bandana until the end.

 Yes, he's the one with the bandana over his eyes.

 Gregory and his buddy, Jaxson.

Coach Stephen

The G

One of the best things about summer is that I have the time to appreciate the way you are growing each and every day. Last night as I was laying in bed, I thought I should write some of these things down before I forget.

1.  When we got home last night, I forgot to get your water ready for bed. You told me not to worry, that you would get it. I was a bit apprehensive, but I let you do it and went upstairs. When you came up, you had your plastic cup filled with ice cubes, water, a lemon wedge and straw. Too cute!

2.  At HEB yesterday you got two buddy bucks. One was worth 5 points, the other 10. Right away I asked you how many points you had and you answered without hesitation, 15. Now, how did you know that?!

3.  Sometimes you use silly voices, which crack us all up.

4.  At t-ball I love your desire to field all the balls. I hope you always give this much effort.

5.  When you get really sleepy, you hold my arm with both of your hands and say, "Poor Mish-Mo-Dis"!

I hope you enjoy basketball camp today. I'll be waiting for you when you get home.

Love, Mommy

It's Summertiiiiime

What a great way to start summer! One of my favorite hotels, The San Luis in Galveston ran a special for Monday night, and since we have no vacation plans, I decided to surprise G. with a one night getaway.

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 When we checked in, we were notified that we had been upgraded to a VIP penthouse suite! It was a lovely room with jars of m&ms, Hershey kisses, and snickers right outside our door from 11-on and fresh fruit in the morning. Perfect for a boy with a sweet tooth. 

 That night we went swimming in the pool and had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. G was amazed that you could ride a boat inside (even though the ride was a bit dark and scary). 

 He couldn't wait to get to the beach, so that night we went for a walk in the waves.

 When we got up the next morning, there was a notice saying we could stay another night at half price, which meant we could spend the entire day at the beach! This is my favorite "private" beach in Galveston...the sand is superfine but there is a lot of seaweed.

 I splurged and let G. build a "stuffy" at the Rainforest Cafe's Build a Bear. He picked a stingray, which he named Gregory!

I was afraid coming home would be a let down after two days at the beach and riding the boat at Rainforest each night....not to mention all the sweets a boy could ever want, but he was surprisingly happy to be home with his watermelon, milk and straws this morning.