Rising Waters

 The flooding continues.
 

And we continue to make the best of it!

Hurricane Isaac

Yesterday afternoon the outer bands of Hurricane Isaac hit Charleston and completely flooded our cul de sac.

It was some of the heaviest rain I've ever seen and loudest thunder I've ever heard.  I'd hate to experience the eye of this storm!  

The First Rule of Fight Club is...

You do not talk about Fight Club! 

5AM Wake Up Call

When the alarm goes off at 5AM on Saturdays for my long run I grumble and moan but watching that sunrise over the Isle of Palms makes that wake up call so worth it!  

Note to Self: If you can't keep up with the big dogs do not store the run route directions in your sports bra.  You will get lost. 

First Day of First Grade

Currier started first grade today.  His teacher is Ms. Foster and his daily report was "awesome"!  We're off to a good start. 

Smokey Mountain Getaway

We rented a log cabin in the Tennessee Smokey Mountains to celebrate our 15 year anniversary.  We brought the kids and dogs along because nothing says romance like dog farts and sibling bickering! 

The cabin was loaded with kick ass amenities and located in Sevierville near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.  Our cabin was called Smokey Sunrise and it earned it's name.  The sunrises were just that and so breathtaking!   

We spent most of our time in the jacuzzi on the balcony. 

And the jacuzzi in the master bath. 

Trent's sister Carrie and her friend Heather came up from Knoxville and spent a night with us.  They took us to Gatlinburg for dinner at Dick's Last Resort.  

They also took us to a moonshine tasting because they know how to keep it classy! 

 

Trent and Currier went to Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum while the girls shopped for treasures.  Trent was mortified when Currier saw the world's biggest shotgun and exclaimed, "HOLY SHIT!  How can anyone even hold that friggin thing!?"  On our way home to the cabin late that evening while listening to a lecture about watching my mouth in front of the kids, a big black bear ran into the road in front of us.  It was one of the most incredible things I've ever seen.    

 

We spent a whole day in Pigeon Forge taking the kids on every cheesy (and most likely extremely unsafe!) carnival ride we came across.  We also played a round of putt putt golf and rode go carts until our asses hurt. 

We mined for gemstones not once but twice and filled two mason jars with all our gems!  The kids and I loved this! 

 

We met Trent's cousin Tim and his wife Carrie for dinner at the Smokey Mountain Brewery in Pigeon Forge.

Tim owns several Old Tyme Photo shops in the area and he treated us to a shoot- So fun!  It wasn't a typical way to celebrate an anniversary but we wouldn't change a thing about this getaway! 

5,475 Days

Fifteen years ago today Trent dropped the restraining order and said, "I do"!  Since then he has shown me the world, given me two beautiful children and made me a better person.  Amore per sempre!

A Balent for Seven Years

We found Paolo in Sicily 7 years ago today! This dog has survived being hit by a car, poisoned by mushrooms and paralyzed by a back injury. He's the best dog I've ever had, my best friend and my hero! Tante Auguri, Paolo!  Someone's getting a T-bone for lunch!

Booze Cruise

As the summer is winding down (sigh), Laura arranged a little girls' night out on a booze cruise out of Shem Creek.  This was two hours of serious fun.  Can't wait to do it again and again!    

Goodbye to Lauren

A few weeks ago we took Lauren out for a pre farewell at Triangle and Suede.

 

Last night we took her out to 17 North and Richard's as the final farewell.  She moves back to Boston in a few days.  I'm really choked up saying goodbye to this dear friend.   

A Princess in a Queen

Rya upgraded to a big girl bed today!

Woody

Currier was just freaking out yelling, "Mom...MOM, tell Rya to quit touching my Woody!" I came running into the room and thankfully found this!

Running Coach

Currier rode beside me while I ran 5K tonight.  I don't think I could find a cuter running coach.