Wordless Wednesday

Wake Forest, North Carolina

Little Beach Bums

We set out for a four day vacation to the beach, and we were packed to capacity! I could barely see out the back window of my Expedition. I told Travis if I didn't know better I'd think we were packing up and leaving him. It was just the me and the boys, with my mom, brother, and sister.

Let me give you a little background. I'm not a beach lover. In no way, shape or form do I care to spend my down time at the beach. Because I am a team player and I know how much my little Carter-bug loves to put his toes in the sand, and ride the waves of the ocean I suck it up and do things that I know will make his little heart go pitter patter. Carter was so excited to get on the road. We had a few pit stops to make before reaching the beach, and he was started to get a little annoyed with me and my stops. We finally make it to the condo (thanks to my in-laws for allowing us to crash at their place)!

We had to unpack the truck, and get the ins and outs of the facility from Papa Buddy. People were looking at me as if I were a part of the Clampets that were moving to Beverly Hills!  I had everything from beach stuff, to grocery stuff, to toys, to camera gear, you name it!  I always over pack, always. But I'd rather over pack and not need half of what I brought than to need it and not have it.  Granted there was a Target, Publix, Wal-Mart and any other store you could think of within minutes of the condo. I, however, was prepared I didn't need those places!

After unloading, and everyone else arrived, we made our way to the sandy beach. Once over the boardwalk where he could see the ocean, Carter was ecstatic!  Nothing, and I mean nothing was going to keep him from the crashing waves. Little Tucker-bear, he was just as excited as Carter. I was assuming that he would be hesitant like Carter was for his first beach experience. Wrong. Tucker was all about it!  Once his little pudgy feet hit the white sand, he was off!

I knew at that moment that I was in for it. I had not only one, but two beach bums on my hands!

Carter splashing in the water, Tucker digging in the sand and throwing seashells, does it get any better then this? Granted it's not my cup of tea, I still enjoyed watching their little faces light up. To sit in the sand with my baby and watch as his face watched with amazement of the sand, shells, birds, and the waves.

Sitting there hearing Carter's little chuckles and giggles along with the crashes of the waves... priceless! His giggle is a part of his childhood that I hope I never, ever forget. I can hear it and it immediately makes me smile.



We spent our days going from the beach, to the pool, to nap, then back to the beach. The boys had an absolute blast. My beach loving family, mom, Jason, Megan, Jessica, and Kyle, well they loved it too! I was so glad to spend the time we had together. To know that we are all grown now and have our 'own' lives to lead, it's nice to still find time to bond and sit around the table and reminisce about childhood memories. Reminiscing about our memories, and watching my boys make their own memories, felt good.

Tucker was designated as the new welcoming committee of Jacksonville Beach! He waved at anyone, and everyone. Whether they waved back or not, he kept waving saying, "hi!" We had a really good time. I enjoyed it more than I expected too! :)  I still wouldn't call myself a beach lover, but for my kids I'll go! Their smiles, giggles, and beach bum tans make it all worth while!

M-I-C.... K-E-Y..... M-O-U-S-E

Excitement, anticipation, eyes that sparkle, a little boy that could barely sleep!  Carter couldn't wait for us to hit the road that early Friday morning. We were all packed and ready to go.  When I woke him up and he realized that it was the day we were leaving, that's all it took. It was like you poured an entire pot of extra strong coffee down him.  He was ready to go!  He told me, "momma, let's hit the road!"

I was as excited as he was to see him light up for the first time at this magical place. On the short ride to Main Street, USA, he watched a few movies but about 30 minutes away he started asking, "are we there yet" To his surprise he started seeing signs with Mickey, Pluto, Donald, and the excitement really started boiling.

Once we arrived at the hotel, I knew that I had made him one very happy little boy. It was so nice to spend some one on one time with him. He and I had a wonderful weekend and he was so good!  There was no complaining about the heat, the lines, or anything.  He was a trooper about it all. We opened the door to our room, and to his surprise it was decked out in Buzz & Woody stuff, everywhere!  It warmed my soul to see him so excited and happy.

We threw our things down, and packed up what we needed and off to the Magic Kingdom we went. He wore his cute, cute, cute little Woody shirt and anxiously awaited his turn to get in the gate. Once inside the gate, I'm not sure if he was in shock, or what but he was kind of quiet. He was taking it all in.  I just smiled as I watched his little eyes look around and search for the next coolest thing. As we entered the park we found Pluto right at the front gate.  We got in line and Pluto started pointing for us to look in the sky. We were able to see the space shuttle Atlantis taking off into space. Super cool!

We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the magical happenings of Disney World. Carter's first ride was the jungle cruise. He wasn't too impressed. Then we did the magic carpet ride, which intrigued him a bit more, then we climbed a hill, the hill to SPLASH MOUNTAIN!  Before getting there though we made a quick pit stop to see Woody & Jessie!  Carter loves him some Woody.  After getting our picture made with him, we stood in line for Splash Mountain. I was certain he would be screaming and so scared, but to my surprise he loved everything about it. So much so that he wanted to get right back in line and do it again. I talked him out of that idea, thank goodness because I had to have a minute or two to get my stomach out of my throat!


Next we were off to Thunder Mountain. There was no doubt in my mind he would love this ride. Sure enough, he giggled, he screamed, he held his hands high, and of course time it was over he asked to ride again!!  It was after that ride that I realized that coming to Disney as a parent is far more exciting then coming as a kid because you really do see the magic that it brings to your kids!  He was loving every minute of it and wasn't about to slow down for a break.


We did the rest of the rides throughout the park, ending with Dumbo.  Then we found ourselves a spot to watch the firework show. He's not usually a fan of fireworks but he did much better with these then most. The evening was over, we were all exhausted and we were headed back to the hotel to get a bath and find our way into dreamland!


That night around 4 a.m., he woke up and said, "momma, I had a great time with you at Disney World!" Talk about making it worth the trip?! How sweet and precious, and let me tell you that is a moment I won't forget as long as I live!!!  The sun starting peeking around the curtains earlier then I would have liked, but we were up and at it, ready to go!  We were off to Hollywood Studios to see Lightning McQueen and TowMater.  Again, his face was all I needed to make the day perfect!

He stood in line so patiently, and then it was his turn. He was hesitant, and insisted that I go with him to stand between TowMater and McQueen. McQueen revved up his engine a bit loud for my little guy so we didn't stick around long. From there we were off to the ToyStory ride. Now that was probably my favorite of the trip. We got to shoot all kinds of stuff, from cows, to aliens, you name it. Had the line not been 1.5 hours long we might would have rode it again! 

We then saw Handy Manny, and made our way back to the Magic Kingdom. Carter made it very clear this was his only place to be. He loved everything about Magic Kingdom. I wish we had more time to visit there, and see everything. It's just so hard to cram everything into 3 short days.

After another ride on Splash Mountain, and Thunder Mountain, we made our way back to the hotel so that Carter could swim in the giant pool! He and I wanted to go back to the Magic Kingdom for the light parade. So we showered, and off we went again. Talk about getting a work out!  I think my legs are still screaming from all the walking I did!  The light parade is one of my fondest memories of Disney trips my family and I took as a child. I remember finding a place on the sidewalk and waiting patiently for Mickey and Minney to make their entrance. I remember Cinderalla passing us and her princess gown was all covered in lights and it spun around. The parade is just as beautiful as I remember it as a child. 

Watching all the parents line the streets with their little ones brought back fond memories for me. I knew that evening sitting on the corner of Main Street, USA all the excitement and joy my mother felt when she took us to Disney.  

Carter sat ever so patiently with his lighted sword. He had his cotton candy to snack on. I could tell he was getting tired, but there was no way he was going to admit that. He was in it for the long haul!  The parade came, and went. We made a mad dash for the gate in hopes of getting on one of the first buses headed back to our hotel. We were lucky, first bus!  It wasn't two minutes into the ride my little guy had fallen asleep in my arms. He was beyond exhausted. 

The next morning we were scheduled to have breakfast with Mickey. We packed all our things in the truck, and headed to check out. After checking out and realizing that I had locked our room key, in the room, we were scurrying to get to breakfast on time. As luck would have it, Disney was hosting a triathlon while we were there. So all the roads that I needed to get to the hotel where our breakfast was, were blocked off. I stopped four times to ask for directions, and four times I ended up not at Ohana's!  In the mean time Travis called, and when Carter talked to him and we hung up my baby decided he was ready to go home. I asked him again, and again, are you sure you want to go home and not see Mickey for breakfast. Are you sure you don't want to ride Splash Mountain again?  Each time his answer was yes.  So we headed out. We were on the road to Cow Bird Lane, quick like!  We were both anxious to get home to Travis and Tucker-bear.  They won't admit it but I think they missed us! :) 

Since we missed our breakfast, we made due with biscuits from McDonalds. I also had another dilema. I had put off buying souvenirs because I had planned on doing it Sunday afternoon before we left the Magic Kingdom. Umm, what is a mother to do without souvenirs from Disney World?! Never fear, super mom is here!  I took my chances, pulled off the next exit to find a one stop shop.  You know those places that have every shot glass, to every beach towel, to every coffee mug... yeah, that's where we got our souvenirs!  I'm proud, no shame to my game!  Carter picked out a Disney book for Tucker, and they both now have matching Mickey Mouse stuffed animals. To my surprise when we got home the book Carter picked out is written in Spanish.  Umm... we don't speak that here on Cow Bird Lane!  Oh well, we can still look at the pretty pictures!!!! :)  Okay, enough... stop laughing. I was ready to get home, I didn't care what book he picked out. We'll make due with it!

All in all, our trip to Disney is one I'll cherish forever. I'll never forget the giggles, the excitement, and the special time we shared together. Thank you for a magical weekend Carter-bug, I LOVE YOU!!!!

Wake Forest, North Carolina

I never dreamed that our travels to the little town of Wake Forest would go as calmly as they did. Tucker only protested the riding situation twice. Once on the way there, about a hour out. The second time was about a hour from home. I suppose I can't complain with that now can I? All the pictures in this post are from the park we visited on our first night in Wake Forest.



Main Street runs through such a beautiful part of Wake Forest. The homes are all old, and each one has a distinct character about it. There were at least two or three that I've already told Travis if we ever uproot from Cow Bird Lane we will go to Wake Forest to have the plans of those exact houses drawn up. The street itself is welcoming. Lined with beautiful trees and flowers. Young families riding their bikes, moms pushing their little ones, older folks just enjoying the beautiful weather while taking a stroll. It was seriously something out of a movie.



Just down from their house was the Souther Baptist Theological College, where Kyle will start classes in May. The campus is absolutely beautiful. Old oak trees, beautiful flowers, birds chirping, and the architecture of each building is amazing. Even I could probably attend school there, and we all know I'm not one for school or anything to do with that word!



We had such a wonderful time visiting Kyle and Jessica. It's amazing to me that you can take eight people and still enjoy your time together in a two bedroom, one bath apartment. Granted my boys sounded like a classroom full of toddlers, it was still a good time. I am sure Jessica and Kyle enjoyed the company but I'm also sure they enjoyed getting back to the norm as well. When we arrived, we took over. I brought in a pack'nplay, two bags of toys, a suit case, a duffle bag, a cooler, a bag full of snacks. They thought we were coming to visit but when they saw me they probably thought I was moving in or either leaving the kids!!! They welcomed us with open arms. Jessica made us a delicious homemade lasagna for dinner that evening.



After dinner we went to this beautiful park down the street. It was more of a walking area, no swings or toys for the kids but they didn't care they still had a wonderful time. When I tell you it was beautiful, that doesn't begin to describe that place. The trees all their gorgeous shade of Spring green, the flowers so vibrant with color, the hills and paths all so welcoming. There were several families there walking. I could see why, I'd be there every evening if I had a place like that. We started the trails and I was falling in love with the simplicity and beauty of this little town.



While walking a couple with their little one walked up behind us. I made comment about the Dad carrying their youngster on his back. The mom looked to me and said, "you look so familiar". I told her I was from Florida so it was doubtful that she probably knew me. She looked at me and said, "Is your name, Jennifer?" I stopped and just stared at her. At first I was thinking, umm... how in the world did she know that? I finally snapped out of shock and answered her with, "yes, I'm Jennifer." She said, I'm Cindy, I follow your blog!!! Talk about floored. I'm still shocked that our paths crossed. I actually follow Cindy's blog as well. She is a friend of my friend Jessica that blogs. When I saw that Cindy was from Wake Forest, I made comment on her blog about my sister living there. Never once did I think on our trip to Wake Forest would I actually meet her, but I did. It was neat to know that those blog friends you meet on your computer, are really out there. Silly, I know. I mean I know people are out there, but I actually met one of my followers. How cool is that?!  ....Hi Cindy! After our walk, I don't know who was more exhausted, the boys or me. I gladly welcomed my comfy bed back at Jessica's.



The next morning we were up and at 'em pretty early. My boys rise with the sun, each and every day of their little lives. Being in Wake Forest was no different. Just as I expected, they woke everyone else in the apartment as well!  Jessica and Kyle fixed us a lovely pancake and bacon breakfast. From there, we were off to some local antique shops. The first was the Old Magnolia. I could have purchased so much from there but I refrained knowing that there were more shops to follow. The next stop was just two doors down and I was unable to refrain. The stuff in that place was just what I've been looking for and more. I've mentioned I'm redecorating my kitchen and living room, well this little honey hole had it all!  Plus, everything that interested me was on sale 65% off! That's what I'm talking about!  I walked out with an old milk crate, and several pretties for my kitchen. We then had lunch at the Over the Falls Deli. We ordered pizza and it was y.u.m.m.y!



After our delicious lunch, we headed back to the apartment to drop Jessica off so she could finish up some school work. Knowing that the apartment would not be the quiet haven she would need, the rest of the crew headed out to the local mall. After the mall we met back up with Jessica and enjoyed dinner at her place of employment, Texas Roadhouse. It was a fun evening with my family. I miss us all doing things together. There's nothing sweeter then family.



Saturday morning we woke up, and there were a few more places Jessica wanted to take us too. They were all antique shops, so you know there were no complaints from me. The day was spent just hanging out, enjoying each others company, and thankful for the time we had with my dear sister and brother in law. Our trip was quickly coming to an end, and that saddened me a bit. Carter absolutely enjoyed the time with Kyle and Jessica. Each time we came in our out of the apartment, he would take the stairs with Kyle or Jason and thought it was the greatest thing to beat us to the second floor, mash the button so that those of us on the elevator would have to stop! His giggle was one I'll never forget, and his "how was the second floor?", it never got old!



Sunday morning came sooner then expected. Bags were packed, now they needed to be loaded. Carter helped me. We were all packed, and around 9:30, we loaded up and said our good byes. I was ready to be back home, but truly hated to leave my sister. She is such a joy to me. A blessing, an inspiration, and a treasure. I love her more then she knows, and her better half, Kyle, well he's not so bad himself!  They really made our time in Wake Forest a wonderful one. We hope that we can visit them more while they are there. We look forward to Jessica's next trip home. Carter is so excited to pick her up from the airport. We backed out of our parking spot, Carter was crying. He said he hit his head, but when I asked him about it he said, "momma, I want Jessica to come with me." He has such a sweet, tender heart. It's always sad to leave family behind and return home. Carter yelled good bye as far as he could around the building. I watched through the rear view mirror as Jessica waved goodbye. I miss her already but I know God has great plans in store for their lives in Wake Forest.



Our journey home took us about 7.5 hours. We stopped for a bit at a South Carolina rest stop and then there was no stopping us until we hit home. Well, I fibbed we did stop for gas and a hot fudge sundae at McDonalds! I was glad to turn down the dusty Cow Bird Lane. I missed the old homestead. Travis met us at the door, and I was glad to see him too. As I entered the house the aroma overtook me. He had all my candles going, and a fresh pound cake had just came out of the oven. What a sweet fella he is!

In this picture mom asked Carter, "what you looking for?" He replied, "Wal-Mart!" we had promised him a trip to Wal-Mart, and he was tired of waiting.

Finally all the bags were out of the truck, baths were over with, and we were on the couch about to be out for the count. I enjoy visiting, traveling, but I really enjoy coming home. There's nothing quite like the feel of your own couch, the echo in your own four walls. I'm glad we made the visit to see Jessica and Kyle. It was one we'll never forget, another chapter in The Days I'll Remember.