12.28.2010
I cook a lot. A lot more than I'd like to, really. It's the cleaning up I hate. I don't know why. It's not bad to do, I just hate to do it. So, most everything I cook is on the "simple" side.
Here are a couple of my "new" favorites:
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/roasted-asparagus-with-lemon-vinaigrette-recipe/index.html
I didn't think I liked asparagus, but I knew William did so one time back in the summer when it was on sale, I decided to give this recipe a try. I'm not a huge fan of lemon, either. But I have to say, I love this asparagus. It's still firm so it's texture is pleasing and the lemon is not at all over-powering. It's just plain yummy!
Hash Brown Casserole
http://www.food.com/recipe/cracker-barrels-hash-browns-casserole-copycat-15242/review?pn=3
This recipe mimics that of the hash brown casserole you get at Cracker Barrel. I did alter the recipe a little based on some of the comments others had made. I used half a pint of sour cream and no butter. I also thawed the hash browns first - be sure to used shredded hash browns. I've had it with diced potatoes and it's just not as good. I also hand-shredded the cheese, though I imagine the shredded stuff you buy in the grocery store would be just as good. Oh, and I sauteed the onions before adding them to the mixture. My kids loved this. William did too. It was a big hit!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
White Christmas
12.25.2010
We had a beautiful white Christmas. The final snow count was somewhere around 8 inches. There was some pretty intense wind, and we lost power for about five hours. We snuggled the kids up in beds in the den where we had a fire going and while they were settling down, William and I went to the living room and played cards by candle light. The power was restored around 2:30 am and once we were able to warm the kid's rooms to a comfortable temperature, we moved them to their own beds for a good night's rest.
The problem with living in the country is that once it snows, you're stuck at home for a few days. We're hoping we'll be able to get down our driveway by Friday. William walked to the mailbox earlier and heard the state scraping the secondary road we live off of, so I'm hoping travel will be safer for those who can get out. I'm adding a level yard with paved entry to my wish-list for our next house. But it the meantime, I'll try to enjoy the beauty of the snow. And man is it beautiful!
We had a beautiful white Christmas. The final snow count was somewhere around 8 inches. There was some pretty intense wind, and we lost power for about five hours. We snuggled the kids up in beds in the den where we had a fire going and while they were settling down, William and I went to the living room and played cards by candle light. The power was restored around 2:30 am and once we were able to warm the kid's rooms to a comfortable temperature, we moved them to their own beds for a good night's rest.
The problem with living in the country is that once it snows, you're stuck at home for a few days. We're hoping we'll be able to get down our driveway by Friday. William walked to the mailbox earlier and heard the state scraping the secondary road we live off of, so I'm hoping travel will be safer for those who can get out. I'm adding a level yard with paved entry to my wish-list for our next house. But it the meantime, I'll try to enjoy the beauty of the snow. And man is it beautiful!
Christmas Day
12.25.2010
The only thing Andrew asked Santa for this year was a blue bicycle. And Santa was more than happy to oblidge. He left a few extra goodies for him, and set Megan up with quite a few new toys, too. The kids had a great time on Christmas morning. Their true personalites really came out. Megan jumped in head first while Andrew waited for us to tell him it was okay.
We had heard rumors all week that we might have a white Christmas and sure enough, when we woke up there was snow on the ground. And though I'm not always the biggest fan of snow, it was a nice surprise. We spend the day nice and warm in our house surrounded by lots of new things to play with and do. And we enjoyed the day at home with our kids more than we could have ever imagined!
And I know I've mentioned Santa quite a bit in my posts, but we've talked a lot about the true meaning of Christmas too. Andrew very much thought I should plan a birthday party for Jesus, so I think he understands that Christmas day is not all about toys and Santa, but about the birth of Jesus Christ, too. We'll always remember the true meaning of Christmas in our home and as our kids get older, we may just have a little birthday party too.
The only thing Andrew asked Santa for this year was a blue bicycle. And Santa was more than happy to oblidge. He left a few extra goodies for him, and set Megan up with quite a few new toys, too. The kids had a great time on Christmas morning. Their true personalites really came out. Megan jumped in head first while Andrew waited for us to tell him it was okay.
We had heard rumors all week that we might have a white Christmas and sure enough, when we woke up there was snow on the ground. And though I'm not always the biggest fan of snow, it was a nice surprise. We spend the day nice and warm in our house surrounded by lots of new things to play with and do. And we enjoyed the day at home with our kids more than we could have ever imagined!
And I know I've mentioned Santa quite a bit in my posts, but we've talked a lot about the true meaning of Christmas too. Andrew very much thought I should plan a birthday party for Jesus, so I think he understands that Christmas day is not all about toys and Santa, but about the birth of Jesus Christ, too. We'll always remember the true meaning of Christmas in our home and as our kids get older, we may just have a little birthday party too.
Christmas Eve
12.24.2010
The last few year's, we've celebrated Christmas with the Hoffart family on Christmas Eve. This year, we hosted the family dinner here at our house. We had ham, turkey, and lots of trimmings. We enjoyed a nice meal and great company - and a great gift exchange, too! And it was fun to watch little Caroline as she celebrated her first Christmas surrounded by all her Hoffart cousins.
After most everyone had gone home to wait on Santa, Megan decided to show off some of her latest dance moves for Grandpa and Grandma. She loves to dance. She also loves to be the center of attention. I see a little diva developing before my eyes! Her favorite thing to dance to right now is the opening song to Barney and Friends (sigh...).
I didn't take a lot of pictures. I'm always so mad at myself when I find I don't have any of good quality to share. Oh, have I ever mentioned to you how bad I hate my camera? I do. Too bad Santa didn't remember that!
The last few year's, we've celebrated Christmas with the Hoffart family on Christmas Eve. This year, we hosted the family dinner here at our house. We had ham, turkey, and lots of trimmings. We enjoyed a nice meal and great company - and a great gift exchange, too! And it was fun to watch little Caroline as she celebrated her first Christmas surrounded by all her Hoffart cousins.
After most everyone had gone home to wait on Santa, Megan decided to show off some of her latest dance moves for Grandpa and Grandma. She loves to dance. She also loves to be the center of attention. I see a little diva developing before my eyes! Her favorite thing to dance to right now is the opening song to Barney and Friends (sigh...).
I didn't take a lot of pictures. I'm always so mad at myself when I find I don't have any of good quality to share. Oh, have I ever mentioned to you how bad I hate my camera? I do. Too bad Santa didn't remember that!
The Eve of Christmas Eve
12.23.2010
Traditionally, my family has always celebrated Christmas on Christmas day. And to be honest, it's pretty exhausting. A trip home usually requires us to stop at three different houses, which takes up our entire day. And that usually means we wake the kids up, give them their presents, and then hit the road until bedtime. It seems so unfair to me. So this year, we decided we'd spend Christmas day at home with our kids.
This was far from the only factor that played part in my family deciding to celebrate Christmas early this year, but it worked out great. We celebrated on the eve of Christmas Eve at my Nanny's house in Rutherfordton.
We enjoyed a nice meal and had lots of fun opening presents. And it was super fun to spend some time with little Kensie on her first Christmas (remember, Kensie is my brother and his wife's baby who was born in October).
Traditionally, my family has always celebrated Christmas on Christmas day. And to be honest, it's pretty exhausting. A trip home usually requires us to stop at three different houses, which takes up our entire day. And that usually means we wake the kids up, give them their presents, and then hit the road until bedtime. It seems so unfair to me. So this year, we decided we'd spend Christmas day at home with our kids.
This was far from the only factor that played part in my family deciding to celebrate Christmas early this year, but it worked out great. We celebrated on the eve of Christmas Eve at my Nanny's house in Rutherfordton.
We enjoyed a nice meal and had lots of fun opening presents. And it was super fun to spend some time with little Kensie on her first Christmas (remember, Kensie is my brother and his wife's baby who was born in October).
Candy Party
12.19.2010
After a little encouragement from a good friend, I've decided to update my blog. And I'm going to do it without worrying about the order in which I post things. That's really the reason why I fall behind.
So, let's start with Christmas. The weekend before Christmas, actually. William and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary on Saturday, December 18. We went out for a nice dinner but hurried home due to bad weather. I guess when you choose to be married a week before Christmas, that's a risk you take.
The next day, we were lucky to be able to make it to the party William's employer hosts for the employee's kids each year. It was on Sunday. A very cold Sunday. There were lots of inflatables set up (inside, thank goodness!) for kids Andrew's size. He loved every minute of it. He climbed, bounced, ran, and didn't want to stop. Well, not until it was cookie and candy time! He visited the tattoo station, made a cute little candy cane ornament for our tree, and played a couple of games. Megan hung out in her stroller most of the time but when we freed her, she found a balloon floating around and had a big time throwing, kicking, and running after it. I was so glad she found her own little source of entertainment. I have no good pictures of that. Each one I took just showed a little blur passing through. In fact most every picture I took that day was a big blur of one of my kids on the move. But, I did get a few "okay" pictures of the day...
After a little encouragement from a good friend, I've decided to update my blog. And I'm going to do it without worrying about the order in which I post things. That's really the reason why I fall behind.
So, let's start with Christmas. The weekend before Christmas, actually. William and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary on Saturday, December 18. We went out for a nice dinner but hurried home due to bad weather. I guess when you choose to be married a week before Christmas, that's a risk you take.
The next day, we were lucky to be able to make it to the party William's employer hosts for the employee's kids each year. It was on Sunday. A very cold Sunday. There were lots of inflatables set up (inside, thank goodness!) for kids Andrew's size. He loved every minute of it. He climbed, bounced, ran, and didn't want to stop. Well, not until it was cookie and candy time! He visited the tattoo station, made a cute little candy cane ornament for our tree, and played a couple of games. Megan hung out in her stroller most of the time but when we freed her, she found a balloon floating around and had a big time throwing, kicking, and running after it. I was so glad she found her own little source of entertainment. I have no good pictures of that. Each one I took just showed a little blur passing through. In fact most every picture I took that day was a big blur of one of my kids on the move. But, I did get a few "okay" pictures of the day...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Trick or Treat
10.31.2010
I had a hard time deciding what to do for Halloween this year. The fact that it was on Sunday was my biggest dilemma. After much deliberation, we ended up at the Asheville Mall. I've never taken the kids anywhere other than the mall to trick or treat, but I hope to try something new next year. Trick or treating at the mall is just plain crazy!
I took two pictures of the kids in their costumes. That's right, two.
Andrew insisted he was going to be Thomas the Train again this year and even though I put much effort into changing his mind, he wouldn't consider anything else. And Megan was a perfectly cute puffy purple flower.
I had a hard time deciding what to do for Halloween this year. The fact that it was on Sunday was my biggest dilemma. After much deliberation, we ended up at the Asheville Mall. I've never taken the kids anywhere other than the mall to trick or treat, but I hope to try something new next year. Trick or treating at the mall is just plain crazy!
I took two pictures of the kids in their costumes. That's right, two.
Andrew insisted he was going to be Thomas the Train again this year and even though I put much effort into changing his mind, he wouldn't consider anything else. And Megan was a perfectly cute puffy purple flower.
'Lil Pumpkins
10.20.2010
I love being the mother of two. And I'll admit, two isn't much harder than one (did you just hear all the other mother's in the world gasp?). I have really good kids. Andrew is your typical, mischievous boy, but man can he be a real sweetheart, too. And Megan's a real love bug herself. But trying to get a pictures of them together...well, that's miserable and nearly impossible. One won't sit still, one won't look at the camera, one pesters the other, one refuses to smile, one is too tired for pictures, and so on. I remember last year I thought taking pictures of my kids in the pumpkin patch was the most miserable thing, ever. So, I really dreaded our trip back this year. Thankfully, it went much better this year. No, I didn't get a perfect shot. But this one's not too bad. :)
I love being the mother of two. And I'll admit, two isn't much harder than one (did you just hear all the other mother's in the world gasp?). I have really good kids. Andrew is your typical, mischievous boy, but man can he be a real sweetheart, too. And Megan's a real love bug herself. But trying to get a pictures of them together...well, that's miserable and nearly impossible. One won't sit still, one won't look at the camera, one pesters the other, one refuses to smile, one is too tired for pictures, and so on. I remember last year I thought taking pictures of my kids in the pumpkin patch was the most miserable thing, ever. So, I really dreaded our trip back this year. Thankfully, it went much better this year. No, I didn't get a perfect shot. But this one's not too bad. :)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Kensie Grace Wilson
10.13.2010
Meet Miss Kensie Grace, my newest niece.
Kensie is the first child of my brother (Derick) and his wife, Leann. She was welcomed on October 13 via an emergency c-section after poor Leann pushed for three long, hard hours. It was a difficult delivery, but Kensie's just perfect and Leann has recovered in record speed.
Kensie was named after our Pop, Kenneth Trantham, who passed away in February. He would have loved her and I know he's smiling down on her from Heaven.
Meet Miss Kensie Grace, my newest niece.
Kensie is the first child of my brother (Derick) and his wife, Leann. She was welcomed on October 13 via an emergency c-section after poor Leann pushed for three long, hard hours. It was a difficult delivery, but Kensie's just perfect and Leann has recovered in record speed.
Kensie was named after our Pop, Kenneth Trantham, who passed away in February. He would have loved her and I know he's smiling down on her from Heaven.
December, already?
12.01.2010
Whew. Did I really miss the entire month of November and most of October, too? I can't believe how behind I am on most everything. Nor can I believe how often I hear myself say that. My "to do" list is out of control. I'd like to blame on on the holidays, but what will my excuse be in January? I'm not really complaining. I'd rather be busy than bored. :)
If I can get my pictures organized, I'll try to do a few updates soon. I make no promises, but I will try!
Whew. Did I really miss the entire month of November and most of October, too? I can't believe how behind I am on most everything. Nor can I believe how often I hear myself say that. My "to do" list is out of control. I'd like to blame on on the holidays, but what will my excuse be in January? I'm not really complaining. I'd rather be busy than bored. :)
If I can get my pictures organized, I'll try to do a few updates soon. I make no promises, but I will try!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Pants Up!
Andrew has finally taken an interest in dressing himself. There for a while, I thought I would end up going away to college with him to help him dress every morning. We started out by [all but] demanding he pull his own pants up after he went potty and then all of the sudden he was really into it. He loves to put his own socks and shoes on now. In fact, he loves to do all sorts of funny things.
Several times now, I've found mountains of clothes piled in the floor of his room where he's emptied his dresser drawers looking for something new to wear. Each time his door opens, you kind of hold your breath waiting to see his latest ensemble. He's come out in everything from two pair of pajamas at the same time, to nothing but tennis shoes and underwear. But there was one afternoon I found particularly entertaining. He found a sleeper that's much too small for him, but he was determined to put it on. When he came out of his room, this is what I saw...
Several times now, I've found mountains of clothes piled in the floor of his room where he's emptied his dresser drawers looking for something new to wear. Each time his door opens, you kind of hold your breath waiting to see his latest ensemble. He's come out in everything from two pair of pajamas at the same time, to nothing but tennis shoes and underwear. But there was one afternoon I found particularly entertaining. He found a sleeper that's much too small for him, but he was determined to put it on. When he came out of his room, this is what I saw...
And when he headed back to his room, this was my view...
Won't these pictures be great in a wedding video one day? :)
The Name Game
Megan hates her car seat. She's doing better with it now, but prefers short trips. When she's upset, I've learned one thing that distracts her...
Megan, Megan, Mo Megan
Banana, Fanna, Fo Fegan
Me, My, Mo Megan
Megan!
After Megan's name, we sing Andrew, Mommy, Daddy, Neena, Papaw, Grandma, Grandpa, and anyone else Andrew requests - and he always has requests! :)
I love my silly kids!
Megan, Megan, Mo Megan
Banana, Fanna, Fo Fegan
Me, My, Mo Megan
Megan!
After Megan's name, we sing Andrew, Mommy, Daddy, Neena, Papaw, Grandma, Grandpa, and anyone else Andrew requests - and he always has requests! :)
I love my silly kids!
Legacies
Over the past year, several great men whom I've have the privilege to know, passed away. Each of them left behind a beautiful legacy. And it's made me think a lot about the legacy I would leave behind.
I want to be the best wife and mother possible to my husband and kids. That's what they deserve. I want to be a good Christan woman. I want to be a devoted friend and confidant. I want to make a difference somewhere, somehow.
In other words, I have a lot of work to do. To me, being the best wife possible means being patient, loving, understanding, accepting, and encouraging. I do feel like I am all these things for William most of the time. Sure we have our disagreements, but I can honestly say I can't imagine being in a better marriage. We talk through everything. We hold no secrets. And we communicate openly and freely. So what's the problem? I'm not always these things. I need to be more patient and willing to deviate from my plan. I need to be more flexible with my scheduling. I need to take more time to tell William how important he is to me and how I can't imagine my life without him.
And how do I see myself as a mother? I think I'm a good mother. I put my kids well-being in front of everything else. I spend my days nurturing them and caring for them. I also spend my days worrying about them. But like most every other mother I know, I almost never feel like I'm doing enough. I obsess over the fact that I don't have my children in a regular play group, etc. I worry that I'm not taking the necessary steps to help them reach each of the developmental milestones. I need to spend less time worrying about picking up their books and more time reading to them. I need to let the laundry go and play tea party with Megan and wrestle with Andrew. I need to quit worrying about the fact that Andrew has to start kindergarten in 10 short months (!!!) and instead appreciate the fact that I have 10 months left to spend each and every day loving on him.
And my Christian life? I know I'm a Christian. I believe in an awesome God and feel I have a good relationship with him. But we all need to strive to be more like Jesus, right? And I'll admit I've been faced with many family challenges in the last year that has tested my willingness to forgive and forget and well, I sometimes fail at that. All I can do is pray and trust God will show me the way. And I do that all the time. I take my kids to church, I talk to them about Jesus and His love for them. I strive to set a good example - something else I sometimes fail at. But I am trying. And for now, that's all I can do. My goal is to show my children the importance of living for Jesus and trusting Him. I think there is no greater accomplish in life than leading your children to God.
And as far as my friends... I have a lot of acquaintances, but I'm blessed enough to have a few people I consider my very best friends. These are the people I confide in, the people I pray for, the people for whom I wish only the very best. I only hope I am as good a friend to them as they are to me. I've found once kids join the mix, it's hard to focus on friend-type relationships, but I hope I've done an okay job reminding my dearest friends how very important they are to me, in both good times and bad.
I'm not sure what it is I want to do that will make me feel like I've made a difference somewhere, somehow. Maybe it doesn't even extend outside my household. Maybe the fact that I nurture my kids, teach them things, and believe in everything they do is enough. And maybe the fact that I help William manage this household in a way so that we are afford many luxuries - like the opportunity for me to stay at home with my kids - is how I make a difference. I'm not sure yet.
But going back to those men I referred to at the beginning of the post...first and foremost, I speak of my grandfather. I'm so lucky to have known him, to have been named after him (his name was Kenneth), to have witnesses his love for his wife and children. He was a faithful, nurturing, and strong man. I miss him everyday.
And this past September, two more men I had the privilege of knowing passed within days of each other. Mr. Mark Clem was former coworker of mine. He was the type of man who respected my opinions and believed in my abilities. But he was also the type of man who spoke of his love for his family and his God everyday. He was strong Christian who stood up for what he believed in, and you can't help but admire that.
And finally, Mr. Sam Cope. Sam was the father of my sister-in-law (Julie) and he was a really great man. He was a Vietnam War Veteran, a strong Christian believer who served others far and wide through his mission work, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a doting grandfather to three beautiful little girls. I always enjoyed visiting with Sam. He often told me how great he thought my kids were and always shared the sweetest smile. He was a joy to be around.
I know Pop, Mark, and Sam are all resting at the feet of Jesus. My Pop no longer suffers from Alzheimers and Mark and Sam now have strong, healthy hearts. I think of their legacies everyday. They inspire me.
I want to be the best wife and mother possible to my husband and kids. That's what they deserve. I want to be a good Christan woman. I want to be a devoted friend and confidant. I want to make a difference somewhere, somehow.
In other words, I have a lot of work to do. To me, being the best wife possible means being patient, loving, understanding, accepting, and encouraging. I do feel like I am all these things for William most of the time. Sure we have our disagreements, but I can honestly say I can't imagine being in a better marriage. We talk through everything. We hold no secrets. And we communicate openly and freely. So what's the problem? I'm not always these things. I need to be more patient and willing to deviate from my plan. I need to be more flexible with my scheduling. I need to take more time to tell William how important he is to me and how I can't imagine my life without him.
And how do I see myself as a mother? I think I'm a good mother. I put my kids well-being in front of everything else. I spend my days nurturing them and caring for them. I also spend my days worrying about them. But like most every other mother I know, I almost never feel like I'm doing enough. I obsess over the fact that I don't have my children in a regular play group, etc. I worry that I'm not taking the necessary steps to help them reach each of the developmental milestones. I need to spend less time worrying about picking up their books and more time reading to them. I need to let the laundry go and play tea party with Megan and wrestle with Andrew. I need to quit worrying about the fact that Andrew has to start kindergarten in 10 short months (!!!) and instead appreciate the fact that I have 10 months left to spend each and every day loving on him.
And my Christian life? I know I'm a Christian. I believe in an awesome God and feel I have a good relationship with him. But we all need to strive to be more like Jesus, right? And I'll admit I've been faced with many family challenges in the last year that has tested my willingness to forgive and forget and well, I sometimes fail at that. All I can do is pray and trust God will show me the way. And I do that all the time. I take my kids to church, I talk to them about Jesus and His love for them. I strive to set a good example - something else I sometimes fail at. But I am trying. And for now, that's all I can do. My goal is to show my children the importance of living for Jesus and trusting Him. I think there is no greater accomplish in life than leading your children to God.
And as far as my friends... I have a lot of acquaintances, but I'm blessed enough to have a few people I consider my very best friends. These are the people I confide in, the people I pray for, the people for whom I wish only the very best. I only hope I am as good a friend to them as they are to me. I've found once kids join the mix, it's hard to focus on friend-type relationships, but I hope I've done an okay job reminding my dearest friends how very important they are to me, in both good times and bad.
I'm not sure what it is I want to do that will make me feel like I've made a difference somewhere, somehow. Maybe it doesn't even extend outside my household. Maybe the fact that I nurture my kids, teach them things, and believe in everything they do is enough. And maybe the fact that I help William manage this household in a way so that we are afford many luxuries - like the opportunity for me to stay at home with my kids - is how I make a difference. I'm not sure yet.
But going back to those men I referred to at the beginning of the post...first and foremost, I speak of my grandfather. I'm so lucky to have known him, to have been named after him (his name was Kenneth), to have witnesses his love for his wife and children. He was a faithful, nurturing, and strong man. I miss him everyday.
And this past September, two more men I had the privilege of knowing passed within days of each other. Mr. Mark Clem was former coworker of mine. He was the type of man who respected my opinions and believed in my abilities. But he was also the type of man who spoke of his love for his family and his God everyday. He was strong Christian who stood up for what he believed in, and you can't help but admire that.
And finally, Mr. Sam Cope. Sam was the father of my sister-in-law (Julie) and he was a really great man. He was a Vietnam War Veteran, a strong Christian believer who served others far and wide through his mission work, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a doting grandfather to three beautiful little girls. I always enjoyed visiting with Sam. He often told me how great he thought my kids were and always shared the sweetest smile. He was a joy to be around.
I know Pop, Mark, and Sam are all resting at the feet of Jesus. My Pop no longer suffers from Alzheimers and Mark and Sam now have strong, healthy hearts. I think of their legacies everyday. They inspire me.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Day Out with Thomas
10.03.2010
I'd venture to say if there is any kid, anywhere who would enjoy a Day Out With Thomas, it's Andrew. This is an annual event held at many places throughout the US, so our biggest challenge was picking the perfect place. The closest place would have been Dillsboro, which is a place I'd visit anytime, for any reason. But not in July. Then we considered Chattanooga. I can't remember exactly why we passed on that, but I imagine it had something to do with William's work schedule. But when we saw Thomas would be in Spencer (NC) the weekend after we returned from the beach, in the cooler month of October (did you know I'm not a fan of the outdoors?), we planned for that.
So last Sunday, we headed to Spencer and spent a lovely day out with Thomas. The weather was great. The kids were very well-behaved. It was a very nice day. Andrew played in the Thomas inflatable, played a little golf, got a tattoo, wrote with sidewalk chalk, played with Mega Blocks, met Sir Topham Hatt, and participated in several other Thomas-related activities. He had a great time.
But the biggest event of the day, of course, was when we rode the train led by Thomas himself.
I'd venture to say if there is any kid, anywhere who would enjoy a Day Out With Thomas, it's Andrew. This is an annual event held at many places throughout the US, so our biggest challenge was picking the perfect place. The closest place would have been Dillsboro, which is a place I'd visit anytime, for any reason. But not in July. Then we considered Chattanooga. I can't remember exactly why we passed on that, but I imagine it had something to do with William's work schedule. But when we saw Thomas would be in Spencer (NC) the weekend after we returned from the beach, in the cooler month of October (did you know I'm not a fan of the outdoors?), we planned for that.
So last Sunday, we headed to Spencer and spent a lovely day out with Thomas. The weather was great. The kids were very well-behaved. It was a very nice day. Andrew played in the Thomas inflatable, played a little golf, got a tattoo, wrote with sidewalk chalk, played with Mega Blocks, met Sir Topham Hatt, and participated in several other Thomas-related activities. He had a great time.
But the biggest event of the day, of course, was when we rode the train led by Thomas himself.
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