Southeasterns in Knoxville

We spent a long weekend last weekend in Knoxville. The Southeastern Swim Championships were there this year. It is a haul for us across the state. And, we lose an hour. But, the venue was nice. Pumpkin swam in the couple year old pool at UT.

Pumpkin had a great meet. We found lots of ways to entertain ourselves. Blue Raspberry Tootsie Roll pops took up some time. I, for one, do not like Blue Raspberry.

We stayed right downtown. The Greenways are wonderful. You can run, walk and even rollerblade. The only issue was that is was incredibly hot! I went to the Knoxville Farmers' Market on Saturday morning. It was lovely. I bought some blackberries and they just melted in your mouth. Yum! We went back a bit later - in between Pumpkin's swims - to try the homemade ice cream. It was wonderful. We enjoyed the ice cream in the shade and then the boy washed off their hands in the fountains. Little kids were just playing and playing in the fountains.

I bought the Big Guy a tshirt, Because He Can, from a local artist. It caught my attention and made me crack up when I saw it. The Big Guy loved it. Pumpkin wasn't too sure. He thought it was a bit gross. Imagine that - a teenager not getting the humor! The Big Guy wore it yesterday and I smiled when I saw it.

Swim meets involve lots of hurry up and wait. Then, you get to see a swim that lasts no more than minutes. You can't imagine how tiring they can be. It zapped Peanut of his energy (I won't mention the daily runs he went on with his dad in the heat.) I snapped this one. He is so goofy. When he goes to sleep he wraps his head up in the covers. Who sleeps like that??

I caught him again trying to snuggle under the covers before we headed home.

Pumpkin had a great meet. This meet is bittersweet as it means the summer is drawing to a close. The boys only have two more weeks of freedom!

Ice Cream!

Perfect Saturday Evening!

More July 4th Photos

Pumpkin got a disposable camera for his trip to Pensacola. Wouldn't you know it? He forgot to use it.

So, he slipped it in the car and snapped some shots when we were in Cincinnati. Keep in mind that Pumpkin took all these photos and did not the digital technology to see what he was taking.

I was trying to get a laugh out of Pumpkin with this pose. I think all I got was an, "Oh, Mom!"

Love this shot of my niece's family. Aren't they adorable?

Of course, the grandparents are adorable too!!

Only the 12 year old could figure out how to look at the camera. Too cute!

The Big Guy was trying to compete with my pose. What do you think? I like mine better than his.

I think this was one of the last photos on the camera. When Pumpkin saw this pic, he commented on the height difference. He knows he has gotten taller, but just doesn't realize it until he sees it in a picture. I've noticed it when he gives me a hug as he has to lean down to put his head on my shoulder.

BTW, you can't get disposable film developed at Costco anymore. That is a thing of the past. We had to drop this off at Walgreen's. The good thing - a free CD of the photos came with the pictures.

I Told You SO!

Last week at my sister's pool, we were hanging out.

See how Pumpkin has his feet on another chair. He was flipping it with his feet up towards his face.

As a mom, I saw it coming and I told him so!



Fortunately, all his teeth were intact. He just had a fat lower lip for an evening!!

Taco Pizza

I am still on the Make-My-Own-Pizza-Crust kick. This past week, I tried my own version of taco pizza. It was essentially made of items in the pantry that the boys would eat. I made the pizza dough with corn meal. I layered on salsa, pizza cheese, black beans, ground beef with taco seasoning, and corn. The Big Guy and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The boys were luke warm. I don't think Pumpkin liked the taste of the salsa. We ate this with a simple tossed geen salad. YUM!

Pizza is on my menu again for Friday. I think it will be the standard pepperoni. Although, I get veggies from the farmer tomorrow. That might result in a more adventurous pizza!!

Zip Line at Camp Kern

When we were home last week, the boys tried the Zip Lines at Camp Kern. They loved it! It doesn't hurt that the weather was picture perfect!

Peanut got a camera for his birthday. Pumpkin took this shot using it. We were so suprised with the detail.

Here comes Peanut through the trees!

All done! They were ready to go back for more. They are working on convincing me to join them. It looks amazing and I just may jump at the chance - - next time!

Road Trip Rest Stops

Last week, we drove up to Cincinnati to spend time with my family.

The drive is about eight hours. Going that way, we stopped for lunch at Costco. The Costco parking lot was perfect for a picnic with Buddy.

On the way home yesterday, we stopped at Five Guys in downtown Nashville. I walked Buddy over to Vandy and we enjoyed a yummy picnic lunch at a picnic table in the shade.


I won't mention the mishap with the ketchup. All I will say is that Pumpkin thought he could balance more ketchup in his hands then he really could. The Big Guy ended up wearing some! It dampened Pumpkin's spirits for a few minutes.

Five Guys was great. We'd welcome one in our area of TN!

We were sitting in the Kissam quadrangle. When I went to summer school, I stayed in one of the dorms in this area. It brought back fond memories.

I don't know what it is. When we stop in Nashville, it seems like we are home even though we only "lived" there when we went to school.

Pumpkin snapped this one before we got in the car to finish up the ride home.