Thornwell children's home

In July we went with our church up to Clinton, SC to do some mission work at Thornwell. The two older kids went with us. There were plenty of jobs to do! Ansley got to help with the sewing group and enjoyed meeting the girls and connecting with girls from our church! James and Bob stuck together and worked in the school to paint and fix up three classrooms. I was able to paint two chicken coups and help out on the farm. We learned so much about what a blessing this children's home is for families in GA, SC, and FL. We were fortunate enough to get to know some of the kids and hear about how successful the kids are that are grown up now!

Ansley made a new friend!

On our way to the lake we stopped by Furman to see Bobs old stomping grounds!!

Gainesville

Mom and I took the boys on a road trip to Gainseville while Ansley was at camp. We stopped at my great Aunts old house which is actually a beautiful garden with trails and plenty of green space to run around! Ophelia and jack who live next door who also took care of aunt Mary for years so we consider  them family. Jack is ailing in health so we stopped in for a visit. We got to visit where family lived in town. We then went to Jaemor farms for lunch and dessert! 

Chattahoochee river!

Instead of packing the kids up and driving somewhere we grabbed our bikes and rode to the river. It is right next to the kids school. I also took this time to see if Ansley could make the ride. This upcoming school year she gets the option of riding her bike to school. We had a blast riding there. We met up with Charlie and Baylor to play at the park and in the river. The ride home was going smoothly until Coles bike broke. Luckily Grandma came to the rescue and picked us up. 

Had to get this picture!

Art Barn

We have been going to the Art Barn since 2009. Hard to believe that! Yet it only gets better. Of course the price keeps going up! Visiting the farm is so much fun. We managed to be in the red barn first. We had fun playing with all the animals. The donkeys were on guard because of the new baby goats. So that was fun to listen to them warn the farm of the new animals. 

Henry's masterpiece! He did an amazing job following directions. Even though he only wanted his sheep to be green. 

Farmer Sue had about 9 baby goats so we had a blast playing with them. 

I say cheese Henry's response! I call this sour cheese!'

I failed at not squeezing the chicken so mom took on the job!

Stone Mountain

Stone mountain is a must during summer! This year we decided to hike the mountain. Kids weren't as thrilled. We made it halfway and most combusted. So the next best thing was to ride the sky lift(in the kids mind). Unreal how frightening it is on the way up. Then they warn you it will swing when we get to the top. Ugh not fun! Of course the kids were thrilled. We stayed on the mountain for literally 3 minutes. Check out the picture below. They loved the fact that I wanted to take a picture. 

Henry selfie!!

These two loving the sky lift!

4th of JULY

It may have been a rainy Fourth but we made it work!!

 Rocky was interested in sequence too !

 Rainy day fun with a clothes pin.

 He was so excited for the fireworks that he wore himself out!