Summer Va-ca

Due to summer being so short, so hot, and trying to watch our budget, we elected not to have a "true vacation" this year but rather short, mini activities and day trips.

Tim took a long weekend and we made plans to go to Cave City for a couple days and spend the night in a hotel. Of all the things we did, I think the hotel was among Noah's favorite. Not sure why a hotel is so exciting to a kid!

It might not be exotic or sound like a exciting vacation but we really enjoyed ourselves. More than anything it was a chance to relax and spend time together. The week isn't over but I wanted to capture some moments and memories thus far...

5 a.m. wake-up call...
Noah set his cell phone for 5 am (why I don't know) on the morning we were to leave, got ready and went back to bed. When I came into his room, he immediately woke up and was ready to burst out the door. I said I hoped he had the same enthusiasm next week for the first day of school!

Kentucky Down Under...
The weather was the only downside of this stop, as the heat & humidity made it a difficult walk.

Noah loved the interaction at this zoo with both the animals and the staff. He had a bird on his head, petted a kangaroo, milked a cow and played a didgeridoo. We hadn't been there since he was maybe 2 and I was glad we returned.

Lunch was spent at Cracker Barrel and the only reason I mention it is because Noah found a harmonica he just had to have. It was the best $6 we ever spent on him! He had more fun with this harmonica on the trip...it was always either in his pocket or on his mouth. I hope he sticks with it and he seems to have a natural talent for it.

We had intended to go to Dinosaur World after lunch but the heat zapped us quicker than we thought. Noah called them to see how long it took to go through and upon hanging up, he said, "My vote is hotel. bed. pool!" ...His vacation, His wishes!

We did sneak in a trip to Big Mike's Mystery House that we found searching online. It is a little hole in the wall place on the way to Mammoth Cave. Took maybe 10 minutes to go but Noah loved it. I won't ruin the surprise of what all is in there...kind of one those places you have to see to appreciate. Best part was, it was free with an internet coupon!

Little embarrassing beginning to our hotel stay...
I had pricelined the hotel (saved 60% I might add!) and got mixed up on the location. We pulled into the Holiday Inn, loaded up a luggage cart and went to the desk to check-in. My travel fears came to life when they didn't have our reservation. She asked for the confirmation number and I got my handy dandy IPhone out to retrieve it. I gave it to her and she informed us that the number was too long...a little more searching and I realized we were at the wrong hotel! Oh well, it gave us practice loading the luggage cart and a laugh!

We ended that night with some pool time, followed by PJs and Pizza in our room! Noah also enjoyed "camping out" on his sleeper sofa. Again, it's the simple things kids love.

We snuck in some school shopping.....stopped for appetizers in the middle of the day.....saw an albino squirrel on the front of a barn (neat!)....and spent an afternoon in a fully restored L&N train, which reminded me of my Grandpa McGuffin, who retired from the railroad.

I'm sure I'm missing some great moments but that pretty much covers it. Simple. Sweet. Full of good food, family and fun. Can't think of a better way to spend a vacation!....or stay-cation!

4H Camp

Memories of 4H camp:

getting on bus with Tina...I notice it is 90% female on the bus he picked. I walk up to the bus, knock on the window and say, "You're dad would be proud...you're on a bus full of girls."
Noah glances down at me with a full grin and says, "I know!"


It was hard not seeing or talking to him for 4 days but I sent a letter each day. One note was written inside the envelope. One required him to twist and turn the note in different directions to read it. I knew he'd be homesick and I just wanted to make him laugh...if even from a distance.

When he got off the bus, he saw me from a distance and headed straight to me for a big, long hug. I had so hoped he would be excited and have so much great stories to share but he said he Did. Not. Have a good time. I think more than anything it was because he doesn't like being away from us - and because he didn't really have any friends who went, other than Tina and she was in a different part of camp.

He did love the outdoor cooking class, it was his favorite. He came home with lots of recipes and rules, which he used to correct me every time he saw me in the kitchen!

Although he loved canoe class at Trooper Island, he wasn't too fond of it at 4H camp. He said his partner was, " the tiniest, bossiest kid in the world" who didn't lift a finger, other than to order him around. At one point Noah said he he broke and shouted, "Dude! Shut your mouth and help out and we'll get there faster, K?!" (I can so see him doing this..lol)


He enjoyed the "polar bear plunge" where they got to leave their cabins EARLY in the morning for a swim. He wasn't thrilled with the first day though because Tina forgot to show up and he found himself "alone".


I think one of the biggest reasons he didn't enjoy camp was the weather. It was noted that it hottest day in history of camp, at least for the past 15 years or so. Being a little spoiled to air conditioning, sodas and video games - it was a bit of culture shock, I think.

Aside from the dramatic tales he shared, I think (or least I hope) that he enjoyed camp. He made some good memories, even if he decides to not repeat them next year!

Random Funniness

I could never capture all the funny moments that Noah makes me laugh....I'd be writing ALL the time! However, here are a few keepers...

Noah: "Hey Mom, Look...I can get up from the floor with handcuffs on."
Me: "Hey Noah, that's a skill I hope you NEVER need."

Lady: "What grade are you in?"
Noah: "4th"
Me (later): "Why didn't you say 5th?"
Noah: "Until my feet are in the 5th grade room, I'm still a 4th grader!"

Noah (walking in with disposable camera): so how do I see these pictures now?
Me: we have to get them developed
Noah: ...(insert silence and crickets)
Me: (sigh) I feel so old!

Noah: "So how do you get your breath fresh?" Me (chuckling): "Why, got somebody you want to kiss?" Noah (ignoring): "What does mouthwash do, what's it all about?"...and after a long discussion on dental hygiene...Me: "Do you have a girlfriend or something you want to tell me about?" Noah: "Nope, but I figure it's about time to go out and get one." :)

Convo with Noah ..."did you call 911?" me, "no, I called dad". Noah, "duh dad IS 911!"

Noah just asked me to look up a cheat code for the Wii Fit...I think that kinda misses the point...lol

Me: so is this a great valentines present? (eating at pattys)
Noah: less talking, more eating!!
.....guess that answered my question

Summer Twenty-Ten Memories

Summer always seems to fly by but this year it really was shortened, due to the school calendar. The kids were out for exactly two months, which in the summertime, is about a blink of your eye. I've tried to make the most of it though and create some special memories for Noah...

Mega VBS week - attending both a day & nighttime bible school in the same week

Movies...Movies...Movies! ...and don't forget the popcorn (extra butter for Noah)! Our favorite by far was Despicable Me!

First camp away from home...Trooper Island

Hot Potato Salad.....Homemade Ice Cream.....S'Mores......Hot dogs....oh, and popcorn!

4H camp with Tina

River fun = Boat riding....Fishing...Tubing

Work with Mom day

Impromptu Zoo trip with Mamaw

Lightning Bugs....Honeysuckle......Cloud pictures....Star Gazing
Ahhhh....Summertime!