Fall Camping

  We have a blast camping several time over the fall!  Our first trip was to Helen for Oktoberfest.  This trip was only adults which made it even more relaxing.  We went with our best friends Ben and Candice Thornton.  We rented a 6 person tent from REI.  We spent the weekend hanging out by the fire, cooking on the first and heading into Helen for some fun!

Our next camping trip was on Lake Allatoona and the kids went this time!  The Thornton's bought a Travel Trailer named Spirit and this was the first trip taking it out.  This trip involved long walks by the lake, disc golf, and making smores by the fire!

Our last camping trip of 2011 was to Stone Mountain.  We went with the Thornton's of course and took Spirit for her second trip :)  This trip was a lot of fun because during the day/evening we were able to explore Stone Mountain Christmas.  My parents met us that after along with Allison and Reagan Latham.  It was a great trip!

We had a pet Goose for the majority of the trip!  HE loved the kids!

Freezing after a ride in the Sky Buckets to the top of Stone Mountain

While we were there I snapped this picture of the boys and used it for our Christmas cards!

Caden's First Zoo Trip

  The day we left for Louisiana I took Caden to the Atlanta Zoo that morning thanks to our dear friend Candice who let us go with her and Aiden.  Trina and Fallon also joined in to make the day even more fun!

Checking out the Zebra and Giraffe

Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving this year was celebrated in Louisiana.  The Cascio side of my family was having a reunion in Shreveport so JR and I loaded up the VW and headed to Louisiana.  While we were there we stayed with my Uncle and Aunt in Ruston.  It was a bittersweet trip back...  Both sets of grandparents are now in heaven and this was the first holiday that they were all gone.  I did however get to visit all 4 of their graves.  It was also special because it was JR's first trip there so I was able to show him my grandparent's old homes.  We enjoyed the whole trip even though there were a few tears shed.... 

The Cascio Siblings (missing my PawPaw)

My Dad's parents-- Maw Maw and Paw Paw

My Mimi and Paw Paw

Caden loves his Paw Paw and kept talking to him saying Hey Nana's Daddy Paw Paw

Giving Hugs to their Great Grandparents

The Gresham house in Farmerville on the lake

This was the ride to Louisiana :)  Grayson rode over with my parents

Halloween 2011

Halloween this year was even more fun with Caden enjoying getting candy from all of the neighbors!  Grayson was dressed as a Star War storm trooper.  Caden was supposed to be Yoda but would not wear his costume so he was a frog :)

Caden's First Hair Cut

Caden did a great job getting his first hair cut!  It helped that he was in a car and eating a sucker :)  Aiden Thornton his Best Friend was also getting his first hair cut so that helped!

Mother's Day

Fourth of July and September 11th

We started our Annual Fourth of July party at the Marietta Square for their Parade.  Then we headed home to grill out and spend time with family and friends!  It was a fun day followed by watching fireworks in the rain.

 I am also attaching a few pictures from the 10th anniversary of 9/11.  Kennesaw Mountain had enough flags to represent every person that was killed.  It was such an amazing site. 

Spring Break Beach Trip

   For Spring Break this year we took off to Rosemary Beach, Florida.  We went our sweet friends- The Monroe and West Families.  We took off Saturday, April 3rd and returned on the 6th.  It was such a nice and quiet trip. 
     Caden was not a huge fan of sand on his feet or hands.  So Harper and Caden spent most of their time under a beach tent.  He did enjoy getting in the ocean with Daddy and swimming with big brother. 

     Grayson was a bit nervous this year.... last year he was bitten by a crab and found a baby shark.  After, the first day with no problems he was back to normal!  He spent most of his time in the ocean or playing in the sand.
 
    We were so lucky with the Condo we stayed in... below the Condos were shops and restaurants.  Our first night we ate at La Cocina.  Yummy!  We also enjoyed seafood the next night in Panama City at Sharky's.  Our last night in town we took off and left the kiddos for an adult night!  Our sweet nanny Lindsay came with us to help with the 4 kids... we were so lucky. 
     Lindsay also took the kids to the condo everyday during their nap time which allowed all of the adults to relax for a bit. 

   I do not have many pictures because the camera died within the first few minutes and I forgot the charger....  so all I have is from my phone!

First night at dinner... Harper and Caden had fun talking to eachother

Swimming in the pool (heated) with my boys!

Caden and Harper haging out under the tent eating their snacks

No kids tonight!  It was nice!

Caden playing on the blankets....

Cub Scout Pinewood Derby

Friday night Grayson's Boy Scout Troop had their annual Pinewood Derby.  I was so proud of Grayson because he won every single race his car was in... So he won FIRST place overall!  JR and Grayson worked so hard to make the car just right I was so proud!  Grayson wanted his car all black and named it the bullet!  It was an extra special night because Elijah was in town and was able to watch Grayson win.  He was so proud of Grayson!  My mom was also able to be there and watch him win!

Grayson getting his ribbon and pin from his leader.

 Smiling and showing off his "bullet" car!

It was cute to hear the kids yell after the race was over--  The bullet car won again!! YAY Grayson!

 

Special Present

   As you know JR's mom is stationed in Iraq and has been gone since January...  Grayson has really missed her and was very sad she was not here for his Birthday....so when he got a package from her over seas he was super excited.  Lisa had sent him the book Happy Birthday To You! By Dr. Seuss  In the book was a DVD that Lisa was able to video tape herself reading the book to Grayson... I thought this was the sweetest most thoughtful gift.  Now when Grayson is missing her he can put the DVD in and watch her read to him. 

Thanks Grandma!!!

Grayson's 8th Birthday Party

This year Grayson wanted to have a Bowling Party.... so AMF Lanes it was.  He invited all of his friends in his class and a few other friends.  He also wanted to have a Star Wars Lego Theme.  So publix made his cake (I love their cakes).  For party favors we gave each party guest their own Lego to build.  His party was on the same day as his Baptism so we called February 13th Grayson Day (he loved it).  The party started out great... lots of bowling!  When it was time for pizza and cake Grayson started looking like he did not feel well.  As soon as we started eating pizza Grayson looked at me and said I can't eat... and then he ran to the bathroom sick as a dog... POOR little guy threw up at his party and could not eat pizza or cake!!  I felt so bad for him.... He stuck it out the remainder of the party but stayed home from school Monday.

The Star Wars Cake

The set up... Thanks AMF Lanes for doing everything :) 

Caden even wants to bowl!

Some of the kids and adults bowling

Present time!!