DATE NIGHT

As far as Marc and I can remember, it has been a little over three years since we last went on a date. The last time being the Keith Urban/Carrie Underwood concert in April of '08 (of course, last summer, for our anniversary, the Kesock's were kind enough to watch the boys for the day). But on Friday the 13th, we were able to con Keith and Linda Myers to watch the boys so we could attend a Charity Event to support our friend Colin Monette.

We actually were able to get all dressed up.

Definitely need more date nights.

PRE-SCHOOL FIELD TRIP

The week before school was over, Luke's class had their last Field Trip of the year. We traveled to Richmond to visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

When we first got there, Luke had to attend a little class (about fungus and mushrooms), which meant we had to entertain ourselves for about 45 minutes. Grey and I were lucky enough to be joined by Miss Jo-Ann Buchholz, so the three of us wandered about the gardens.

Here is some of what we saw. Look at this AMAZING Peony... just Gorgeous!

Love how all the color of the vegetation reflects off the water.

Not sure what this is, but love it.

I think this is Wisteria.

Grey totally took advantage of when I let him out of the stroller.

After Luke's class and before lunch, we let the boys play in the Children's Garden. They loved climbing on this 100 year old Mulberry Tree.

Luke looks like he is really high up in the tree, but actually, I am kneeling down on the ground.

Grey looks like he's smiling in this shot, but he's actually freaking out because he can't believe I let go of him to take the shot.

After lunch, the field trip was over, and we were free to do what we wanted. We decided to go exploring some more, and see everything else the Gardens had to offer... like the Japanese Gardens.

This Hollyhock was located in the "Healing" garden.

Outside the Greenhouse Conservatory was a Reflecting Pool with these beautiful Lilly Pads.

Inside the Greenhouse Conservatory were A.MAZ.ING. Orchids.

Check out these incredible blue Orchids. I was convinced they were fake.

Besides all the beautiful Orchids, there was also this adorable little Gardener's Cottage.

Luke's trying to break in.

This Lilly was about 8" across.

Trying to get Luke to sit still on this way cool metal sculpture of a Butterfly

Even though a Botanical Garden is all about flowers, plants and vegetation, all Luke wanted to see was water.

So I made sure I got a picture of him by some H2O.

MOTHER'S DAY 2011

Marc had to work the afternoon of Mother's Day, so to entertain ourselves, the boys and I had a little photo shoot. I set up the tri-pod and used my new Remote Shutter Release to take these pics.

Luke's now in control on the remote.

Grey took this one.

I LOVE my boys.

This one was one of my favorites... SO Silly!!

Thank You Luke and Grey for letting me be your Mommy!!

AFTERNOON TEA AND A PARADE

The Friday before Mother's Day, Luke's school hosted a "Mother's Tea". It began with a little program and was followed up with a few munchies and drinks. I didn't take a lot of pics, but this one pretty much sums up the whole event.

My kid was the one who stood up there, in front of the entire crowd, picking his nose and pulling his shirt up to show off his belly. In this photo, he's doing neither of those, but is definitely showing off his stubborness.

Then... that evening, his classmates were in the Mineral Fireman's Parade.

This is the tractor that pulled their float.

Luke's all set to go to ride in his first parade.

Marc and Grey waiting along the parade route.

There's Luke's Float.

As the float passed, I ran around behind to try to get pics of Luke. He's in the white shirt right above the striped circle.

Even though I was loudly shouting his name, and was literally right in front of him, he never did see me.

Only in the South...

Since this was the Mineral Fireman's Parade, essentially, the entire parade consisted of Firetrucks.

All the fire departments from surrounding towns and counties come to participate in this parade. It gives them the opportunity to show off their prized equipment. After the parade, all the trucks are judged and prizes are awarded.

Hope there weren't any fires that night.