Lazy 5 Ranch.

In Mooresville, NC, just 20 minutes from Krista's house is a 185 acre exotic animal reserve. Krista's sister-in-law Kristin set up a group tour on a guided wagon ride--complete with all the feed to hand feed the animals.

Two-legged animals: Ostrich, Emu, Rhea.

Four-legged animals: Zebra, Rhinos, Giraffes, Yaks, Water Buffalo, Bison, Llamas, lots of Asian Deer, Cows, and Goats, Pot Bellied Pigs, Wildebeests, and so many more I can't remember.










It was hot and dirty but both Presley and Stella couldn't get enough of the animals! Presley liked feeding the Llamas best--did you know they have a split upper lip that can move independently to help 'walk' food into their mouths? Stella wanted to crawl right off the wagon and join the animals.

Haircut.

In Krista's new town (Mooresville, NC) there is a specialty shop for kid's haircuts. Stella certainly doesn't need one yet, but it was about time for Presley's FIRST haircut.




Just a trim (about 3 inches) to even things up and lighten up the curls. You can hardly tell she had a haircut. Was it any surprise that Presley loved being the center of attention?

Beach.

Another side trip we took while in North Carolina was to the beach in Charleston, SC. Yes, it was anther drive and yes, it was somewhat of a disaster--here is why:

• It poured rain the first night at the beach.
• Presley is terrified/paralyzed of the sand (she thinks it has "disease" in it).
• I left my earrings at the hotel (but we drove back and got them).
• Mom didn't get to shop as long as she would have liked in the old shopping district.
• Did I mention my kids don't like to be in the car?

Presley did fine if she was on the towel and didn't have to touch the sand with her feet. She now wants her feet washed all the time--weird. Stella did better at the beach, despite these pictures. She actually came out to the water with me and of course ate the sand.

Mom liked the sound of the waves and Krista and I loved how warm the water was. Perhaps a trip to the beach without the kids should be in our future!

Georgia Aquarium.

After Delta axed the direct flight into Charlotte, we decided a layover in Atlanta would give us a chance to go to the aquarium--despite a 4 hour drive Krista and Kim had to make (in a minivan!) in order to pick us all up at the airport.

The night at the hotel was a disaster--Stella just had the hardest time adjusting and was up every hour. Needless to say we were happy to get to the aquarium and stare at a few fish!













It was worth it, we LOVED the aquarium! Thanks to Krista for supplementing my photos (can you tell who took which ones?). And thanks to my mom for coming along on the trip and helping out. And thanks to Kim for receiving so much of Presley's attention--she really took to you!

My favorite is still the Monterey Bay Aquarium--it will always be because of all the time I spent there one summer in school (right next door!). Maybe I can convince Chris to take a road trip with me and the girls this fall to make a visit . . .

Just for me.

I promise to catch up on all the vacation stories and photos . . . soon. In the mean time here are my 2 most recent finds (and new favorites!).

If you are looking for the PERFECT blush you have to get Benefit's Coralista. It is the best and is perfect for that warm summery-glow. It looks bright, but a little goes a long way.


DiorShow Mascara (I like Chestnut) is the best I have tried in a long time--and believe me I have nearly tried them all. After MaryKay changed their formulation (maybe 15 years ago) I have been on the hunt for a new, everyday mascara. I hate to admit but this one is worth the money, and don't be afraid of the big brush!


Happy summer! We are off to the pool again tomorrow.

Where we've been.

Check out KRISTA'S DAILY PIC for a sampling of what the girls and I have been up to.

Atlanta, GA. Charleston, SC. Mooresville, NC. I will post more photos when we return!

And they're off!

To North Carolina! Two kids on a plane. One helpful grandma. Hopefully I brought enough stuff to keep them occupied during the trip.

Wish me luck!

More than I can chew.

I bit off more than I can chew . . . my sister-in-law hosts a girls night out and this month we had planned to sew a sling bag (yes. needle, thread, sewing machine). The day before I purchased the fabric and all the supplies--not even thinking that it had been over 2 decades since I had last really sat down to a sewing machine.

It took me 4 hours to cut out the pieces from the pattern and get those pieces lined with interfacing . . .


It took me another 3 hours to sew the pockets, the pleats, and the top band together . . .


At this point I was 3 steps behind the other girls, it was late, and I knew that there was no way I was going to be able to sew straight enough to finish the bag and have it look good. So, I dropped off the bag at my mom's (expert seamstress) and begged her to help me.


My mom finished the bag (in what I think was probably under an hour) and it looks perfect! Thanks mom! Next time I will try to pick a project that I can finish.

Girls.

Stella

• At her 1 year check up weight 16.5 pounds, length 28.75 inches, head 17.5 inches. She is a petite thing!
• Words she is saying, "uh-oh", "honk honk", "thank you", "mama", "dada", "bye bye".
• We are still trying to work out the stomach issues, but for now she is happiest on baby cereals and breast milk.
• Her teeth are HUGE but so cute.
• She is a snuggler.
• Loves to crawl up the stairs, but can't come down.

Presley

• After she has been put to bed she pulls out all of her pajamas and changes several times during the night--I am always surprised at what she is wearing in the morning.
• Still calls her blanket a "blanklet".
• Is alternately a princess or a ballerina.
• Loves to tackle her daddy.
• Bit Stella's finger the other day, which prompted Stella to bite her back three times while riding side-by-side in the jogging stroller.
• Loves to play pretend with dolls, stuffed animals, toys--anything.

Day of fun.

Last week Presley and I had "Presley and Mom's Day-of-Fun" (anybody get the reference?). While daddy watched Stella we did a few things that Presley picked--just the two of us. A day at the Farm and an hour running around Ikea. Strange, I know, but Presley just loves to play with/on all the things they have at Ikea--and we only walked away purchasing a cinnamon roll.


This was Presley's 3rd attempt (in as many years) to successfully ride the ponies. She struggled through but made it! I think it helped that the pony she picked to ride was named Roxy.

The best part--now when ever the two of us go anywhere without Stella and dad, Presley thinks it is another "Day-of-Fun".