Our summer was truly blessed by being able to "come South for the Summer". We have traveled all over, lands near and far so far this summer, but this....this trip to Atlanta and eventually to Lake Martin, our home away from home, was what we were all looking forward to. We took off from Wyckoff, NJ on August 2nd, arriving on August 3rd to Karen and Mike's house in Suwannee. Kobe made the trip with us and, after leaving him most of the summer, there was no way he was missing out on the LAKE! All in all, the drive, all by myself as Dave had to work, was easy. The scenery alone helped me along and I my body clock was still on Pacific time. I could have made it in one day, but decided to stop over outside of Charlotte because Kobe probably needed a break. The kids did summer school work, watched movies (thank you new Range Rover) and played a bit. I packed a cooler with healthy treats, so we had to stop very little...just for gas and restroom breaks :-) It was hard to settle the kids after we got to the 'motel' room, one that would accept dogs. The kids were wired. I was tired. Not a good mix. I promised to let them watch the Olympics if they could calm down, but no, that did not happen. I could have used a glass of wine after that one! The next morning, we were up and out! On our way to see Gavin! Yippee!
Lucky for us, Uncle Mike and Karen were more than ready to see us too. It was time to party! We spent the evening by the pool, catching up, kids making a mess, doing what they do best :-) We were having so much fun, we forgot about dinner - that's a big surprise if you know the White sisters.
Of course, no visit is complete without some blood. Gavin and Zach helped us out in that area. A Hot Wheel to the head, split open, blood all over him and a nice big goose egg with a scar to boot, and that is how it is done.
We spent Friday - Sunday at The Smith's and took off for Smyrna to meet up with the McCurry's and make our way to Lake Martin. I was introduced to Ebony & Ivory BBQ in Smyrna. Oh, I'm so glad I was....mmmm!
We took Garrett & Christina with us, as Michelle had just returned from Thailand and was a bit jet lagged. The old neighborhood kids were so happy to be together once again. They fall right back into it, don't they?! And look, our BOAT! I've missed you so much. Many good times have been had on this beauty.
Oakridge Estate's gang 2012
Olivia and the girls found the rich, beautiful Alabama red clay. And what did they do? Well, many pots and pieces of art were made over the next couple of days. The clay somehow made it's way to the dock....feet print all the way, and what a mess!
Amy Orrico let us borrow her raft, so off we went with kids laughing all the way. I rode it several times myself...will get to that later. These kids loved it, but Olivia and Zach wouldn't try it one time. They really missed out, because it was FUN!
The kids and I saw a double rainbow on our way back from Tiger Town (and a quick trip to Dollar General for a toy). As Olivia bought a fake rat, the clerk said, "girl, you weird!" Ah, welcome back to Alabama.
My master fishermen/women were back at it in full force this August. I believe this was the first catch. The subsequent ones were the big daddy catfish. Zach doesn't mess around with his fishing. I love the smiles on their faces.... Guess who else had a smile on his face? Our dear Kobe was his true, free spirited self at the lake. He was in the water much more, explored and slept to his heart's content. What a good boy, especially after enduring all the "love" from the McCurry girls. That's a lot of love:-)
Happy Birthday to Michelle! She made it to the lake in time to celebrate her birthday. Jill, Michelle and I had the best day hanging out at the Ridge Beach Club, sipping margaritas and watching our happy kiddos play. It was truly a wonderful day with friends. Plus, the boat didn't break down this time... ha.
These boys felt they had to pee off of the dock...together. They are pretty impressed with themselves. Even Jake. The girls, eh, not impressed so much!
Happy Birthday, Michelle
Our big kids taking the canoe by themselves this year. My, how everyone has grown up. Memories we will cherish. Jenna, Christina and Carly
After Jill headed home, Michelle and her kids stayed for a couple of days. The culmination was a skinny dipping party, in broad daylight. Mind you, only the kids participated. It was hilarious seeing these soon to be 9 year, 7 year, 5 and 3 year olds streaking, swimming, laughing! They had a blast, but we had to tone it down when other kids came the next week.
The Aqua Lily Pad was such a hit! We borrowed it from The Schorr's and I was afraid we wouldn't give it back! Love, love, love that thing!
Gavin, Karen and Mike arrive and we are full force into our party time.
Dave sent this photo from Chile! He had a commercial shoot early August and was in full on snow while we were lazing away in the warm Alabama heat. He even sent a picture of a fox who watched them film most of the day. Pretty cool ride to work on a snow cat!
Alas, Daddy was allowed to join us. He flew from Chile to Atlanta and drove to Lake Martin. We were oh, so happy to see him. He was jet lagged and in need of a shave, but hey, who needs to shave at the lake?!
Let the festivities begin!! Karen, Mike, Gavin and Dave were all on hand Saturday for some prime time lake reunion. It's funny how the adults slip right back in to routine as well. We spent the afternoon floating with The Schorr's by our dock, drinking chatting and wiling the day away. It's an easy thing to do on Lake Martin. Kaci, Abbie and Jim joined us Sunday. We all went out to one of our favorite beaches and low and behold, The Orrico's boated to meet up with us. What a crazy afternoon!
Kaci and Jen - our annual date :-)
Gavin, Zach and Olivia picked up glass on the beach for some great clean up of one of our favorite beaches. Thanks, guys.
J
Jen and Amy....before said inner tubing incident. Amy always brings the 'Bug Juice'.
The innertube we borrowed from Amy. Of course we had to ride it and of course, after 15 minutes of heckling Dave, he finally threw me off. Gavin didn't feel sorry for me. Unfortunately, I got a bit of water smashed into my ear and sinus and a week later ended up with severe pink and an infected lymph node. Ugh. Lesson learn....and I mean it this time.
Beautiful Abbie enjoying her stay at the lake
Campfire with Dave and Kaci
Zach's first catch of the summer lake trip....just wait, they get bigger.
Finally! Our driveway that we planned to get a year ago is going in. It looks beautiful and we are so proud to have it....I do not miss the weeds and gully!
After we oversaw the driveway, the kids and I headed back to Mimi & Papa's in Georgia. Dave was back in New Jersey. I was leaving later in the week for Pebble Beach, CA Concours 'de Elegance to meet Dave. Fortunately, I had a couple of days to drop in to see people back in Georgia. We spent one day with Carla, Barry and the kids. Kobe and their dogs did not get along, getting into a fight at one point..ugh. But, Zach and Olivia had a fabulous time messing around Barry's Carrolton house. The pool was mostly repaired, the four-wheelers were ready to go and I almost thought Zach wasn't going home with me. He loves anything that goes and I think this was his first experience to go on his own. He's 7 years old and had free reign on the four-wheelers and lots of land to ride. Yay Zach!
Heath didn't have much to do with anyone, but he softened up a bit to give me a kiss...only for the camera - ha! Cutie pie!
Olivia and MacKenzie
Connell and Zach - iPad, of course!
Olivia, the "dog whisperer" with Dixie
Zach didn't last long as the rider....he wanted to be the driver.
Barry with the smoker....yes, we had lots and lots of good food as always.
I had a fabulous day with Carla, so much so, she had to retire before dinner :-)
On my way to the airport, I had time to see some friends. Laura.... I mean, Liz, was my first stop. I couldn't resist getting a quick picture with this lovely, little sassafras. She wouldn't have much to do with me, but I still got a squeeze in.
The girls at the pool, Allyson, Liz, and the gang. Flying out to California in a couple of hours and ready for some fun.
