Touring the Homestead

Ian and I have lived in Durham for more than eight years, and we hadn't made it to one of Durham's most historic landmarks, The Duke Homestead and Museum.  So, one day this week the boys and I decided to head up there to check it out with our friends Scott and Amelia. 

I wasn't sure about taking the boys to a historic site and museum, but it turned out to be a great way to spend the morning.  We started out the day touring the old houses and tobacco buildings owned by the Duke family.  Benny loved wandering in the grass.  Evan looked in the buildings a little and gave the sample tobacco a little sniff, but he really doesn't like certain smells, so he also spent most of the time wandering the grounds.  That was fine, it was a beautiful day and they learned a little bit about their historic surroundings as they played. 

(One of the tobacco warehouses)

(The actual Duke homestead)

After the outdoor tour we wandered in to the tobacco museum.  It was a very interesting concept for a museum and a tricky one to explain to a three year old, but there were still some buttons to press and things to look at.  Our favorite was definitely the Liberty Bell made entirely from tobacco--only in North Carolina.  We also bought another North Carolina specialty on the way out-a Moon Pie for dessert after our picnic lunch.

(The tobacco Liberty Bell)

(The talking farmer who was unfortunately broken at the not-so-modern museum)

So, we headed outside to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.  It was a great place for lunch because the picnic tables were located in a big, contained field under a big tree over looking the homestead.  It was quite an interesting morning, but it just goes to show you that kids will enjoy and get something out of just about anywhere you take them if you approach it in the right way. 

 (trouble...)

 (trouble...)

(...and more trouble!)

 (Evan studies the historical landmark sign.)

 (The boys play under a tree after our picnic.)

(I think the museum did a good job of wearing out the boys!)

Training

I've trained for 5K races, 6K's, 10 milers, half-marathons, and even mini triathalons, but I still don't think I knew what I was getting in to when I started training for the full marathon that we're running in November on the Outer Banks. 

We started training about 12 weeks ago.  When we started there were three of us, and due to unfortunate scheduling conflicts, we're down to two people (we miss Brooke!).  But Bob and I are plugging away.  On the runs so far I've experienced torrential downpours, bugs flying in my mouth, eyes, and up my nose, a 200 pound Rottweiler following me home, getting lost, and 100+ degree temperatures.  My legs have been sore since about August, and getting up before 6am is getting a bit tiring, especially when I'm looking after the little ones all day.

However, it's such a feeling of accomplishment every time we go further than we've gone before.  (Even thought Bob continually wishes I would go just a bit faster.)  This week we ran 16 miles from our house in South Durham up to Elmo's Diner in North Durham where we met the rest of our families for a delicious brunch.  The running has given me a sense of self back that I had sort of lost when I had the boys.  November-here I come, Outer Banks-here I come, 26.2 here I come!

Change of Plans

So, Evan was supposed to have his first soccer game today.  We were talking about it all day and working on encouraging our little nervous athlete.  He wasn't quite sure about the whole thing, but we were talking it up, showing him You Tube videos of famous soccer players, and reminding him of the rules. 

Then, after all of that hype, we find out about midway through the day that the soccer fields are bit too soggy and our little game has been cancelled.  What were we to do?  Well, we knew that there would be another game next week, so we weren't too heartbroken.  But just in case, we headed down to a newly opened frozen yogurt place and treated ourselves to a little afternoon goody.  Looks like it was just the thing to fill the time! 

 (Ben was very indignant and fussed every time the spoonful was not delivered to his mouth fast enough!)

(Well, you can tell what Evan thought of his treat...who needs soccer?)

We'll fill you in on the soccer details next week!

Patience

Patience is something that every mom strives to have.  Patience is something I always strive to have more of, and patience is something that I definitely didn't have enough of today.  Benny is getting to the age where he's testing his limits, and he definitely had me today.  I can't pinpoint one thing.  Maybe it was when he was climbing the oven, maybe it was when he was fussing in the backseat of the car and I couldn't figure out what was making him upset, maybe it was when he kept thrashing on the changing table when I was changing him at the museum, or maybe it was slipping and falling onto my back in the garage with Ben in my arms...somehow, that child wore me out today.

I hate fussing at him, and I hate feeling like a mom that's always yelling.  I hate not having the patience to redirect him in a calm and loving manner.  But tomorrow is another day, and fortunately Bennys are sweet, forgetful creatures.  As he was happily lying in my arms in his rocking chair tonight we both sighed in relief.  Tomorrow's another day.  Tomorrow I will try to have more patience, and tomorrow my boys and I will both try to enjoy each other just as much as we can.  It's the hardest, best job I've ever had!

(Worth every ounce of frustration!)

Fall is in the Air

Last week, the temperature decided to drop about 20 degrees and feel actually a bit cool.  The nip in the air made us feel like fall was around the corner.  What's the best thing to do when fall arrives?  Head to the mountains and pick some apples, of course!  So, that's what we did.

On Friday night we drove down to Glassy, SC for a weekend of fall fun with Ian's Aunt Steph and Uncle Don.  Of course, as always they were the perfect hosts and it was a lovely weekend.  They had prepared lovely accommodations for us with comfy beds, snacks, little toys for the boys, and anything else we could possibly think to ask for. 

Saturday morning we woke up to a beautiful view, had a delicious breakfast, and prepared for a day of fun in the mountains.  Aunt Steph packed a delicious picnic lunch complete with everything we needed including a cupcake with a candle for Evan and Ben to celebrate their trip to Glassy.  Apple picking was great.  The outing started out right when I smelled the most amazing freshly made apple cider donuts and picked some up for us to munch on while we picked.  We found several different types that were ripe and picked the best ones.  This involved the boys trying to pick ones off the ground as well as the trees and Ian climbing up to the heights of the trees to get the ones that hadn't been plucked yet.  We ended up with a whole basket that we've been munching on ever since.  The trip to the apple orchard finished with that lovely picnic eaten in a playground.  What a great trip!

(Aunt Steph and Evan head out to pick some apples.)

(Uncle Don and Ben take a test drive on the tractor.)

 

(Ben samples the goods.)

 

 (Evan climbs a tree to find the best apples.)

We headed home and rested for a bit then headed out for a pizza dinner with Grammy.  Unfortunately, the trips home from the apple orchard and to the pizza place involved a few too many windy mountain roads for Benny, and we discovered his motion sickness twice as you have already heard about.  Poor little guy!  However, he recovered quickly and we all had a lovely dinner.

The next day we had a leisurely morning around the house.  Then, we stopped by the neighborhood playground which also had the beautiful mountain views as Steph and Don's house.  The boys had some great playing and pretending with their great aunt and uncle before we headed back to the house for another lovely meal. 

(Evan and I take a bit of a helicopter ride.)

 

 (Boy this is fun!)

 

(Feels good to get a bit of energy out!)

Unfortunately, it was a quick trip and we had to say goodbye.  However, we had a wonderful weekend and definitely are excited from our first taste of fall.  Thanks for a great weekend Aunt Steph and Uncle Don! 

(Happy Fall!)

Windy Mountain Roads

This weekend we went on a fabulous excursion which I will tell you all about later.  However, before we share all the fun I wanted to share one of the things that we discovered about Benny while on the trip.  Our adventures took us up windy roads into the mountains.  After about 5 minutes in the car on one of these windy mountain roads Benny proceeded to throw up all over himself.  That night on the way to dinner, he did the same thing coming down out of the mountains.

He wasn't sick at all the rest of the time he was there, he was his perky, happy self.  In addition, Ben has been fairly fussy in the car ever since we switched him into his new rear-facing car seat.  Even though our pediatrician said that he was too young to get car sick, I think it's pretty evident that motion-sickness is what's going on, especially since I am blessed with the same affliction. 

Certain things make sense, like how he doesn't like to spend long in the swing or how you can't settle him by rocking with him in the chair or in your arms.  Even though it's not recommended for a few more months, I think he's left us no choice but to turn around his car seat so that it's forward facing and hope that helps.  Poor little Benny!

Rock Chalk

The day before yesterday might be the last warm day of our North Carolina summer.  So, I had to dress Benny in this outfit before the weather got too cold. 

This post is a tribute to all of my Jayhawk fan readers!

"Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!"

Just me and Ben

One of the added benefits of having Evan go to preschool three days a week has been getting to spend a bunch of one of one time with Benny.  He gets plenty of attention when Evan is around, but he really opens up even more when you get him one on one.  Since Evan has been at preschool we've headed to parks, created works of art at home, and been to the airport, and we're just a few days into preschool.

When I get Benny one on one, he is so happy and communicative.  On the first day of preschool I heard him say 2 or 3 words that I'd never heard him say before.  When we went to the airport, he absolutely had a ball.  At first, he was a bit scared of the noisy planes, but when we had a chance to go up on the observation deck and watch a few, he got really excited.  He just started babbling and taking excitedly every time a plane landed or took off in front of him. 

I can't wait to get to know my little boy even better as the year progresses. 

(Benny enjoying a little mommy time)

Just Call Me Soccer Mom

So, I am officially a soccer mom.  Evan had his first soccer practice tonight, and I have to say that it was one of the cutest things that I have ever seen!  His friends Quinn and Nathaniel were on his team, but I was still worried that my little bookworm might not want to get out there and play.  However, he did start getting excited the minute we bought the shin guards.  As long as he got to wear the shin guards where ever we were going, he was happy to go.

Practice was very warm, and Evan managed to fall and scrape up both his knee and his elbow on his way down to the field-not a great start.  However, turns out he had a great time!  The coach was great with all of the little three year-olds running around the field.  They warmed up, played games, practiced kicking, and had a lot of fun.  Parents were there to herd the kids back on to the field when they just kept on running off into the trees, chased balls in the wrong direction, or just would rather sit down and have a little break. 

Evan actually stayed focused for most of it and enjoyed himself.  He was a good little dribbler and could kick the ball pretty well for his first practice.  He was also fairly pragmatic, instead of chasing around the one ball that everyone else was fighting over during the "scrimmage", he wandered off and found one that was not nearly so popular.  When they were playing capture the flag tag and everyone was chasing each other trying to pull off their flag "tails", Evan just wandered around picking up the ones that had dropped on the ground that no one was paying attention to. 

Most importantly, Evan had a great time.  It will be and interesting season, and I can't wait for the first game!

 (Evan arrives at the soccer field and eyes his competition.)

 (The team has a pow-wow.)

 (Evan listens to the coach with his friends Quinn and Nathaniel.)

 (Evan runs with his team.)

 (Evan takes a big kick.)

(It was a good practice mom, but boy was it tiring!)

First Day of School for the Boys

It's that time of year again, the weather is getting cooler, September has begun, and so has school.  I can't believe it's Evan's second year of preschool.  This year he will be in the 3's  classroom at Resurrection United Methodist Preschool going 3 days a week.  Evan wasn't the only one starting something this Wednesday, Ben had his first official Kindermusik class.

Evan has been to preschool twice since we started on Wednesday. Both times Evan has fussed when I dropped him off.  I hate leaving him upset, but apparently, he's happy two seconds after I leave, and by the time I pick him up he is wearing a big smile.  Today, he was also wearing two stickers and beaming because he had used the potty twice at preschool!  They've also been making placemats, reading stories, hanging out on the playground, playing blocks, investigating the class fish, and having countless other adventures.  I think it will be a great year!

Benny also had a great Kindermusik class.  Not only is his girlfriend Amelia in the class but also 4 or 5 other kids that are 16 months old as well.  It will be a whole class full of trouble.  He was as entranced as Evan by the teacher, Catherine, and loved listening to the music.  It's been really great to have this one-on-one time with him. 

The boys are both starting off on new adventures, and I can't wait to see what the new school year will bring.  They are both getting so big!

 

 (My little boy on his first day)

 (Our tradition of touching the preschool sign-he does it every day.)

(Our first picture with the sign a year ago-He looks so little!)

(The brothers pose together.)

 

(How much do I love my boys?!)

Wine Tasting, Zip Lining, and Hiking-The Perfect Weekend

So, I surprised Ian for his birthday and dragged him out of the house with no idea where he was going.  Once he was in the car, I let him in on his surprise.  First, we would drive up to Asheville slowly stopping by any good wineries that we found along the way and finding a bite to eat when we were hungry.  The greatest part of that plan was that we wouldn't have to stop at a McDonalds, a Chick-Fil-A, or any other restaurant that had kids' area for the duration of the trip.

We started off and had a great time just talking to each other which we never have time to do.  Soon, it was time for our first stop-Westbend Vineyards.  We started off their day as their first visitors and had a great time.  Their grounds were beautiful and the wine was lovely.  They had Ian's favorite wine of the day.  Next, they directed us to little neighborhood cafe for lunch called the Battle Branch Cafe-Yum!   Our next winery was Raylen.  We had been there before, and we remembered it as having good wine, and it didn't disappoint.  Onward for a little more driving to Lake James Cellars.  This one didn't have its own vineyard and was in an antique store, so we didn't know how the wine would be, but they really had some interesting wines.  They directed us to our final winery of the day-South Creek.  They had recently won a bunch of awards and were very proud of their wine, and it was good as well.

After that, we figured we had sampled enough wine for the day so we headed on in to our final destination, Asheville.  We checked into our hotel which was nice, except the room had the largest jacuzzi tub you've ever seen in the actual room-strange!!  We relaxed a bit and then headed out to dinner in downtown Asheville.  When we checked in at the Tupelo Honey Cafe they said that there was a 1.5 hour wait.  We were fine with that because we didn't have any kids to entertain and we had noticed a festival a few blocks away.  So, we headed down to explore.  We decided that the people of Asheville definitely reminded us of Seattle and Portland and had a great time!

(Our colossal bathtub in the middle of the room.)

Finally, our seats were ready for dinner.  We proceeded to eat WAY too much for dinner and enjoy every minute of it.  They had some delicious homemade biscuits with honey and jam for us while we waited for our food, and I think those were the best things we ate the whole dinner.  For our starters we had hot pimento cheese dip and pulled pork spring rolls.  Then, we tried the chicken saltimbocca and peachy pork chops for dinner.  While their desserts also looked fabulous, we were too full.  So, we headed out and down the street to a neighborhood chocolate shop where we bought some to enjoy later when we weren't quite so full.  Then, like the old people we are, we headed back to the hotel early and got a great, uninterrupted night's sleep.

The next day, we were able to wake up on our schedule and eat at the continental breakfast at our hotel.  Then, we headed up into the mountains to Navitat for a little zip lining adventure.  Neither of us had ever tried anything like it, so we were interested to see what it was like.  It was a lot of fun!  They had 10 ziplines stretched between platforms up in the trees of the forest.  The ziplines ranged between 100 and 1000 ft. and were 250 ft. off the ground at the highest point.  I was a little nervous about being able to stay on course and brake correctly when I was supposed to, but it turns out that it wasn't too hard.  We got to whiz through the air at up to 40 miles per hour and tried suspension bridges and rappelling too.  It was a great adventure!

(The course map)

(One of the platforms)

(One of the longest, highest ziplines-Ian is actually the little speck in the middle of the picture.)

(Ian and I adventuring)

After our zip lining fun we headed further up the mountain on a LONG windy gravel road to check out a waterfall.  Douglas Falls was about 70ft. and it was really neat to see.  Immediately after we got in the car from our adventure the rain started to fall, so it really was perfect timing.  One more adult meal at Outback and then we drove home.  We had a fabulous time, grandparents and grandkids all survived, and most importantly, Ian said it was the best present I could have gotten him.  I'll have to start coming up with ideas now for next year!

 (Some tree roots we passed on our hike.)

(The waterfall and I)