September 2010 - Gotta See Those Kids Again (Sunday - Monday)

It has been almost a year since we have seem the Collier family.  So we reserved the end of September for a road trip.  Ken and I left Saturday the 19th, spent the night in Nashville, and on Sunday took off for the final drive to Asheville.  We know we are getting close when tunnels loom before  us.

The real beauty begins around Knoxville -- and becomes more and more beautiful.

OK, I know the windshield is filtlhy, but just have to click a few shots.

Arriving right before dinner time on Sunday, we enjoy flank steak salad and two wonderful grandchildren.  Carson insist on playing Monopoly before going to bed.

Ava is so 'hyped' she puts on a show for us.

After school on Monday, we pick up the children for a special promised shopping trip.

The toothfairy had failed to bring Carson his long awaited skateboard, so Target was our first stop. 

Carson left Target a happy 'man' - he choose Spiderman for his skateboard. 

It took two pet stores to find all the supplies for 'Little Stevie' Ava's new hampster.  Ava had been saving her money for a long time, so she was able to choose toys, food, home and hampster. 

So here she/he is -- a dwarf Russian Hampster. 

And not only does Ava share the new pet love with Carson, he also learns quickly on his skateboard.

Monday was a very exciting and happy day for two little angels.

The Beauty Around Kenilworth

There is so much beauty in this neighborhood.  A brighteyes little 5 year old boy.

 

A hubby and daddy who sometimes lets his wife sleep in while he fixes the kids breakfast, lunch and  then drives them to school. 

Scrambled eggs. 

Dressed and ready for school and very eager to learn. 

Rare occasions of breakfast with Daddy. 

Silly Boy.  Apples from an apple picking excursion.

The cozy neighborhood.  The church across the street.  Friendly neighbors walking dogs.

The gardens here and there. 

The home they've lived in for the past five years. 

The neighbor's fence and the organic ways of life. 

The final rose of summer. 

Rambling Morning Glories. 

The Dogwood Trees in Fall. 

The Butterflies everywhere.  Rambling Butterfly Bushes.

The Collier family Jade plant that  lost almost every leaf when moved from Oklahoma to North Carolina. 

The newly decoraded "man hole" room .....

that has been called everything from future guest house, to craft or photo shop to office to Mother-in-law room and Children's Toy storage.  It has now found it's proper use. 

Jade. 

The Collier Cooking Classroom and Kitchen. 

The romantice dining room Lights. 

And most beautiful of all on Kenilworth Road is Sommer Joy. 

Tuesday in Asheville September 21, 2010

Sommer had blogged about chai pani, so of course we wanted to visit.  This Street Indian food is owned by friends of the Colliers.

Owner.  http://aspicyperspective.blogspot.com/2010/08/chai-pani-dream-incarnate.html

Self shot of two of us.

Dan - Daddy sat on the other side. 

And Carson and Papa were having fun together also. 

Sommer thinks she does not take good photos, but she is wrong. 

The appetizer salad arrives. 

Carson and Mommy have a special bond.

Next door is Kilwins -- Carmel Apples and home made ice cream. 

Street Food???? 

At home, Ava checks out her new hamster.

And of course, Kona is very curious, so he gets an introduction. 

Then time for showers and bed.  Tomorrow is a school day. 

No cavities in these mouths.