Sunday, March 30, 2014

Callaway Gardens

After naps Saturday, the clouds were gone and the sun remained.  We walked through Mr. Cason's Garden and hiked the azalea bowl inside Callaway Gardens.  Since it was after hours, everything was especially peaceful.  It was like we had the whole place to ourselves!  The next day we explore the other attractions inside Callaway and biked the trails.  Trenton liked the trail-a-bike we rented for him.  We thought we would give it a shot and see how he liked it (and his puller--me today) before purchasing one ourselves.
 Mr. Cason's Vegetable garden.
 Such a happy, smiley boy.
 Trenton examines the flowers with his magnifying glasses.  His word of the azalea bowl hike was "fascinating" and these were apparently fascinating.
 Although the azaleas were just beginning to bud and not in full bloom, the cherry blossoms and red bud trees were at their peak.  We enjoyed their beauty.
 Boys with us
 Boys with Granna and Opa
 Trenton and Granna
 Bennett and Granna
 Bennett acting silly.  I love this side of him and his sweet, innocent laugh.
 Trenton and Daddy.
 Trenton insisted on taking this photograph.  He positioned us and directed us accordingly before snapping the shot.
 Night hiking through the forest around our cottage while Granna prepared dinner and Daddy and Opa watched March Madness.
 They enjoyed using their head lamps.
 Bennett curls up with Opa to borrow his hat and "atch" (watch) the touchdown (any ball game is touchdown to Bennett.)
 Bucking Trenton on the trail-a-bike. 
 Two thumbs up!  We are ready for the fun of the trail-a-bike!  Funny story.......so, I stand going up hills.  The first time I did it, Trenton said, "Uh, I think you need to put your bottom down." (in his all so serious voice) After I explained that it was the only way for me to make it to the top of the hill, he was fine with it.  It was just me pedalling until towards the end of riding.  Then, Trenton realized maybe he could do it a little and would randomly give it a try.  Another classic story........Again, on an up hill, I shouted to Trenton to see if he was helping me pedal.  His response, "I can't.  The bike is shaking back and forth." (It sways as I stand to pedal.....haha! )  He kept me smiling and laughing.  He called us team blue! Biking was his favorite thing.  Looks like we will be investing in one of these.
 I love tulips!  They were beautiful!  Too bad they don't last longer!
 This is the spring break dance Trenton invented.
 Bennett just laughed at him.
 Bennett loves to put his hands in his pocket and explore.  He's such a big boy now.
 If branches are reachable, Trenton is climbing!
 Bennett and Daddy's bike riding set-up.
 The Easter bunny decorations were up at the Sibley Horticulture Center.
 Trenton and Bennett liked roaming the little kids' garden.
 It was full of benches, table, chairs and bridges.
 We tried to catch the Birds of Prey show before having our picnic lunch and departing.  Well, we saw one hawk.....
 Bennett liked it at first.  Then began throwing the gravel rocks.
We liked the barred owl.  But, we did not have enough patience to last any longer.  When Trenton stood up on the bench with hand on his hips and shouted. "Batman!" we knew it was time to escape before we got anymore stares from the 50ish people at the outdoor amphitheatre.  :)

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Wild Animal Safari

Spring break's 2nd stop (after Chuck E. Cheese, of course!) was Callaway Gardens.  We ventured to Pine Mnt in middle Georgia for a weekend getaway.  Since it was rainy and gloomy out Saturday, we didn't go directly to the cottage, but instead stopped by the Wild Animal Safari as we arrived into town.  With raincoats on we did the walk-through followed by the bus ride through the acreage of uncaged animals.  The hour bus ride was exciting for everyone.  Bennett instantly caught on to the feeding, although a little in shock of the up close animals. 
 Bennett loved the peacocks.  He would follow them everywhere. 
 They were such a gorgeous sight when their feathers were fanned.  I still remember seeing them wander the zoo growing up but they don't do that anymore.  Not sure why??
 Checking out the goats.
 Feeding the baby one.
 The vehicles used for the safari part.
 Are we ready?  Let the ride begin!
 We were more scared of the open window than the animals.  We didn't want Bennett falling out the window!
 One sight of the various animals.
 Dropping food in their mouths. 
 Bennett began to really enjoy it.  He would constantly ask for more "nacks" (snacks) for the animals.
 The giraffes were our favorite!  Come on in!
 Bennett didn't know what to think of these guys and their drooling mouths and long tongues!  He stared and stared!
 Trenton fed them perfectly!
 We all got some good laughs!
 They ate and ate and ate.
 Momma got some good screams in.
 More water buffaloes to feed.
 Daddy and Trenton
 Bennett and Mommy
 And Lady Gaga.....that's what this animal was named because one horn curved up and the other down.
What?  It's all over?

Friday, March 28, 2014

Chuck E. Cheese

Trenton saw a commercial about Chuck E. Cheese this morning, and asked if we could go.  I told him that would be a great idea since next week is spring break.  However, I learned tonight was Chuck E. Cheese night for our school's fundraiser.  So, I surprised Trenton by taking him this afternoon.  Both boys enjoyed the excitement there.
Trenton has never once thought twice about character mascots.  Instantly he runs to them and is all grins.  Bennett likes them, but definitely stands his distance and gives him a complete stare down.  Don't expect him to show much emotion at all with them.  It is so funny how they are extremely different in this aspect. 
 Piloting the jet.
 Shooting water at the target and riding the roller coaster.
 Trenton hammering the groundhogs.
 Bennett riding the carousel and Trenton ready for the fierce wind inside the ticket blaster.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

A New Definition of Silent Reading

 I tend to cook dinner and let the boys play together in the playroom or basement.  Regardless of where they are, I can definitely hear them.  They are loud children having the time of their life in the simplest ways.  But when it gets quiet, I wander out to check on them.  This is what I found in the living room.  Trenton informed me they were reading.  I'm pretty confident, Bennett just copied what Trenton was doing. 
It was hilarious!  Their Pottery Barn chairs were turned up identically and they were "reading". 

Monday, March 24, 2014

Canyons

My new favorite finds are kids nights at restaurants.  Now that two boys are eating like champs, I try to take advantage of nearby deals.  Tonight it was Canyons.  Kids meals are $.99 on Mondays and Trenton is all about burgers, their expertise. 
We had an extra special treat after eating on the patio....a balloon artist.  Trenton politely ordered a dog for his little brother and then asked for a ninja sword.