Photos

Not much to share today except some photos :) Today was my last day full time with the temporary government job. Next week I go back to work at the school part time and then I will work part time at the government job until my temporary appointment ends. I can't wait to go back to school!!!!!

This is son and friend goofing off in the Lazy River at Sam's Surf City.
This is my darling husband at Tang Soo Do promotions, showing support.
This is my practically grown son after earning his 1st Gup ranking in Tang Soo Do. One more year and he'll be a black belt!!
This is my cutie-pie niece at Sam's Surf City.

Back to School

Well, summer vacation is almost over it seems. My whitewater rafting trip was the highlight of the summer and now it's time to focus on getting back to school. My boy starts 4th grade in 3 weeks, then things will be business as usual.

I remember when I was in school and the most exciting time for me was getting all new school supplies. I have always had a fetish with paper, pens, all that junk. There's nothing quite like a fresh spiral notebook that's never been written in. Or a yellow legal pad. Brand new box of crayons. My son is required to have two 5-subject spiral notebooks this year -- that's kind of scary. I don't recall ever having to have a five subject notebook, much less two of them! I'm curious to know what he will be filling those books up with. I know fourth grade is the Florida History year and I remember that as being the most interesting (or most memorable) thing I studied in elementary school. Looking forward to re-learning that stuff.

I'm going to take ChanMan to the water park next week as a last hoorah before school starts. Gotta love that endless river!

Cool, huh!

The Apple of My Eye

Well, I couldn't put it off any longer -- it's time to BRAG!!

My son is one of the funnest (is that a word?) people to be around. He has a sense of humor that makes me laugh all the time. I wanted to share a few things he has said over the almost 10 years of his life.

While I was driving down the road --
Son: Mom, look, those people are building a house.
Me: Yep.
Son: But the question is: whyyyy?


Hubby and him at the Whataburger drive through, noticing a train sitting on the track with engine running but not moving --
Son: Daddy that train is loud!
Hubby: Years ago I lived in a mobile home right next to a railroad track and at night the train would come and ROAR loudly by and shake my mobile home. Hubby looked over at son and noticed he had started to cry. Hubby said "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
Son: It must have been a hard life!!

(I'll update later LOL)

AWESOME TRIP!

Well, we are home again now but that was the most fun I've had in a LONG time. My husband, my son and I did a great job maneuvering the rapids on the Hiwassee River. I know you seasoned rafters/canoers/kayakers are thinking how easy the Hiwassee is, and for the most part it was, but there were a few hairy moments and we did get stuck several times LOL. I haven't had the photos developed yet (from my waterproof disposable camera) but I did take a few with my digital camera before and after that I will post here.

I tell you, I cannot WAIT to do it again, and even kayak. I swear that looks like SO MUCH FUN!! I know it's not as easy as it looks, but I am dying to do it. Unfortunately, we won't be able to go again until summer, 2007, but I am hoping to talk my dear darling husband into renting a cabin for a week, then inviting our WHOLE FAMILY to come and stay with us.

Today, Sunday, we drove to the Ocoee to see just what that was all about. OH MY GOD -- we can't wait to raft on the Ocoee! I swear, though, I want to have the whole family there and have a guide with us. I know everyone would have a BLAST!

Here are some photos that I took at the Ocoee (click photo to enlarge):

Cherokee National Forest - Tennessee

Well, we're here! Home of the Hiwassee River. In a few short hours we will be on that bus headed for the raft launch -Chandler is soo excited; it is his first white water rafting trip. We hope to make this a yearly thing, at least.

I am too chicken to take my digital camera on the river, so I guess I'll have to buy a disposable and get them developed before I can post them here. So, no picutres today, but soon!

That's it for now; time for breakfast.

~Annie

Happy Birthday America!

I hope everyone will celebrate our freedom and independence today; it is great to be an American. I am spoiled, I guess, because I can't imagine what life would be like elsewhere and hope I never have to find out.

I will be going to some friends' house today for a cook out and swimming and fun. I hope you all have a good day as well and don't eat too much watermelon! You know what that stuff can do to you!!

~~Annie~~