Strange Bed Fellows

Mommy came in one night to check on me after I had finally gone to sleep and she was surprised to find that I wasn't alone. I guess this explains the flea bites on my back...just kidding!

The Beach at Lake Lure

 I was quite sure how I felt about the water park portion of  The Beach at Lake Lure, so I kind of stayed on the outskirts and watched before going in with the girls.

Mae, Ellie and Loie loved allowing the water to dump on their heads. Me? Not so much.

I also was not a big fan of the waterslide part of the park. But mom and her friend Emily sure were. I wasn't allowed on then anyway, you have to be 45 inches to slide down and a good swimmer, neither of which I currently am, yet!

 I did love playing in the sand with my pal Charlotte and swimming in the lake.  It has been a summer of lake hopping for us and Lake Lure was one of the prettiest. Mom told me that some movie called "Dirty Dancing" was filmed at Lake Lure. Funny name for a movie I think!

Secret Photographer

Mom isn't always cooperative when it comes to sharing the camera, so in order to hone my photography skills I have to sneak it into my room.  Here are a few examples of my greatest works to date.  Move over Annie Lebowitz, here comes Rion Coadwell.

Homemade Water Slide the Video

Slip, Slide and Swing

Bradyn invited me over for a real water day in his own backyard. This was the first time I ever officially slip-n-slided and I have to admit it takes some practice. I never did the hang of sliding on my belly and opted for running and falling flat on my butt instead. We took a break to go for a very wet ride on his swings too. All and all, a great afternoon with great friends!

Painting Corn Hole Boards

Aunt Brandi got mommy brand-new Corn Hole Boards for her birthday. They are great, except for three things: they need : 1. to be sanded, 2. to be primed and 3. to be painted. So mom and I set-out this weekend to get the job done. They are now sanded with 3 coats of primer and 2 coats of black paint. We still have one more coat of black paint to apply and then the decor.  One board will be dedicated to the All Blacks and Canterbury, the other to the Steelers and the Panthers. Stay tuned to see photos of the finished product,

A Summertime Visit to Earthshine Mountain Lodge

 Watching the blue-tongued skink of Australia eat his fruit and vegetalbles.

 This snake was taking a nap in the "tree" and wasn't overly excited to be woken-up by a bunch of loud boys!

 Two snakes getting cozy in their tubular home.

 Giant spotted salamander.

 Petting a very large toad. Hope I don't get warts!

 Check-out the blue tongue on this skink.

We are making our summertime visit to Earthshine an annual event.  Steve had some new creatures to show us, as well as re-introducing us to some creatures from last year.  The ENP (Eartshine Nature Program) is a non-profit educational program that I find quite interesting.  Steve teaches us lots about respecting the creatures of the earth and their importance in our world.  Fun was had by all as usual! What a neat spot. I can see why mom and dad got married there. 

Turtle Tracking

 These are a bit out of order, sorry, but I bet you can piece it all together. After our tour of the Earthshine Nature Center, Steve took us out into the field and showed us how to track turtles. We were in search of Jimmy the turle, who you see above, and we found a female turtle, one that Steve was not familiar with, but whom he was very excited to find. We named her Ruby for her red eyes.  That yucky yellow stuff hanging from her mouth is slug juice.

 Jack and I are waving our hands in disgust...just say NO to "Slug Pie."

 Steve is pointing out poisin ivy and other things we should try to avoid on our walk.

Junior Turtle Trackers posing for an official photo.

 
Peter Pan and his Lost Boys:)

Swimming with MiMI

Happy Birthday to Mommy

 Mom had a whole week of celebrating her new decade. On Tuesday the 10th we met up with bunches of friends at Lake Ticcoa in Connestee for a big lake day. My pal Odin turned 4 on the 10th, so we sang to him and mommy. Later that evening we went to dinner in Asheville at The Junction with Grandma and Grandad Layton. Then Thursday evening a few of mum's friends came over for wine and strawberries and gave mum a cool, new purse.  Then on Saturday, mum and I went to Lake Hartwell to celebrate with Mimi, Aunt Brandi, Jack and Brenda and four of mum's friends.  I believe she was appropriately recognized.   She is so appreciative of all the cards, emails, phone calls and other well wishes!

Daddy adored mommy with six bottles of her favorite New Zealand wine!

The Mountain Play Lodge

It was raining for 40 days and 40 nights...ok, not really, but it felt that way! So mom and I went looking for indoor fun and found it at the Mountain Play Lodge in Arden, which is half way between Brevard and Asheville.  There are 3 huge indoor "bouncy castles", a real castle, complete with dress-up clothes and a play-town built around the castle. Needless to say, I was happy to be indoors today, very, very happy!

A Man Around Town

 Dr. Rion Coadwell

 Sir Rion Coadwell

 Chief Rion Coadwell

Detective Rion Coadwell

Knight in Shining Armor

 I met Sam in the castle. He wanted to be a knight like me, so mommy helped him into the uniform and off we went together, two little, brave knights.

 I liked the shield, but was very disappointed there was not a sword available. I mean, what's a knight without his sword? Where is the comment card for this place?  I have a suggestion: Swords For All!

 Hummmm....mommy said this is better than a time-out chair!

Festive Face Paint

 Face painting is pretty seroius business. I waited in line for 30 minutes to have my turn on the seat. I chose my design very carefully and sat patiently as I go painted on.

How do you like my fireworks?