May Mayhem

I've done it again. So much time goes by between posts that, dear reader, I'm sure it's hard for you to stick with me. My time is so divided and rationed with two rambling boys, a maturing middle-schooler, and a sweetheart husband. My house doesn't get cleaned nearly as often as it should--though in fairness to the other "less busy seasons" of my life, it never did. My list of things to share seems to grow exponentially the longer it takes me to post.

1. We're busy around the Morgan household, as I think everyone is especially in May. Claire and Hamilton both have year-end events next Thursday night, and Claire's already had two year-end viola concerts. Mr. Morgan and Grandma Judy attended her first concert. Claire's in the middle of this sea of performers.

Claire's two best friends joined her for a banana split following the concert.

2. It's been 10 years since I graduated from college, and during alumni weekend I got together with my roommate and suitemate from freshman year. We toured the campus which has WAY more stuff than when we attended--new buildings for just about every department, more "green space," and a much bigger and oh-so-necessary library. We were slightly jealous of the new students, as we listened to our tour guide talk about all the improvements. I also felt old seeing the potential students, but the distinguishing part of the campus--the old buildings, historic homes, and large live oaks--hadn't changed a bit.

We dined at Palmetto Cafe in the Charleston Place hotel, which was delicious, but the skylights created unflattering shadows for the only picture I snapped of the three of us.

A few shots from freshman year really bring back the memories.

3. The boys and I have been thoroughly enjoying Sandra McCracken's new album for children. We've been listening to the few teaser songs she released for free a few weeks ago. Yesterday the full album went on sale. For anyone with little ones, it's a great listen for you and your kids. And every song teaches a big truth in a simple way, using my favorite phrase "little one" in each song. Hamilton loves each song, asks for each by name, and knows most all the words. So cute. And he's learning awesome truths like, "Little one, in the storm God cares for you."

4. Hamilton and Collier escaped for a few days with Mimi and Pops at the farm last week. I got lots of house projects done, so I was happy. The boys spent a day at the Tweetsie Railroad riding a real train, so Pops and Hamilton were both happy. (I'm not sure which one was more excited about the train ride though.) Read all about their adventures. Mr. Morgan and I ate dinner in peace with no squealing and no feeding the ravenous monster that Collier has turned into. We even had enough energy for a date night.

5. Claire and I relished our rare girls' afternoon (because the little boys were away) that we spent at earthArt Pottery. Everything about our experience was delightful. I have not stopped talking about it to everyone I meet! We'll go back soon to finish our clay hand-built pieces that we started.

Zoo Birthday

For Travis's 30th birthday nearly two weeks ago, we descended upon Columbia to celebrate with the family. Since Travis loves the zoo (and the little boys do too), we settled for a day at the zoo with a picnic lunch. With Hamilton in and out of the jogging stroller, Collier spent most of the day in the backpack.

We were just in time to see the gorillas be fed. What an awesome view of these great creatures!

Hamilton had a front-row seat for the big gorilla; that's him with his hands out on the glass. Being so close to these creatures was so exciting!

Hamilton spent much of the day pal'ing around with Pops and getting a better view from Pops's shoulders.

I'm not sure if Hamilton actually ever reached out his hand to pet the giraffe, but he did enjoy watching up close--in the safety of Pops's arms.

For our picnic lunch, mom made German-chocolate cupcakes which has long been a tradition on Travis's birthday. Cheri, Travis's girlfriend, spent the day with us, and she was an enormous help with both boys.

Hamilton and Mimi enjoyed the carousel, though Hamilton wanted Mimi to stand closely for most of the ride.

Quickly after lunch, Collier conked out on Cheri who spent much of the day toting him around. I just noticed the drool stains on the backpack carrier where Collier mouthed it all morning.

We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Cheri and getting to know her at our beautiful day at the zoo.

Just before we left, Hamilton and Pops rode the little train.

That's Pops squeezed into the little train car with Hamilton and others.

Bubbles

Hamilton loves bubbles, and he especially enjoys their brightly colored bottles. Sometimes he'll just play with the bottles, toting them around and excitedly shouting, "Buhbuh."

When Pops was visiting after Collier's birth, he tried to teach Hamilton how to blow bubbles. Hamilton really just likes holding the wand and touching it to his mouth no matter how many times he's told to hold the wand in front of his mouth. Whether he produces bubbles or not, he's super excited to pretend he's doing it.