July 4th Parade: Post 3

Before the parade, we enjoyed a hot-dog supper on the grounds at the fire department. I so enjoy going back to Mountville for events because I see many of my childhood friends and their ever-growing families. Most people are in festive garb for the parade, so the pictures--especially of the kids--look so cute.

Hamilton never lacked arms to hold him with Uncle Travis and Mimi around.

We snapped a quick photo of only us three, since Claire had already reunited with friends from last year's parade and had run off to compare decorated rides.I look forward to seeing some of my dearest friends at these reunion-like events. Bess and Vanessa, pictured here, are usually in attendance.Becca, another dear friend, works to feed her cute kids without getting hot-dog chili all over herself. One of my favorite four-year-olds Lawson, on the left with her Whoville-inspired headband, looks bewildered by Maggie Brooke's messiness. To be fair, Maggie Brooke just turned two in June.

I began to tease Mr. Morgan during our vacation because of the crazy expressions he likes to make when I'm taking pictures. And, Hamilton's got a "hundred-yard stare."

July 4th Parade: Post 2

Hamilton has been crawling at any opportunity; however, the rough concrete at the Mountville Fire Department did not allow for comfortable crawling on his bare knees. After crawling only a few yards, Hamilton improvised.

After a few steps Hamilton figured out that he could peek through his legs and see his captive audience.

July 4th Parade: Post 1

For the last four years, Claire has never wanted to miss the July 4th festivities in Mountville, including the delightful parade featuring all the local kids riding their decorated bikes and four wheelers. Mr. Morgan and I didn't attend last year's parade because little Hamilton was on the way, so we were happy to be celebrating in Mountville style again this year. Because I have so many great pictures, I'll divide the parade coverage into several posts.

Hamilton, dressed in his festive outfit that his Mimi made for him, sat with Ms. Gerry as soon as we arrived at the July 4th celebration. Hamilton seems to like everyone and will let anyone hold him, but he usually doesn't sit for long in anyone's lap now that he can crawl.With over 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ms. Gerry has been holding many children for three generations. Obviously, her lap is mighty comfy with a well-worn feel that Hamilton likes.

Lazy Days

We left town last Thursday morning for a few days' rest at the farm before continuing to our vacation in the mountains. Mr. Morgan and I enjoyed a dinner-and-a movie date on Thursday night, and we saw Eclipse. It was fantastic! (I could go on and on about the movie and our experience at the theater, but that's not really the point of this post.)

We visited with lots of the Taylor clan, including my cousin Karsten who rekindled his friendship with Claire while they both--separately but simultaneously--played their handheld gaming devices.
Claire also spent many hours knitting, crocheting, and untangling her enormous knot of yarn.Billy and Linda were part of the visiting Taylor clan, and Hamilton loved playing with Uncle Billy on the floor.They brought presents for Hamilton's birthday, and he quickly discovered the fun items in the gift bag, including a plush bear, ambulance, and firetruck.

Internet Access

Oh, how I enjoyed not having internet access over our vacation in the Tennessee mountains. Other than our cell phones and television, the Morgans "unplugged." However, now I'm severely behind with my blogging, and the little one's first birthday came and went without notation on the blog! Finally, the house is back under control after buying groceries, unpacking suitcases, and starting laundry. And I can sit down tonight at my computer to blog about our last week.

I have the overwhelming job of sifting through nearly 350 digital pictures from our vacation--from our Fourth of July celebration and biking tour through Cades Cove to Hamilton's birthday party and all-day visit to Dollywood. Since the hardest part of any job is getting started, I'll start tonight. Begin the deluge of blog posts.