Bobcats, belly buttons, and boy scouts

After the entire Bullis family slept until 9:30 on Saturday morning and marking lots of things at home off the "to do" list, we were happy to get ourselves out the door and head downtown (or uptown- we're not really sure of the difference). We were going to see the Bobcats...and more importantly Parker was participating in the flag ceremony before the game with the boy scouts. 

After we figured out where we were supposed to be, all the boy scouts were whisked away to the bottom floor to their very important duties, we just had to wait.

We watched and observed...met some cheerleaders...thought about what we wanted to eat...as usual Tinley made some friends and we wondered what Parker was doing.

Finally we spotted our boys. Our specific boy was kind of hard to see but we saw him squished between some others. I took some pictures on the jumbotron and Parker has been happy to tell people he was on "tv".

Here are some pictures from our view.

Some other people who went down below sent us these pictures. Very cool.

They all said the flag was very heavy. One of the leaders took this as they were carrying the flag and you see little Parker's head trying not to drown in the big flag. Serious business.

When they were done, they got to ride up the giant elevator (another cool point remembered by Parker).

We were then able to move on to some really important things like finally getting that cotton candy. 

We finally made it to our very high seats and we were serious about cheering on the Bobcats. 

Well, Tinley was very serious about cheering on the cheerleaders....which she nicknamed the belly button cheerleaders. I think it made a real impression that their belly buttons were showing and they weren't even in their bathing suits.

All in all, a fun evening, a new experience, and some new Bobcat fans.  

Today we  got out to see some of that sunshine!! I hear it's not going to stay around all week so out we went. 

I told Tinley to do her cheerleading pose thinking she would do a jump or something. No. Straight for the belly button. I think I'm going to be finding some cheerleaders with their bellies covered.

Parker asked if Daddy could come to the park because he's so fun.  What does Daddy possibly do so much better than me?

 Because Parker said...Daddy throws stuff at us. There is just something special about Dads:) I will remember this next time the kids seem bored at the park!

Seahawk Spirit

The kids and I had a nice long weekend with Monday off (thanks to those Presidents!)...and even though it's mid-winter, why not spend it at the beach?  We had some important people to see, a Booya who was available for an adventure, and always great memories when we head East. 

We needed to go to the UNC-W bookstore so I showed the kids where I used to live on campus. They are ready to move in when they grow up. Fine by me (as long as I can come along;)

I had some pretty awesome memories here, but the best part is that the friendships that developed here in Schwartz hall have lasted as we continued our adventures in life. Feeling very blessed to reflect on the hopes and dreams we've shared.

With some additional props ...we had a great time being the UNC- W mascots. It was Homecoming weekend so we just seemed really excited about the game!

Hope that wherever my children go to college, they will love it as much as I did!

Speaking of those lasting friendships,we were so excited to spend time with all of the Carmichael family and meet the newest addition, little Miss Margo.

She was very sweet and patient with all of her adoring fans. Another girl in Parker's life...what is he going to do with his self? 

Always fun to have a carpet picnic. Tinley was eager to "host" Lydia and Lydia was very patient with her hostess:) 

A fun time exploring around together.

A big game of hiding go seek and chase with these three...when we realized it was getting very cold....even saw some snow at the beach. Crazy.

The next morning we hopped on the ferry to Southport where we discovered just how fun it is to get our of your normal seats in the car....which you can only do when your car is on a boat. Gotta be clear about those rules.

Some crazy people like Parker and Booya stayed outside on the cold boat...and fed the seagulls. Two things most people find unpleasant but we have to love their spirit of adventure.

We had a yummy brunch in Southport and got some of our final squeezes with these girls until we meet again.

Luckily we had one more day off and got to visit Sheryl and Lucy on our way back. Lots of Seahawk girls in a short time! These little wiggle worms made it hard to get a picture of everyone looking.

I'm not sure exactly what was going on in this picture...but I think it looks like fun;) 

Parker was lovin' some cousin time with Lance and had a fun time with Booya making peanut butter. A conversation starting with President's Day led to George Washington which led to George Washington Carver which led to the invention of peanut butter which led to Booya showing Parker how to make homemade peanut butter which Parker loved.  Magical.

Here's to starting our work week on a Tuesday!

Happy Hearts Day!

We love hearts, and little valentine cards, candy, hugs....and mostly we love lovin' on each other! Here are some fun little pictures!!

There's No Business Like Snow Business

We may have had to chase after a snow day...but we found it. We headed up to Banner Elk on Thursday night and enjoyed the first snow fall we've seen in two years. That alone made it worth the trip. Even though it wasn't a lot of snow, we were happy to stomp around the next morning!

                           

After exploring around a little while, it was time to start getting ready to ski.  For anyone whose been skiing, you know there are many layers of getting ready.

 And then many lines.

And then trying to entertain ourselves while we wait. (Tinley found pink skis she thought were waiting on her.) Do you see the sign? 

 We played on benches.

Tried to appear patient.

 Fixed our hair again.

Took some more pictures...Brandon was waiting in line a lot of this time;)

After lots of waiting...and shoe fixing, and bundling up, we made it! It was still misting a little when we started so Tinley waited for a little while to make her skiing debut.

Ganny and Grandaddy kept her busy inside and she was pretty happy lounging in the ski lodge. Thanks to Ganny for most of our pictures!

After a little while, Parker came in for a rest. He was working hard on those skis!

So....we traded and now that there was no rain, Tinley was ready for a try.

She was very easy to ski with because she's so little...She was caught between thinking it was a really exciting, yet really strange feeling!

She really enjoyed coming up the mountain if you see that little speck in red boots over there.

 After a few trips down the bunny slope, she went back to her comfy, cozy, social life inside...enjoying treats and lots of attention!

Meanwhile with both kids resting, Brandon and I headed straight to the top. Mostly Brandon's idea. With limited time, we had to make sure we covered the whole mountain...it was fun but I think once from the top was enough!

When we came back Parker was refueled and unthawed. He stayed out with the big guys the rest of the afternoon. We were proud he managed to stop by himself below...even if it took two adults, and 3 poles!

 On the way down the mountain the last time, he told me he'd distract Brandon so I could win just once! What a sweet little fella!

Some of the rest of our family came up Friday night. We had a long dinner and celebrated Adam's birthday!

Although we were tired and oh so cold, we couldn't waste anytime and went out for a tubing session with the gang!

 Lots of fun...and probably the only thing resembling sledding we will get to do this year!

The next morning Daddy and Parker headed home for their Pinewood Derby. Tinley and I stayed to hang out a little longer.

We had fun exploring the town with Booya and Grandaddy! We went to The Mast General Store where we found lots of things we did and didn't need (and Tinley saw some of her friends from the day before.)

We went to the Daniel Boone Inn before heading home....yummmmmy!

Back at home, Parker took his Ninja Turtle car to race and had a lot of success!

2nd place for this lean mean green machine! Way to go Daddy and Parker!!