-Andrew and I did go down to Charleston in late May to house-sit for my friend Camille's parents. We had a great time and came to the realization that we could live in Charleston...ahh, coastal life. Maybe one day.
-I managed to read the entire "Twilight" series. Those books are the easiest read ever. When I could actually have time to sit down and read them, it took me probably an average of 2 days per book. I know everyone has a different view on reading books about vampires, but I just really like the way the author develops the plot and her characters. Besides, I haven't done any leisure reading since before college. Those textbooks really take it out of you!
-Andrew and I planted a garden at his parents' house this year, with much more success than last year's...thanks to some awesome deer repellent "things!" (I'm not really sure what they're called, but they definitely have helped keep the deer out!) Despite some issues, we're seeing a lot of peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. It's pretty cool to get into gardening again. It's weird though, because it makes me feel old and young again at the same time. I can remember my dad gardening and how much work he put into it each year. I can also remember the smell of sevin dust, cherry tomatoes, and the job of snapping and shelling peas and beans each summer. Watching God's earth grow is a cool thing though!
-We celebrated Ellie's 4th birthday and Manning's 3rd birthday just a day apart in June. They're growing up way too fast. Manning and Ellie both got sleeping bags from Uncle Andrew and Aunt Meagan. Of course, Manning got a "Buzz-Wightyeeeear" one and Ellie got Disney Princesses.
-We had a visit from Josh, Beth (my cousin) and Levi one weekend one their way back from the beach. We hung out a little bit on Saturday afternoon, then Cookie (Andrew's mom) volunteered to let Levi sleep at her house while we all went to dinner that night. Cute story alert**** When we took Levi over to the Winburns', Manning, Wyatt, Philip, and Emily Ann were hanging out over there. Apparently, Manning forgot all about Wyatt for a little bit and focused all attention on Levi. My guess is that Levi just seemed more fun to him at the time because he was in the process of just starting to crawl at that point. Anyway, Beth was changing Levi and getting him ready for bed and of course, Manning had to come. She looked down at Levi and said, "I love you, Levi." Then, Manning looked at Levi and said, "I yuuuv you too, Yeevi." So precious! ****
-My Dad has left retirement to take an interim city manager position in Cayce, SC which is just minutes outside of downtown Columbia, SC. He started two weeks ago, and so far-so good. The position is for 6 months, while the city of Cayce works to hire a full-time manager. I knew he couldn't stay out of work for long! It's nice knowing that he's close by though!
-Gavin is at Pine Cove Camp in Tyler, Texas for his 3rd summer! I miss him being around Columbia, but know he's having a great time working with all the families and youth that take part in the camp each year. Pine Cove is a HUGE camp spanning several campuses in Texas that allows individual kids or families to spend time together and grow closer to God in the process. I'm proud of him and can't wait to see what he gets himself into when he comes back home....after all, he did graduate this year!
-We've seen several movies later, so I guess I can give my pitiful critique as usual:
1. "Run Fat Boy, Run" was a pretty funny movie, but honestly, it's been so long since we watched it. I guess it's always hilarious to see a British guy running down the street with tight "too short" shorts on!
2. "Avatar": I think this movie surprised Andrew, because in the end...he really liked it. The story line was pretty cool along with the special effects. However, do people really think we'll be doing that kind of stuff in the year 2040???
3. "Closer": I definitely would not recommend this movie, but it had some interesting real life situations in it. The movie however is just about four people who are all living a lie...kinda depressing. Motto: Don't watch a movie just because you typically like the actress in her other movies.
4. "Land of the Lost": The above motto applies here. I love Will Ferrell, so of course you'd think this movie would be good. Not so much. Andrew fell asleep and we didn't even make it to the end.
5. "Up in the Air": Another interesting movie about a man who makes a living firing people so that companies don't have to do it for themselves. Again, some deceit going on in this movie, but it had it's moments.
6. "Valentine's Day": If you like seeing a bunch of well known actors and actresses get about 5 min of fame a piece, then this is the movie for you. I think I couldn't about 13 famous faces in this movie. I'm pretty sure I don't ever like seeing McDreamy in a role other than Derek Shepherd and McSteamy in a role in which he doesn't like girls. That may reveal too much about the movie. :-(
7. "It's Complicated": Not the greatest message, but still an entertaining movie at points.
8. "17 Again": This is sort of a "Freaky Friday" type movie, but still a decent one. At least this married couple stays together!!! So nice to actually see that for once.
9. "Eclipse: The Twilight Saga": I just went to see this one last week with a friend, since Andrew refuses. He made it through "Twilight" and "New Moon" with me, but I think he couldn't handle Part 3. I was surprised at how much was left out and embellished from the book at the same time. I also think it's funny how Jasper develops a southern accent since the last film. However, these movies are still cool and I don't care what anyone else says ;-)
Whew! That was a long movie review...ok, well it's time to start dinner so I'd better go. Until next time!!!!!!!!!!!!
