4th of July weekend fun

Four days off for both Kevin and I have made for a fun, semi productive holiday weekend.  Taking a break from the household stuff that tends to get in the way of a weekend home, we traveled about an hour from our house into Oconee County to Stumphouse Tunnel Park and Issaqueena falls.  The kids were so excited to explore a tunnel on foot. They have always enjoyed getting to drive through mountain tunnels when we have traveled to NY to visit family so they thought this was really cool.  And the tunnel was cool. A cool 57 degrees and very damp.  The kids had fun with their flashlights and the dark tunnel.

After we emerged from the tunnel the kids found a hiking path and quickly took us up to the top of the mountain. 

When we came down we explored the old railroad track that was supposed to lead though the mountain.

Then we found picnic shelter for some yummy lunch.  Us McMahan’s love to eat!

On the other side of the park is a trail to view Issaqueena Falls.  From the lookout there wasn’t much of a view of the falls through the trees. 

So what did we do? We took a slightly treacherous journey down the mountain so we could have a better look.  I have to admit I was a bit of a nervous wreck as my two older kids scaled the rocks and roots like they were nothing.  There were a couple of times my imagination got the best of me.  Needless to say I was overreacting, so I didn’t get any pictures of our journey down the mountain.  It was quite a view from the bottom. 

The kids were great when we got back up but here’s a look at how we felt and of course Kevin had a few extra pounds…

It was a fun day of new adventures.  Of course no weekend home would be complete without a few mishaps and repairs. 

The air conditioner condensation pipe cracked underground and got clogged with mud and therefore was dripping inside the house.  Luckily we have super Kevin to fix things! 

After a few repairs we enjoyed a little 4^th of July cookout with some good friends. We ate some burgers and hot dogs and followed up with some ice cream sundaes. 

 We enjoyed some Jenny approved “fireworks” including pop its, sparklers, and worms….

 The kids had a blast!  Kevin of course made his American flag dessert cookie for the occasion. 

Hope everyone had a Happy 4th of July!

11 months and counting

I can’t believe that this little (well not so little) guy is 11 months today.  It really does feel like just yesterday he was born. 

We have taken pictures of him in this same outfit every month but I think it barely fits this month and there will be no way we will try to squeeze in for one more.  My little chunky monkey. 

This little guy brings so much excitement to our family.  He is ALL boy. Constantly looking for things to destroy, bang on, make noise with, and get into.  He is relentless.  When he wants something he goes for it, and doesn’t give up easily.  He is walking and trying to run. He climbs the stairs, super fast.  He tries to eat with a fork or spoon and eats just about anything you give him.  When he hears music, he automatically starts clapping along with the song and will sometimes try to sing.  If you are listening you can hear him say our dog's name "Nilla". He also says Mama, Dada, Dog and sometimes I think I hear him say Leah and all done.  He has the most beautiful big blue eyes and they shine constantly as he smiles constantly.  He is a joyful little guy who is super ticklish producing the sweetest giggles.  He naps well giving us a well deserved break in the afternoon and sleeps a good 12-15 hours at night (a God given gift for us to recover from his high energy presence). 

He loves his sisters and his brother and most of the time they love him just as much.  The last 11 months have been a wild ride and we are so blessed to have this crazy little man.  We love you Bryce Warner!