The Russ Family: July 2009

Well, better late than never. We have been home from North Carolina almost 2 weeks and I'm just getting around to posting some pictures. Brad's grandparents (who live right beside us) have a summer house in Sylva, North Carolina. It is just up on a mountain and the property is beautiful. Each year we go up there for about a week during the summer and spend it with them. We had a great time this year, but it was bittersweet because it was almost like saying goodbye to Brad's Papa all over again. Brad & I talked about it several times up there and on the way home. Things he used to say and do in North Carolina. He really enjoyed their time up there every summer. Gah is doing well up there this summer and is keeping busy doing yard work, playing cards, going to the casino in Cherokee, bingo, and many other things. I don't know how she does what she does being 87 years old. I hope I have her energy if I make it that long.

Anyway, Drew really enjoyed it up there this year. He was reunited with his cousins Alma & Chloe, which he has missed terribly. Amy, Alma, & Chloe are staying in North Carolina to help take care of Gah this summer. He made Alma take him to see Gah's flowers and the bees (lightning bugs) a million times. He became extremely fond of the stairs to and from the basement. He also enjoyed the creeks this year. Cameron was just along for the ride. He will be running around next year trying to keep up with Drew.

The boys traveled so well. We stopped in Atlanta on the way up to take Drew to the zoo. It was a really nice zoo. Drew was in love with the elephants. We saw those first and that is ALL he talked about and wanted to see. I think his infatuation with elephants began with the movie "Horton Hears a Who". It's a cute movie if you haven't seen it. Cameron was a champ there too. He is the best baby. Sometimes you had to remind yourself that he is actually there with you. He is so quiet and just a happy little thing. I can't get enough of him.

Here is a slide show of some of our pictures from the trip. Enjoy! By the way, Gah had poison ivy so that is the reason she is wearing gloves while she holds Cameron. :-)