Carolina on Our Minds

So maybe this 14 weeks of Summer thing won't be too bad. At least that's the impression I get after spending the first week in a mountain/lake utopia where it is a constant 75 degrees and people play golf and sit on boats and docks all day. Thank you Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.

Yes, Norah and I (along with a hefty amount of luggge) left early Monday morning for Greenville, South Carolina, where my Dad (aka Grandpa) and Grandma (Great Grandma) were waiting to drive us to a lovely getaway in the mountains. Norah was an absolute doll on the 135-minute flight. Literally no crying or whining, just putting Diego stickers all over the plane window and listening to my ipod the entire time. Sweet success.

Upon arriving in Lake Toxaway, Norah took no time in reintroducing herself to her Uncle James, Aunt Karin, Grandma LeeAnne, and Great Grandma Byra. She began playing with James and Karin right away after realizing they possessed bubble solution and the ability to create bubbles (what you can't see in this picture are the ants the size of a fist that Norah thankfully managed to avoid all trip).






Norah found it far more fun to play with James and Karin than to eat the first two days of our trip, but who can blame her. She was quite good at being wherever they were, and was happy to find that James actually woke up earlier than she did every morning. Don't think that it didn't cross my mind to offer to support James with a scholarship to "Super-Terrific Taking Care of Norah Camp" in Arlington this summer.

As you can see, Norah and the kids enjoyed lots of games of hide and seek, jumping on the bed, and chase (which usually ended in Norah trying to pin one or both of them).

Unfortunately, Norah's favorite game of the week turned out to be playing with her Great Grandma's walker. And Norah being Norah, she didn't always wait for Great Grandma to sit down before swooping the walker out from under her. Oh dear. But Great Grandma was a great sport, and fortunately no one suffered any serious injuries. On the bright side, at least I know what to get Norah this summer if she eventually finds every toy in the house tiresome.

A great picture of Norah and Grandma LeeAnne (trust me, Norah only looks upset because she wasn't able to take the picture).

LeeAnne and the Great Grandmas were generous enough to take care of Norah on Tuesday while the rest of the Denneys played golf at the phenomenally gorgeous Lake Toxaway Country Club. Dad and Karin bested James and myself in a best-ball battle royale, but all of us had a great time. And I am not exaggerating when I say that my 13- and 10-year old siblings will have golf scholarships waiting for them if they stick with it, should they so choose. Without several clutch shots by both kids, the team scores would have been much higher than the 85 and 98 that were carded.

Keeping in the golf theme, this is probably one of my favorite pictures of Norah ever. Blowing a kiss to the golf course? She is getting my hopes way too high.

We took to the lake after golf on Tuesday, and while Norah did not enjoy wearing a life vest, she did like running up and down the boat while it was moving (pictures of Norah on the boat are forthcoming from Tennessee).

Wednesday was pretty easy going, as we only left the house to take a quick 30-minute swim in the pool. Norah wanted to stay longer, but the pool was freezing and so was I. Still, with her swim lessons beginning this coming Wednesday, it was nice to see how much she enjoys the water. Whether it will annoy the other kids and parents in the class when she splashes them remains to be seen.

Thursday morning came too quickly, as we again hit the road for the Greenville airport. Although Norah was sad to go, she was happy to pose for a picture in her newly acquired pink hat (thanks Grandma!). And at the airport, I got this classic picture of Great Grandma, Grandpa and Norah. Also one of my favorites ever.

The flight home was just as good as the flight on Monday. Being that she was absolutely exhausted, Norah was out almost right away, and she slept for an hour and a half with her head on my chest. Which is probably more snuggling time than she has given me in the past 6 months combined. Almost makes me want to take her flying more often. That, or putting a dash of Benadryl in her milk once in a while.

All in all it was an awesome trip. Great family time, lots of playing, a plenty of relaxation. So, one week down and thirteen to go. If they are all as smooth as week 1, Norah and I are going to get along just fine these next three months. No pressure, sweetie.