Sky Top Orchard

Our third annual trip up to Sky Top Orchard was a success.

(A picture of him grabbing the only apple we actually picked.)

     It definitely looked a lot different from the last couple of years. No added friends, just our little family unit on a brisk Saturday morning. We enjoyed the animals and small bamboo forrest. Mommy and Tobias even highjacked a hayride meant for school field-trippers before ending our time at the play park.

     Well's did his thing and slept for most of the outing while riding in the ergo on daddy's chest. The apples that were up for picking happened to be in the back of the orchard. So aside from picking one apple on our "illegal" hayride we didn't go picking like in previous years. Instead we opted for the pre-picked bags and bought a small assortment of Asian Pears and Fuji Apples.

(He saw some other kids feeding the goats grass and decided to join in.) 

     The line for the apple cider donuts was amazing and far too long with a toddler and baby in tow. So we stood back and drooled over the smell but didn't partake. Alternately we tried and thoroughly enjoyed an apple cider slushy. We had a lot of fall fun and really loved all the apple-ly treats. So much so that we were greeted with a rather unpleasant diaper surprise later in the day, not naming any names, Tobias.

     I do love this family tradition. I love the opportunity we have to continue building on previous memories!

(How big is Tobias? The bamboo forrest was pretty cool!)

The whole family goes to Lake Jocassee.

     This post is mostly a photo dump from a trip we took to Lake Jocassee with our dear friends the Isley's. It was two weeks after Well's arrival and we decided to bring Tobias with us. Even though we had never brought him before we took a chance, and the gamble paid off! He loved hanging out with the Isley girls, chasing them and swimming with them, basically mimicking their every move. He was the energizer bunny, going and going, because life at the lake is so diverting, there is always something to do!

     We didn't really have any issues until we went to leave and he had a meltdown. I get it, lots of sun, continuos play, no nap and a fast approaching bedtime can wear you out before you realize it! Thankfully Paw Patrol and his paci calmed him down and five minutes down the road he was passed out. The ride home was quite peaceful!

(Well's and Wood's the youngest members on board, 2 and 3 weeks old)

     Well's did really well not to my surprise. Newborns sleep so much he was really only awake to occasionally eat. One of the reasons why I thoroughly enjoy those first several weeks. 

(Rowan and Elizabeth enjoying the ride from the back of the boat)

     The day was beautiful. Slightly overcast and just hot enough to not be miserable. The boat rides to and from jump rocks, beaches and waterfalls were my favorite part.

     It ended rather abruptly due to an impending thunderstorm, but the end couldn't have come at a more perfect time (I would rather have a meltdown in the car than on the boat)! It was such a beautiful, and relaxing family day, I am so thankful everything worked out!

(Grandpa and Nana Beatty the best boat captain and co-captain!)

(my handsome hubby)

(Toddler bums in Finding Nemo swim diapers and chunky thighs=love)

(Why drink out of a sippy when you can drink out of dad's water bottle? Too big for his breeches!)

(Showing us their yoga stretches!)

(Elizabeth demonstrating her superb big sister skills!)

Getting Away

     Gray and I were able to get away for a couple days in May thanks to Gray's parents. It was a quite little hotel near Gatlinburg, not too close to anything major, situated on a two lane highway in the mountains. There was a cozy fireplace inside and a stream with a hammock out the front door. Down the road was a little book/tourist shop with great coffee and books that were literally stacked up from floor to ceiling. The hike was short but fun, the food yummy, the shop gazing diverting and the conversation a blessing. No little one in site to entertain and wait on hand and foot.
     There was a lot of talk about names. Our list at this point included, Emry, Damen, Theodore, Reuben, Simeon, Jude, Desmond, and Julian, none of which made it to the end. There was dreaming about what life would be like once this new one arrived. There was talk about finances and praying that God would provide for our needs (because having babies isn't cheap). There was talk about the future and grad school and what we saw ourselves doing in five years. It was the kind of conversation you don't want to forget. In all, it was a great two days, a break from reality, and a wonderful connection point for me and Gray.

Cato Family Vacation (2016)

     It was a great week spent relaxing and enjoying family in Wilmington, NC. Not quite the Mexico vacation we had originally planned (you can blame the two pregnant ladies and the Zika Virus scare), but just what we all needed ... a break from life and a chance for all of us to reconnect after spending years apart!
     It is relatively easy for Gray, Tobias and I to see Nana, Poppa, Uncle Nate and Aunt Celeste thanks to being on the same side of the continent, but less easy to see Uncle Travis and Auntie KK who live in San Francisco. Spending time all together is a rare treat!
     We rented a vacation house that was literally right on the beach. So convenient and fun to walk outside and dig your toes into the sand. Being able to see and hear the ocean from our balcony was not bad either! But the best part in my opinion was being thirty minutes from downtown Wilmington, one of the cutest towns I have ever been too. Also the town where One Tree Hill was filmed if you like that show :). It had the prettiest victorian neighborhoods, quaint downtown shops, and many unique places to eat.
     I am so glad Jim and Melody make seeing family a priority. I love this bunch of people and even though we do not live super close they are such an amazing support. I am so thankful Tobias (and his soon to arrive little brother) gets to grow up and learn from these special people!

We went in March so it was still relatively cold. This did not deter Tobias, he spent every morning and every night enjoying the sand, watching the water, and throwing the ball.

Jim and Gray decided to brave the cold waters and take a plunge! The rest of us were content to watch ...

We took a carriage ride around Wilmington. So fun and relaxing!