Threatt Family Reunion 2015

Honestly, I was worried about the weather on our way to Rock Hill today. We were getting misted on most of the way up the interstate. Luckily, the park playground equipment was still dry and no rain there. The girls would have been very disappointed, along with a couple of cousins, if they couldn't go out to play.

We didn't really have that many at the reunion this year. My cousin Phoebe counted ten other family members besides our own aunts, uncles and cousins. Most of my mother's cousins were not there. Some have not been for years, which I find very sad.

Anyway. Here a few pics!

That is for tormenting me when I was little.

Baby Liam and Dad Will

Cousins!

The family! (not everyone is seen here)

Happy 80th Birthday Cromers!

Today, Cromers had their 80th birthday party. There was a car show, bouncy house, snow cones, dunking booth and 80 cent hot dogs.

The cars were totally awesome. There were so many decades represented. Beautiful cars!

Both girls tried dunking the lady in the dunking booth. Both girls hit the target. However, Chloe's wasn't quite hard enough to dunk her. Jesse got her soaked. lol  Anyone who dunked the dunkee received a ticket for free popcorn, since Jesse can't eat popcorn (with braces) Chloe got to eat. It worked out for everyone.

WLTX was there taping. The girls took the opportunity to walk behind the camera. They are looking forward to the news tonight to see if they made it on TV. We also saw one of the ladies who does the lottery drawings (the one with the hair-you know who she is). I spotted her right away. Andrea Mock was there with her son too. There was also a man I thought looked a lot like Cedric the Entertainer. We had a great time.

Internet woes!

We have been having technical difficulties here in that the internet keeps going down. Therefore, I have not been able to post. So sad.

Saturday we went up to see my parents. We had a good visit. The girls made dumplings we Grandma. Hank and Rosie were doted on Grandpa. John ate three or four bowls of dumplings, so he was happy too.

Sunday, John and the girls decided they wanted to try a new restaurant we saw on the news a few weeks back. It is The Lost Cajun. I admit I was not sure what to expect. I did remember they brought out samples for you to try. I'm so glad they did! So much was so tasty. John had the seafood gumbo. Chloe had catfish (yum). Jesse had one of her favorites, a po'boy. I had jambalaya. Of course we all had to try a beignet. They were fresh and steaming hot. Delicious!! We will be going back, just not too soon.

Monday was John's day off and the day we spent the most of the day on the internet situation. Yes. It became a "situation". It is not so easy to homeschool without the internet. I knew books were due at the library, but not which ones. I am also trying to plan a Tupperware party and emails are very helpful planning.

Tuesday was us getting back to "normal". We finally went to the commissary after not going for a month (everyone was asking where we'd been). School work was completed. Library books returned and picked-up. Then off to taekwondo. I am looking forward to getting back to our schedule. I feel like when we take "breaks" everything goes nuts.

On-goings, surprises, beginnings and endings

A few weeks ago, I answered one of the librarian's inquiry as to when the girls would be returning; the first week of September. However, when I received an email from the volunteer coordinator I thought I should double check my calendar. Good thing. John is taking a few days off the first week, so I actually had them on my calendar to start back the second week.

When we were there Wednesday, this librarian was all excited the girls were coming back in two weeks. Then I had to tell her my error. "Okay, you're coming back in three weeks!" We stood talking for a few minutes when another librarian came by and asked when they were coming back. I told her while I chuckled. They are very anxious for their return. The first librarian told me that unlike the summer volunteers the girls know what they are doing and several of the summer helpers were complaining about what they were doing. The girls are always willing to learn something new. I'm just glad they are still wanting to go and help out.

Wednesday was a big day for Chloe. When we arrived home and checked the mail she had a package. She had been told by her friend in OK it was coming, so she had been anxiously awaiting its arrival. Once she opened it she was totally excited. Her friend, Brooke, had painted her a goat. The background is dark blue and the goat is yellow. Perfect. She hung it up immediately...poor Tinker Bell has lost her spot on the wall, I never thought that would happen.

This week has also been a big week at taekwondo. Last week we had a family of four start and this week they sent their friends, another family of four. The second family of four has not signed up yet, but I believe we will see them again on Tuesday. The oldest child was really excited and said she would rather do taekwondo than gymnastics (we already have one other girl we have taken from gymnastics). So in all, we would have nine brand spanking new white belts this session (if the second family signs up).

Jesse has been working very hard the last couple of weeks on her final project for animation class. The project had to be a character who was curious. Hers is an alien seeing a snow cone for the first time. It is very cute. I knew there was a lot involved in animation, but truly I had no idea how much work really went into it. No wonder there are so many animators listed at the end of all the animated movies! Monday is the final class. I know she is really going to miss it. She is wanting to take the second level in the spring; I hope she can. I know she has enjoyed it, learned so much and has done really well. I can't wait to get her transcript. She either has an A or A+.

Library Volunteer Recognition Program

Wednesday was the library's ice cream party for they junior and teen volunteers. Except this year it was a pizza party. We even saw a familiar face (the picture didn't take well, even though I had my flash out...oh, well).

Eudora! Again!

Victoria (Eudora's sister)

How I do love those girls!

We were thankful this year that Chloe was not sick. She missed her first party last year, so her actually being there this year was good. And to add to it, both Jesse and Chloe were recognized for their hours.

Chloe with her plaque and Jesse with her library flash drive.

I know the girls are still loving helping at the library. I also know the librarians love having them. The same night I was leaving Book Club and one of the librarians asked when the girls were coming back. They are anxiously awaiting their return. I know Ms. Pam misses them because she tells them every week. lol

This is also the only time, every year, we get to see Ms. Paula. Ms. Paula was at our library when we moved to Columbia. She is the one who noticed when Jesse was learning to read. She asked me after story time one day if Jesse could read. I told her she was learning. Ms. Paula told me Jesse was mouthing the words silently as Ms. Paula was reading. We LOVE Ms. Paula! And miss her too!

Ms. Paula couldn't believe how much they have both grown!

That was the highlight of our week. The rest of the week has been quiet. John was off Friday, so we ventured out into town to get a few things we needed. This morning (Saturday), John took the girls fishing. I slept since I didn't sleep last night. This afternoon I am meeting a friend for ice cream.

And that is all. Our life in a nutshell. Highs and lows are a constant. But I think that goes for everyone.

A loss

We have been missing Crooked Tail for a few days. This morning John and I found him. He had passed away in the last few days. He was as sweet as a feral cat could be and we'll miss him, his weird "meow" and the way he would rub against your leg when you fed him. Rest in peace, sweet boy.

Jesse's birthday, and more!!

But I am not going to start with Jesse's birthday. ;-)

The day before Jesse's birthday was Battle of the Books at the library. I know Chloe was hoping to place this year, but they didn't. I still have not received an email telling us where her group placed, but she did have a lot of fun with her friends. And really, in the end, that is what truly counts. A fun day with friends. We also saw Eudora. Love and miss her (and her sister, Victoria) so much!



Old taekwondo pals being goof balls!

Chloe's Battle of the Books group, which just so happens
to be some of her closest friends.





Chloe's group's Battle of the Books poster.

Even though Chloe's group didn't place, they "won" for best poster. There was no actual prize but they enjoyed the "bragging rights". The words were in 3-D and everyone loved the eyeball detective.

I believe Jesse enjoyed her birthday. We even had a surprise visit from Grandma! I thought I had taken a picture of Jesse opening her shirt but I didn't see one. She wore it anyway, so I'll post that picture.

Gifts from Chloe to Jesse.

A William Shakespeare rubber duck, all the way from Australia.

A Lilo and Stitch pin with a VW Beetle!

I also didn't get a picture of her LEGO present, the double-
decker couch from the LEGO Movie.

See the shirt! The umbrellas were made by Chloe,
at Jesse's request.

Yep, all fourteen candles on one cupcake!

Between the girls birthdays, we went to my parents to celebrate both their birthdays. I forgot my camera. My Mom decided both girls should have their own cake (luckily both were small). Jesse's was pink with flowers, confetti and just plain fun! Chloe's was made like a pasture with a goat and they borrowed the barn that had been on Grandpa's cake a few years ago (she thought that was extra special). Both girls loved them. But I don't have pictures. :-(

We've done quite a bit since Jesse's birthday. Friday before last we went to visit my cousin Phoebe for a LEGO play date with the boys. I didn't know she had arranged for her niece to come by too with her soon-to-be one-year-old son. He is so stinking cute! And I forgot my camera AGAIN!

Last Monday, we went to Frankie's Fun Park. We rode the go-carts. Yes, they made me ride this time. The first time EVER I have been on one or driven one. But I came from behind and beat them all! Bawahaha! Then off to Cromer's for the best corn dogs ever! And on a Monday when the grease is fresh.

This weekend we managed to all four make it to Morgan's going away party. She is leaving for Clemson this Friday to study Sports Medicine. She has even received a four-year internship with the Athletic Department. We are just so proud of her. I would say will miss her, but we rarely see her so I think we'll see her the same amount as before. ;-)

The girls of the Morgan family.

That is about it. This week is going to be just as crazy as ever. Our norm. I still need to do some catching up with reading, so Jesse I can do some discussing of "Modern Chivalry" and "The True End of Government". So my tonight and Monday are full. LOL