Up Among the Trees

Hayden, Lowell and Vala crossed on the treetop walk in Meadowbrook Park.
 

Tassel Tree

People do the most random things. I guess these folks like tassels.

 

KidScape Adventures

Apple picking, construction workers, tooling about town – all part of the adventure at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum.

 

Sailor Girl

Someone has a birthday coming up. Happy birthday to Stacy in one of my favorite photos of her.
 

Just Calling In

Colin rang me up on FaceTime to say hello. He was a smiley guy.

 

Checking on the Rain

Vala said she needed to stand on the stool to see if it was still raining up there. It was.
 

Deer Family Crossing

"Deer Family Crossing Here" signs are on both sides of 79th Street in Downtown Overland Park. Apparently deer cross there regularly, although not sure where they would be living since it's so developed.
 

High Wire Act

The fearless girls walked the high log at the park. 

 

 

They Wear It Well

I love the harmless jokesters who give you a chuckle on these dreary hot days. Apologies to the pioneers.
 

Water Shield

Adam was safe within the water bubble at the Mission Splash Pad. Vala eventually penetrated the shield. Colin was uncertain but not unhappy about the whole experience.

We followed with snack time antics.

Anyone Having Fun?

Always a challenge to take a grandchildren photo. Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary party in 1996. Happy Anniversary today.

And, of Course, the Beaches

St. Simons and Jekyll Islands have beautiful beaches. The water was like bath water but felt good with the hot sand.

 

Tree Spirits

We had the fun of looking for these tree spirits on St. Simon's. In the early 1980s, artist Keith Jennings decided to use oaks to leave his mark. The one below on the right is the hardest to see a face. It was the first and has somewhat grown over, and it was high above my head. One of the locals told us he carved it during the night and that folks were unhappy about the defacing. As time went by, the natives have gotten to like them. We heard there were 20 but most are on private property. It took us several days to find these. The large mermaid carving (below) is at the visitor's center and obviously easy to spot.

 

Part of the USS Constiution

This hard oak tree in Cannon's Point Preserve on St. Simons Island gave a few of its branches to help build the USS Constitution in the 1790s. Back then they cut branches rather than a whole tree to build ships. Still living, it is host to spanish moss and tree ferns.

Cannon's Point has some of the last intact maritime forest on St. Simons Island and miles of salt marsh, tidal creek and river shoreline that drain twice a day at low tide and look like this at high tide. Colorful nature as well. We hiked aways and it was like we were the only people on the island. Fascinating.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island, is a fascinating place with maritime forest, sand dunes and ruins. Thomas Carnegie (brother of Andrew) and his wife bought the island in the 1890s and built a palatial estate. The family left in 1926 and the main home eventually burned. Now you can make a day trip or camp overnight if you carry all your stuff on the ferry. We just went for the day. The wild horses apparently aren’t social but they come into your space nonetheless. 

Another World

The Jekyll Island Club is one of those historic relics that intrigues me. Our guide for the tour was so informative and even took us to the 3rd floor servants area of Moss Cottage (usually you only see the 1st floor). Hard to believe folks could live the way they did.  The club included Pulitzer, Morgan, Vanderbilt, etc. 

Stunning Day’s End

Nature never disappoints. 

Lighting the Way

St. Simons Island lighthouse has been lighting the coast since 1810. The current lighthouse was built in 1872 because Gen. Lee had the confederates blow up the original one so the Union couldn’t use it. 129 steps to the top but a great view. 

A Sweet Ride

Mom is getting a ride in Steve's new Porsche in 1975 as Scott looks on.

 

Forsyth Park Fountain

Forsyth Park is a green oasis in Savannah. Parts remind me of Central Park, with Spanish moss added. 

Ready, Set

Vala and Lowell are ready to jump in at Round Hill. These two love the water.
 

A Baptism

Adam helped put the holy water in the baptismal font for Colin's baptism. Colin received a quilt from the Colonial Church quiltmakers in honor of the occasion.

 

Mustashioed Coed

Several homes have photos like these, which I assume has to do with school, but this one has been adorned with a mustache from the outset. I don't think I'd want my daughter's photo on my lawn - seems unsafe.
 

The Doggie Bar

For the canines, plenty of cool water on these hot days. There is even have a solar light for nighttime patrons.
 

Out for a Drive

When you both have a steering wheel, there's no argument about who's in charge.
 

Parade Marshals

Participating in the Round Hill 4th of July parade brought back memories of Hayden and fellow guards leading the procession back in the day. Hayden on the job (below).

 

The Serpent and the Damsel

Never stop playing. Hayden had more fun with the statue than the kids. The metal of the serpent was quite hot to the touch, which deterred Adam and Vala.
 

4th of July Celebrations

 

We started the day with the Round Hill parade. Very festive.