This weekend Johnny played catch with the kids, then we all got in the kiddie pool.  Sunday we went to Cades Cove.  Once Emily got out to see the horses, she didn't want to get back in her carseat.  The kids were crawling all over the back seat.  Monday Johnny gave Anthony a new haircut, a chicken hawk.  Then the boys had father son day at Splash Country.  This morning I asked Anthony to stay in Emily's room with her and read her some books so I could take a shower and get ready to take them to Grandma's to try out the new slip n slide.  I went to check on them and they had the dog in there with them.  Later I went to check on them again and they had the cat too.

Anthony released his butterflies today (the ones Grandma and Grandpa got him for his birthday)  I wasn't going to force him to, but was hoping he would.  This morning he told me he was ready.  When he opened their cage, one flew away but the others stayed.  I told him maybe they were waiting for him to say goodbye.  Immediately after he said goodbye, three more flew away together.  The last little guy didn't want to leave. He stayed in the garden, then climbed up and down Anthony and when he stuck his finger out, it climbed right up.  He's sad, but knows he did the right thing.  I guess he got a hint of what being a parent feels like.  You want them to grow up and be independant, but it still makes you said to see it happen....... I'm going to miss Emily checking on the butterflies every morning.  She called them "bawk bawk fly."

Yesterday Grandma took Anthony to Dollywood..... So far today, we are having a lazy day.  Anthony and I are making ice cream from chocolate milk in our ice cream maker. The kids have been playing together and having fun.