The highlight at Ben's parents was probably celebrating his mom's birthday. Maggie sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her for the first time and we all got a little "verklempt".
While at "grandmoms" house we got to take Maggie to the train. . . It's a small, working desiel train engine that pulls some small cars around a track at the local park. For $1 you get to ride around the park 3 times. Maggie is fascinated by it, but scared too and refuses to ride it. Ok, that's mostly my fault. I pretty much forced her to ride it the first time a couple of months ago because we all just knew she was going to love it. Sure, she was clinging to my shirt for dear life, but we just knew as soon as it started moving she would laugh and smile and relax. . . not so. I think I scarred her for life. Let that be a lesson to you! Never force a two year old to ride a small train. oi.
Despite the traumatic introduction, she still talks about it nearly non-stop. Therefore, while at "grammy's" house in Western NC we decided to show her another train. . . the Great Smoky Mountain Express! This is a disiel train that you can ride through the mountains. Of course we weren't foolish enough to try to get her to ride it, but we did take her to look at the train.
We celebrated the 4th of July in lots of fun ways. . .
Ben, Dad and I took a short hike up to the top of Richland Balsam Mountain (elev. 6410 feet). It was a beautiful hike, even if it was a little hazy out.
That afternoon we played with bubbles and Maggie and I had a blast.
She ended up covered in bubble solution head to toe. We added corn syrup to the solution in order to make the giant bubbles so you can imagine how sticky she was but it was definately worth it.
That night, right before bed, Maggie had her first experience with sparklers! She was definately curious but a little frustrated with me I think when I kept moving her hand away from the pretty bright light. :-)
We always enjoy this time with family and this year was no exception. Hope you had a good 4th of July too!
