Birthday Boy

Ben celebrated his 2nd birthday this weekend with Granna, Papa Don, Aunt Ruby and Uncle John (and of course, Mary and Dylan). I'm still reeling from 20-plus kids at Pump it Up for Jack's party earlier this month, so I was happy to have a low-key celebration with the wading pool, slip and slide and some burgers.



The birthday boy was happily surprised to see all water toys set up in the backyard when he woke up from his nap. Didn't take him long to get in the mix.



So, obviously, I need to keep my dayjob. But Ben didn't seem to mind his warped-looking caterpillar

Party Time

Ben's birthday week coincided with the last week of school for at First Baptist Day School. His class celebrated both his birthday and the beginning of summer. Jack (who has been out of preschool for two weeks now) and I tagged along for the last day.

It was Ben's last day at the school, as we're moving him to a new school. I adore his teachers and started crying when we left. Our conversation as we climbed into the truck went a little something like this.

Jack: "Mom, are you OK? Why are you crying."
Me: "I'm just sad because it's Ben's last day."
Jack, eyes widening: "You are not going back to work ever?"

Love both these boys.


Jack and his fellow Lady Bugs. Oh, how I will miss Ms. Sheena (right)

 

Found this hanging on Ben's classroom door on Thursday morning.



Beach Babes

My household is coming down from a high of sand and sun, back to reality. I told my boss yesterday that I might need to find a wading pool around 3 p.m. to get me through the day. After seven days in Destin, I'm a recovering beach bum.

We spent week in Destin with my sister, Ruby, and her family. The boys had a ball. John and I actually relaxed, and Jack met a new friend, Grady.

I've posted a slideshow of the week.

Game 1, T-Ball

After one game and one practice, Jack has officially declared that T-ball is way better than soccer. And honestly, John and I were surprised at how well he hits the ball. John is helping coach some this year, though the soggy Memphis weather is slowing the season down. Jack loves that Daddy is out on the field with him, and keeps asking him if he's going to help coach more. 

We made it to Jack's first game just hours before heading out of town for the beach last week.

 



Memphis BBQ Fest

Memphis in May had a soggy year. The recent floods moved Memphis BBQ Fest from the banks of the Mississippi River to Tiger Lane near the Liberty Bowl Stadium. I've lived here five years, but this is the first time I've made it to barbecue fest. (I have babies in May instead.) My first BBQ Fest didn't disappoint, and I think I ate my weight in ribs.

Ruby invited John and I to KPMG's friends and family tent, where we were able to meet up with our cousin, Allison, and her husband, Steve. We always have great stories to share when we get together. Thankfully, Ruby and I have found two great go-to babysitters, so we were able to all go to an event together.

 

 

Me and my sis



Ruby, me and Allison. (Yes, we clumbed up on a fountain).

Mississippi Rising

Meteorologists tell us here in Memphis that the Mississippi River crested at 48 feet today and that it will slowly recede back to normal levels within the next couple of weeks. The Mettees haven't been personally affected by the water, though the church we've been attending has been converted into a shelter for a couple of weeks now. I continue to be inspired by our faith community and how its members step up to be God's hands and feet.

Flooding has affected low lying areas and though it has been life-changing for hundreds of residents, most of the city is dry. I wanted to see the river for myself today, and went to see it with some friends. We found a swollen Mississippi and lots of gawkers.



The intersection of Beale Street and Riverside Drive is under water.



CNN crew waits for their next shot.



River crests at 48 feet.



Thanks, Amanda Mauck, for letting me steal this photo from your blog. Love the pyramid in the background.



Pump it Up!

Jack's birthday extravaganza wrapped up on Saturday with his big Pump it Up party. Two days later, I think he's still recovering. I've posted some pictures from the big day.