Ridin' That Train

Sam loves the Thomas the Tank Engine. We watch the cartoon on a regular basis and even spent a weekend in Boone so he could ride a real version. He has a train set that he plays with pretty often too - so you could say he likes trains. The mall near our house - Triangle Town Center - has an outdoor event the last friday of the month from May-Sept. At this event, they have a band, crafts for kids, booths from retailers and a mini train ride. So if we're up for eating out, we'll go and let Sam ride the train a few times. Here he is riding the train with Mommy - content:
It's nice to be able to satisfy him so easily....I know it won't last long.

Like To Eat - Part Deux

Some of you may remember the post I Like To Eat - where I got behind a car with a license plate with that message. Well, I didn't get a good look at the driver, but could tell that like most license plates messages - this one was an exaggeration. I got a better look today - notice all that room between the steering wheel and the driver:
And other license plate messages that usually aren't consistent with their driver include beauties like 'CutyPi', 'TooHot'....etc.

Little Strong Man

We made it home from the beach safe and sound - and a little sad that our vacation was over so quickly. To help lift our spirits we decided to go to eat at one of our favorite restaurants - Ted's Montana Grill. Mmmmm - bison. After downing most of his mac-n-cheese, Sam showed off his guns along with a very intimidating look.
I know I'm scared!

Crispy

I went for a walk to get some exercise while the boys were eating and playing tonight. I imagine I would exercise more if I got to walk with these kind of views each day.
I even came across this crispy nugget. Seriously folks, you CAN'T grill on or underneath a deck.

Big Shoes To Fill

Sometimes Sam likes to play with mommy and daddy's shoes. Here he is trying to walk in mommy's shoes.
Check out that killer physique...I swear we feed him every time he opens his mouth!

JonnyCake

There is a great little Jamacian restaurant at the beach called The Sugar Shack. While waiting for your meal, they present you with a baked jonnycake to snack. Sam seemed to like his - it is moist and sweet.
This restaurant is so popular that you actually have to make reservations. Last year, not so much - but they've obviously had a boom since then. It's definitely worth it - fantastic food and atmosphere.

Sharks

I was traumatized as a child by the movie Jaws. So even now, at 35, I don't like even being near fake sharks - especially big ones like this.
But as you can tell, David and Sam have no fear - which is good.
Is it feeding time?

We Made It

It's that time of year again - our annual beach week trip. It's the most anticipated trip of the year and also the shortest week of the year. Here is Sam enjoying the view of the water while we were waiting for a table.
It's so nice to be at the beach where people are relaxed and in the mood for fun.

Convertible Dog

I know a lot of people that take their dogs with them everywhere - I used to be one of those people. But I never owned a convertible and I'm not sure I would have taken such a 'fluffy' dog for a ride with the top down.
I can only imagine the amount of fur flying around that car and in those people's mouths/faces/etc.

Oriental

My mom lives in a town called Oriental here in NC. Sam and I spent a few days visiting recently and decided to get David a souvenir since he was in Chicago on business. I didn't think he would actually wear it - even though I searched for one that I thought he would find the least fashionably offensive.
Boy was I surprised when he started wearing this out in public. whew!

And for those of you who weren't aware, describing someone of Asian descent as 'oriental' is actually viewed as impolite and rude.

Lucky Cat?

After a 4 week sabbatical, scary cat is back. Complete with sun visor and flower on it's head.
Since it's 8/8/8 - a day that some consider to be the luckiest - maybe this is a lucky cat?

Mmmm Bubbles

Like most toddlers, Sam likes bubbles. We keep a steady supply in the garage so we can play with them outside - we don't allow bubbles in the house. Recently Auntie Shelly and Auntie Amy came to visit and bestowed upon him a new bottle of bubbles.
As you can see, he was quite happy with them. Thanks!

I Like To Eat Too!

One of the things I liked about living in VA was trying to figure out all the personalized license plates that people get. There are quite a few in NC also - but I've never seen this one.
I didn't get a good look at the driver, but I know that they weren't nearly big enough to properly display a license plate that says 'I Like To Eat'.

Fire Truck

I ride by the local fire station on my way home every day - #22, aka 'The Double Deuce' as it says on the back of the truck below. Usually the trucks are parked in the garage or just out front getting some maintenance or a wash down. Today they were just coming back from a call and backing into the station.
Too bad Sam wasn't with me - I know he would have enjoyed this more than me.

Electric Cars in Raleigh?

I must say that I was surprised when I first saw electric cars in Raleigh - although I shouldn't have been with the variety of people that live in the triangle area and the recent increase in gas prices. Anyway, here is one those electric cars - kind of cute in a Jetson type of way.

Mac-N-Cheeeeese

After downing a full belly of mac-n-cheese, Sam can still ham it up for the camera.
What a gorgeous smile and those dimples are cute enough to eat! I could sop him up with a biscuit!!