Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July, America! Again.

Yeah, yeah. I'm a little late with the pictures.

But, I haven't had access to upload any pics.

On the Fourth, we went to Litchfield for some fireworks. Nothing better than a bunch of drunk guys shooting fireworks along the beach. Definitely not the controlled scene that we're use to in DC. When the wind shifted and sent the fireworks about 10feet over our head, I knew that wasn't good.

The clincher was when two of the fireworks shot off to the side and caught the dune on fire about five feet from us. We were done and packed it in. If the sand ants didn't get ya, those fireworks sure almost did.

Here's a few pics. :)

Of course, there were fireworks too but it was too hard getting the actual fireworks but I kind of dig these.

The Red Dot Store

It's South Carolina.

It's patriotic.

If you're from SC, you know what it is.

Our friends Emily and Scott thought it was funny that the liquor stores were called red dot stores and didn't believe me. I explained to them that the red dots were placed on the liquor stores way back when so that the people who couldn't read could find the stores.

Or, at least that's what I've always been told.

So, here's the proof.
We don't need any fancy advertising either.

The verbage "liquor store" or "package store" is for foreigners (aka as Yankees or anyone not from SC.) We South Carolinians already know to look for the red dot. :o)

Would You Be Sad?

Last night, Shane decided that he wanted to have a profound conversation about bullying and things that were going on at school and how he should handle them.

Somehow the conversation took a left turn.

And kept going.

Shane was worrying about someone stealing his most valuable possession - his ducky and his doggie blanket. So, Ken explained that while Ducky and Doggie Blanket are important possessions to Shane, if someone broke into the house, they would not steal Ducky and Doggie Blanket because they are only valuable to him. That they would be looking to steal valuables like our silver and china.

SHANE: Mom...would you be sad if someone stole your china?

ME: No, Shane. I wouldn't care if they took the china.

SHANE: What about if they stole Ducky.

ME: They are not going to steal Ducky.

OWEN: Mom...would you be sad if they stole your vagina?

ME: Ummmm ... that's not possible.

KEN: Yes...

China...vagina. It rhymes. I guess that's how Owen got from a to z.

So, I guess Owen was listening to our conversation about body parts after all, eh?

He's So Crabby

Shane has found a new fun hobby at Pawleys Island.

Crabbing.



I think his tounge really helps with his concentration, don't you agree? :)

Opposite Directions

No matter what it is, no matter how big or small, if you ask Owen and Shane what they want, it will ALWAYS be the opposite of what the other one wants to do. ALWAYS. Bank on it.

I'm thoroughly convinced that it's a diabolical plan on their part to drive me absolutely insane. They can't agree on anything - where to go for dinner, what to have for lunch, what they want for snack. You name it. They want the opposite of each other.

Usually it's manageable but if you don't keep on eye on them, they will split in two directions and you'll lose one of them before you can blink. Again, because they never want to do the same thing.

I took them to Funland (which is only fun for the kids by the way.) If you want to lose your kids, it's the best place to take them. And, for the record, I did not lose them. Nor did I want to. On that particular day anyway. ;)

So, I snapped this picture of them in the playground. When I got it back, I started thinking that it was really a metaphor for life with them. Always choosing the opposite way from the other one.



It also got me to thinking that there are two paths for them. One will take one way and the other will take another and however they get there is how they get there. Neither is wrong. It's just a different way to get to where they're going and they'll (hopefully) choose the path that is right for them.

Of course, every once in a while they could throw me a bone and choose the same thing. Even something as small as what cartoon they want to watch. That would be just dandy and one less fight to referee.