Our Zoo Adventure

Michael went to the Atlanta Zoo for the first time the other day with his mommy and grandma! I'm sure this is the first of many annual trips that he will take in his lifetime. He was able to see a few animals up close, so those were the ones that he liked the best. He got a good look at the UGLY warthogs, the leemers, and the pandas! He calls every animal "gurgur" because our dog's name is Sugar. So he enjoyed seeing the "gurgurs".

We got to sit on the bronze statue of the famous Gorilla, Willie B. I remember seeing Willie B. in when I was little. He is the icon of the Atlanta Zoo, so it was nice that Michael got to meet him and play with him!

We also got to go on a short train ride around the zoo. Michael enjoyed riding like a big boy (and sometimes standing up like he shouldn't)!

Michael also got to pet his first animals (that weren't doggies)! He got to pet a goat and a sheep. We stayed away from the pigs because they smelled bad!

Here's a look at some of the animals that we got to see! We were really glad to see the pandas because we heard that they are going back to China. Apparently, the zoo just had them on lease for a short while.

 It'll be different taking Michael to the zoo next year because he'll probably be able to say the names of the animals! I'm excited to have started yet another tradition that we can carry on for years to come!

Happy Father's Day!!

Sam is in the Dominican Republic, so Michael wanted to tell him how much he loves him! We can't wait for him to get home and he's only been gone for 2 days! 

Sam, you are the best daddy and you are Michael's hero!!

Happy Father's day to Michael's Grandpa, Great Grandpa, and G-Daddy, too!

Hair today...gone tomorrow!

Although we like the California surfer boy look, people were starting to think that Michael was a little girl (even when dressed in obvious boy clothes!!). We decided that it was time for him to get his first haircut! So, we went to see our friend from church, Beth.

Michael did fantastic! He got a little squirmy after a few minutes...but since he loves his daddy so much, sitting in his lap did just the trick!

Now our little man really looks like a little man! He's growing up.... *tear*...but, he is growing into one handsome little fella!

Before...

Beth did such a great job! Michael thinks so, too!!

Family Reunion

The 2nd weekend in June has always been set aside for the McGarity family reunion. My grandma was one of 14 children and we have been gathering in their honor since my dad was a little boy. Although there is only one living McGarity child left - my Great Aunt Lucille - the descendants still gather each year. 

My grandma's name was Eufaula McGarity. She passed away 17 years ago, but I still remember the times we spent at their house almost every weekend when I was younger. She and Pop would always have a candy jar full of York Peppermint Patties. The house was filled with the smell of fresh buttermilk biscuits, fried chicken, and peach cobbler (which I used to call "clobber"). On the nights when I would spend the night, Grandma would always have me read the Lord's Prayer and help me to memorize it....which I did! We would play outside in their huge backyard and go greet the cows that used to live in the pasture behind her house. Sometimes Pop would get out his shotguns and practice shooting with my dad. My brother loved watching them and developed a love for hunting because of it.

It's so nice to get together and celebrate new life and remember those that have left this earth. I know Grandma and Pop would be proud of their great grandson! Michael will grow up knowing their memories and he'll enjoy going to the family reunion each year and continuing the tradition!

Michael's nametag said "Michael - Eufaula's great grandson"

Michael and G-Daddy (my dad) going for a stroll

Kennedy enjoyed swinging on the swings...something my brother and I did when we were her age!

Kennedy and Michael

Classic!! Enjoying his first Coca-Cola!! 

(Note: it was empty...no sugary syrup entered his body!)

Splish Splash!

Sam and I took Michael to the pool for the first time this week! It was hot outside, but the pool was still pretty cold. He did NOT like it at first...he would start breathing heavy if you just got him near the water! He never really cried when he got wet, but he would whine and hold on to us really tight! 

Needless to say, he eventually got used to it and really enjoyed it! He got to use his baby float that Grandma and Grandpa got him! He would kick his little legs back and forth and try to move in the water! He also loved splashing just like he does in the bathtub!

We're looking forward to some more pool time this summer!