A Grammy Visit

Grammy in the "corn maze"...aka dead brush..

oops..sorry....turn your right ear to your shoulder to see the boys and Grammy on our stairs

Now put your left ear to your shoulder to see our pumpkins...you didn't expect exercise class....

The soft and sweet camel.....

Gary, Grammy and BITO on the lake...

It has been a whirlwind of excitement and business in the South for the Closes. Grammy Close came for a spell and we kept her on her toes. In two weekends we watched 4 football games and 6 lacrosse games. Two of the football games were in VERY cold weather with rain falling. It was hard to keep warm. Unfortunately we told Grammy to bring lite clothing so we got to bundle her up in Poppa's coat and socks that Gary inherited.

Grammy LOVED our lake and wildlife. We enjoyed the bright red cardinals, the mallard family who adopted a Canadian goose, the chipmunks, the turtles and so much more. On Grammy's first day here a big great blue heron swooped in and stayed on a stump off our backyard for an entire day. It was Grammy's "Hi from Heaven" from Poppa.

We ate and ate and ate....too much yummy things, Steak and Shake, Panda, QT treats, Missoes, Maple Cookies. Now we must fast. Grammy is awesome at keeping the meals planned and the kitchen running smoothly. Her last night here Ike, Grammy and I labored over chicken burritos with black beans, papaitas, and guacamole. It was a wonderful treat to end the visit.

Yesterday we ventured out to a corn maze. Unfortunately it was overly soaked with rain and wind so it wasn't much of a maze, more of a path through some brush. It was a beautiful farm though with 5 blow up bounce house type structures, a hay ride, and a springy trampoline jump. We also got to pick our pumpkin and feed and pet camels. It was a warm day enjoying the treasures of the south. Thanks Grammy for a wonderful visit. Ya'll come back, ya hear?

So now we are alone again until January when we will be heading back to California for a visit. We will be home Dec. 30th through Jan. 11th. Look for the boys on your front doors.

Love and Hugs,

Samm and the Boys

U2 Concert and Kennesaw Mountain

Josiah, Gary and Joel on top of Kennesaw Mountain over looking Georgia...

Ike and Joel making their way down the trail

Bono on the bridge....at the concert....in the Georgia Dome......AWESOME!

Bono Vox on the BIG SCREEN

The STAGE!!! Quite elaborate and impressive...

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!!! U2 at the Georgia Dome, October 6th, 2009

And it was a wonderful concert. Gary and I enjoyed a night out listening to some awesome music. The Georgia Dome was packed. We were expecting to see loads of young kids enjoying the concert. To our surprise we were young compared to the rest of the crowd. I guess since the band is in their 50's their following would be too. It was a just a shocker since I was expecting to be an oldie. They did a two hour show with lots of oldies I remember and some new ones I will grow to love. It was neat singing "Amazing Grace" and honoring our soldiers with Bono. We sat next to an army officer and I got to thank him personally for serving our country. It was very cool.

We enjoyed a beautiful hike to Kennesaw Mountain this past Sunday. There are not many mountains around here but we found one to climb. It is about ONE mile up. It does not quite compare to Half Dome or Havasu Falls down in the Grand Canyon but it was still a great day.

They boys have been leaning on one another and building lasting relationships with each other. If Georgia helped create more lasting memories and bonding within our family than it is all worth it.

Yesterday the six of us, and Bobito, went to a nearby park and played catch with lacrosse sticks and balls, a frisbee and played some kick back with a soccer ball. As we were leaving, a group soccer players of Jamaican decent, were starting a game of soccer. They gathered some trash cans for goals and put out shoes for end lines. Joel walked over toward them and they yelled out, "Hey WHITE boy...you wanta play? Bring your ball and you can play." So Joel in all his boldness ran to get his ball and joined in. I did not have my camera but it was classic Joel....finding friends anywhere, even in a group of "brothers" in Georgia. He played until 7:30 pm and we had to go back to the park and get him. They said, "See ya Bro," as he left. It was a cool thing.

Missing California....We booked flights. We will be home Dec. 30th- Jan. 11th. Can't wait!

Joy!

Sammie for the Close Clan

Lacrosse and Home Coming Dance

Isaac and Joel off to Home Coming 2009

Josiah in white helmet and white jersey whacking away....

Isaiah is focused and ready to conquer...

Poppa fishing on the pond.

Josiah in our backyard fishing. This photo was taken from the boat looking back towards our house.

Well another HUGE milestone for the Close family. Isaiah and Josiah tried their hands at a new sport and did a wonderful job, if I may say so myself. Lacrosse is a fast action, rough, and tumble team sport with lots of physical contact and close shots. Both boys have picked up the game real well. I guess all that excellent soccer coaching and experience helped them out. Enjoy some of the action shots.

Joel and Ike went to their FIRST Home Coming dance with The Knights Academy. They play football for the Knights. It is a Christian Home school group that offers classes twice a week and a full sports program. Although they don't do the classes they are still able to participate in the sports programs. Plus they have all the extras like Home Coming, Prom, and Pep Rallies. It is a neat experience for them. They went to the dance with other football players and had a great time.

It has been a fun month having Mom and Dad here. Dad has helped fix little and big things around the house. Mom keeps the kitchen clean and has helped a bit with school. We went to Stone Mountain and climbed the Sky Hike. It was fun dangling from the ropes with Mom and Dad. They did great.

God is Good, All the Time!

Close Family