The Real Thing.

After the Braves game on Thursday we headed to the The World of Coke on Friday. We absolutely loved it. There was so much to see and do. We have always been really big Coke collectors. So seeing all the amazing things in their collection, let us in awe and drooling. Then there was the pop art, best 4D movie I have ever seen (and yes I have seen the one at Dollywood), giant decorated coke bottles from all over the world and more coke products than you could ever drink. We also took time to watch the retro commercials from the 1960's thru the current day. The kids were not too impressed with this part but Fred and I enjoyed the trip down memory lane.

Grace getting ready for the 4D movie.

Isaac with 2007's coke bottle in honor of the Milan Fashion Show.

Just a small part of the bottling process that we got to view. They let you take one of these little bottles of coke home with you as a souvenir. Now how cool is that?

Fred doing his taste testing. There are 64 different flavors from all over there world that you can taste. Fred tasted them all, twice.

Grace sitting on the "Coke Couch" used on American Idol.

This bear was over seven feet tall and totally animated. Still not sure how they made that thing work!!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Although we headed out with plans to watch the Braves play ball , Coca Cola was definitely the theme of the week. More about that later. So for now, let's play ball...

We spent Thursday at Turner Field in Atlanta, otherwise known as HOTLANTA. It definitely lived up to its nick name on this day. Other than the heat, we had an amazing day. Plus, I was able to eat dinner at Red Lobster (one of my all time faves)!!!

View from the Sky Field.

Waiting to meet the relief pitcher Micheal Dunn at the pregame question and answer session.

Hunter and Elijah on the jumbo screen at Turner Field.

Waiting.......something these boys don't do very well. lol

Fred and Isaac in the pregame parade on the field.

Grace in her pose.

We just thought this was cute. lol

It Is Said Some Lives Are Linked Across Time…They Are Connected By An Ancient Calling…Destiny

We headed to the movies tonight in true homeschool fashion. Which means two families with nine children between them sitting a theatre taking up an entire section. And to make sure that I can count this as a school day we saw "Prince of Persia". Seeing as how we are studying medieval time period, this was an excellent study in how they dressed, how the Kingdoms where set up, the mentality of the day as well as social structure. Sounds like a good history lesson to me, whatda ya think?

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears

This years history study is the medieval and renaissance period. With that in mind we headed to Market Square for the Shakespeare on the Square event. We, being the boys and myself. Grace was spending the day with her youth group and Frederick was working. It was a great evening. There was a wonderful breeze, several good friends to keep us company, and Italian Ice from Rita's! Fun, Fun, Fun.

The play (if you can call it that) was rather funny and the actors were quite entertaining. Unfortunately, the humor was lost on my boys and at times was somewhat risque. Shame really, because it could have been a much more family friendly production.

Overall, I really enjoyed the evening. I love being downtown. The Market Square, Old City, Tennessee Theatre, the Bijou, and so much more intrigue me. I remember eating at the old S&S Cafeteria, getting milkshakes at the drug store on the corner, shopping at Miller's (remember that place?), and going to see the Nut Cracker at the Theatre as a child. I love history and I always feel that I am able to grasp just a taste of the past when I am down town.

It Was a Red Letter (box) Day!!

We went to look for a letterbox today and this is what we found. It was an entire beach scene created in the bed of a truck. It was complete with beach umbrellas, a message in a bottle, bikini bottoms, lots of sand and much more. We found four letterboxes and two bonus boxes. While there we picked up a "hitchhiker" box and "flea". We also got two letterbox exchanges. It was a great find and loads of fun. The more we learn about this amazing pass time the more we love it.

"If I am put on trial and accused of being a Christian, I pray that there will be enough evidence to convict me."


I posted this today and it has profoundly affected me! All day I have thought about everything I have done, what I have said, and how I looked to others. Now at the end of the day I must admit I am innocent. And I am horribly disappointed in myself.

The lack of Christ like behavior I have displayed is shameful. Sure, I did all the typical Christian behavior. I said Grace before I ate. I prayed for me and my family. I even prayed for friends who are sick. But where were any of the things that witness to the world around me? Not once did I stop to help someone in need. Not once did I give to the poor. Not once did I visit the elderly or the shut-in. I spent the afternoon at the mall, passed by hundreds of people, yet never shared the gospel with one person.

Thank you God that You are so forgiving. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You that tomorrow is yet another opportunity to go on trial. Maybe tomorrow I will be guilty of being the the child of God you have called me to be.

Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men...

We set out this morning to do a little letterboxing. Like most of our days the plans get lost somewhere along the way. What's the saying? "Life is what happens while your busing making plans." We came up empty on the letterboxing endeavor and somehow ended up town. I absolutely love that part of Knoxville. And completely enjoyed sharing part of it with my kids. We parked and walked up the sidewalk to the square. We couldn't resist using our summer reading coupon books to enjoy a wonderful summer treat. Rita’s Water Ice is located on Market square. Rita's offer freshly made Italian ice and awesome old fashioned custard! If you haven't tried it, I suggest you do so soon. Today I had the Pineapple and it was amazing!