So we (Kolton and I) were invited to go to the Science Center with Kristi and William Smith. The boys did great together despite their age difference as Kolton is about 23 months older. I was very impressed with the two of them :). They communicated and shared both toys and snacks in the backseat of the car and they played "around" each other at the Science Center. They went straight for the alligator/turtle/fish pond down on the bottom level and then they lead us through the snakes and fish exhibit...which leads directly to Kids Town. The boys had fun playing in the water with the boats and calling each other on the phones. I have to say that they didn't quite understand why the phones weren't cordless...they keep trying to "walk and talk"! After some water play time they made tracks and played with tractors and trains. We finally got them out of that section and went for a ride on the elevator up to see the Dino Bones. Kolton said they were "mean" but he didn't mind looking at them. They also used paintbrushes to uncover bones...little archaeologists they are! After the Dinosaurs came the BUGS and dung beetles and flies...very cool stuff and they spent forever checking it all out.
I am so proud of our cute little boys...
:)
(Sorry...no pictures...neither one of us brought a camera!)
We took a little vacation trip to Signal Mountain, Tennessee which is just outside Chattanooga. We flew up on Thursday the 1st of February and came home on Sunday the 4th. We had a great time visiting with the McCreary's who graciously let us stay in their home. Scott is a friend of Matt's from way back in the day ;). Scott and Phoung have a son, Jake, who is only 9 months older than Kolton. They played and fought together...as you would expect two 3 year olds to do!
The day we arrived it was snowing and there was snow on the ground. It was completely unexpected for us but we were very excited. Kolton got to see and play in his first snow! Matt and Tom (Scott's brother) went out on the 4-wheelers on Thursday (in the snow). Neither of them have ever been riding in the snow...recipe for disaster right?? Well, not quite a disaster but Matt did manage to flip the 4-wheeler and roll down the mountain but he came out unscathed. Luckily for him, Tom is a firefighter...he's trained to rescue!! Seriously it wasn't that bad...they seem to have had a great time.
Kolton and Jake played in the snow that first day for quite a while. They took turns throwing snow at each other and at the dogs. Kolton likes to fall down...so he slid all over the place and got his jeans soaked. He had a great time though!
Friday we decided to take a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium. I really enjoyed the layout of the aquarium...I didn't feel like I was going to lose Kolton! We got to pet stingrays and sharks. There was a butterfly garden where the butterflies would actually sit on your fingers and hands and even let you touch their wings gently. How cool! The aquarium had a salt water side and a fresh water side and we managed to see both.
That afternoon Kolton and Jake stayed at the house with Phoung and Scott, Tom, Matt and I went driving around to see the area. We parked and hiked to a waterfall...it was awesome. It was also freezing and I had boots on with NO traction. I would like you to know that I did not fall...not even once!
Saturday was eventful too. We decided to go to Rock City and I am so glad we did. I haven't been there since I was a kid so I didn't remember it too well. It was a great hike through the rocks and boulders. Kolton did an awesome job keeping up...he never stopped! He was able to see some white deer in the deer park...fit through the needle's eye and fat man squeeze...and stood at the top of Lover's Leap. He wore his sunglasses the WHOLE time...even in the caves. We went into Fairyland Caverns...it was full of rocks, quartz, gnomes, waterfalls, and nursery rhymes. It was pretty cool to see! 
(A $10,000 swing that you can't even sit in...I kept sliding off!)
Scott broke off an icicle for Kolton...and Kolton ate the whole thing...he had little red lips afterwards :).
That afternoon we decided to go 4-wheeling since it was no longer snowing and some of the snow had a chance to melt. What does melted snow make in the woods? MUD! Matt, Kolton, and I all rode on one 4-wheeler. Scott and Jake were on one and Tom and Carrie were on another. We had a great time on the trails that led up to a bluff with a fantastic view. I think we were gone at least 2 hours if not more. Kolton kept wanting to hit ALL the mud puddles and he wanted to go faster! He had "so much fun"! I didn't take my camera on that journey since I knew it would be rough terrain! I did manage to get a few shots of Kolton on the 4-wheeler before we left the house though!
Aunt Tiffany and Payton came over on Saturday the 27th of January...just to hang out and visit! Kolton takes good care of Payton. He always wants to hold her!
Somehow we talked her into wearing #4...so they could make silly faces together!
Payton says "YAY!"
Losing Denny this past week has been so hard. He was only 24 years old...just getting started in life really. I know that he is in a better place. Heaven is obviously much better than here on earth...and while I know that in my head and in my heart is still doesn't make the hurt go away. It doesn't answer the question of "why him...why so young...". God is the only comfort in a time of tragedy but at the same time I wish I could have his answer to my questions. I do know that he is with my Paw Paw right now and they're having a great time together. This is how I find some peace.
Dennis "Denny" Edward Hart
February 16th, 1982-January 28th, 2007
Highschool Football...He loved SPORTS and was an awesome baseball and football player.
With his sister, Jackie, at her wedding this past June. They are "two peas in a pod".
He will be forever missed...always carried in our hearts.
