She's leavin' on a jet plane!

Big day here at the Traaseth's, Abbi is flying to Massachusetts today. She'll be staying with the Kream's for a while and also the Biegler/Yablonski crew; then she'll be going to Not Back To School camp (in Vermont). This is her first time and I hope she has a great experience. We have lots of friends who have had great times at this camp so we're pretty sure it's gonna be a good time. Abbi's really excited. She's flying without us, but not without a companion, her friend Logan will be joining her in Atlanta from FL so they'll be flying together (makes a mom's mind a bit more calm :)

While she's there she'll turn 15. Hope it's a wonderful time Abbi-doo!

This is an old picture, but I love it. I think it really captures her spirit :) Nothing like the Terminator motorcycle!

Of course it's about video games

Abbi brought this to my attention this morning and I thought it was pretty funny.

It lends itself to: "people, get it through your head, video games do not make people violent" it's a game.

Anyway, short and sweet :)

a few kudzu thoughts

Did you know that kudzu blooms? It's still a devastating plant but I was pleasantly surprised by these flowers, and since it's every where around me, it's nice to see the these little flowers.


When we wonder about what we'll do when Tim changes jobs I always say, "well, we could travel around with goats. For the kudzu!" ;) And then I could make some gjetost too! (it's pronounced Yaytoast) Kyra and I love it!

Drum inspiration

On the last blog post, Laura asked what music Alec was interested in now. I wanted to share this video. He loves this, it's Dream Theater. He still loves Metallica too, and will be going to their concert the beginning of October.






There are 104 time signature changes here, in under 6 minutes. (I think, that's what I read anyway, anyone, feel free to correct me, Alec?) There is also some ragtime music going on in that song, pretty cool. Of course we had to get some Scott Joplin up on YouTube after they pointed that out. :)

And here is Mike Portnoy, their drummer, explaining some of his part.




Another one of their songs is all about mental illness, that also lead to lots of discussion.

Sounds right

A lot of times when I have lots of things going on I really have a hard time sitting down and blogging. Yes, I'm busy, but mostly I have all these ideas swirling around in my head and I can't pick which ones to write about.

So tonight I'm going to do a simple little thing, tell you about some different sounds I've heard tonight. We've just returned from a trip down to Florida, which was wonderful, but I'm very tired. And when I'm tired I tend to be very sensitive (a surprise right?) I tend to hear, smell, and respond to everything, so here's what's swirling around me right now.

Popping sounds from Abbi clicking on different things on Sims3. She's just found a new challenge for that game, pretty interesting.. it's called the Legacy Challenge.

Snoring from Saddi, she was here in Gainesville while we were in Florida. She played and ran with our neighbors' dogs, she hasn't moved from this spot here by me since she came home, 5 hours ago!

Alec playing the drums downstairs, the real drums, and I can feel the vibration on my butt as I'm sitting in the kitchen. He wanted to start up drum lessons so we called a place and he loves the instructor. I'm so glad.

*blurp,blurp* The kids' cell phone making the noise it makes when a text comes through. Kyra has become the all around pro texter, she can text her best friend Samuel in TN for free, and lots of other friends. (if you're on Verizon, she can text ya!) Oh, and for those of you who didn't know we don't have our home line any more, we've gone to total cell phone usage.

Tim walking this way and that, carrying boxes from the garage, opening boxes and mumbling phrases to himself. Yes! He's getting ready to go out tomorrow morning to sell his new heart med, Go Tim!

And me? A cough. Kind of boring isn't it? But I've been coughing the last couple of days, don't know if it's allergies or just having too much fun with my friends. All I know is it's worth it!



This is a flower I saw this morning, it's a little vining flower, so pretty. I was a bit bummed that I didn't have my camera with me, I forgot it! But then I remembered my phone! Rock on :)

Our 4th Celebration

We went up to the Chattanooga area last week-end to celebrate the 4th and see some friends. The Haworths hosted us and the Bowmans and Aycocks joined in too. We had a great time.

Here are some of the kids.



We drove up to Foster's Falls on the 4th to swim and hang out in a swimming hole. The water was wonderful for us northerners. Finally cool water to feel refreshed in this warm water. Note: the swimming pool isn't cool anymore (in our neighborhood) and the lake by us feels like bath water! So we loved the cool water.

Walking to the swimming hole is quite the trek. It's down, down, down...

picture by Laura

and it's beautiful.

picture stolen from Laura

I did NOT like this bridge... Alec kept saying, "remember Donkey and Shrek Mom!" And all I could think of was.. "I DO NOT like platforms.. walkways that move.. EEK!"

another picture stolen from Laura

Sweet friends

guess who took this picture!

The picturesque refreshing swimming hole

Kelli took this picture! Wait! or Tim!

At the top again, just beautiful.




Then we went back to the Haworths and had some fireworks fun!



Silas casting a spell!



I love this one!


It was a great day.

The High Museum

Last week we went to the High Museum in Atlanta and had an amazingly great time. Not only did we marvel at the Monet exhibit, but we also were entertained by a jazz band at lunch. Also, while eating and enjoying the music we got the treat of a group of dancers who decided to stop by. I caught a little bit on video (with my new super phone!) You'll also see our friends Jake and Rachel with us. They visited us last week. We had a great time!




Abbi was in awe of the exhibit. The mural of Water Lilies was amazing.