More GMHG pictures

Grandfather Mountain

Clan Hay

GMHG 2010

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games 2010.

Every summer P and I travel to North Carolina for the largest Scottish Festival in the world. Three years ago we took a quick trip to the mountains for our anniversary and just happened across this festival. We knew P's family was from Scotland, so we started searching for a Clan that might have our surname listed. Low and behold there was a Clan Hay. Clans are listed under a certain surname, but there are several septs (other surnames) that fall under each Clan. Of course Hays falls under Clan Hay. We were surprised to find our Clan so easily; it's not so easy for some to figure out what Clan they would fall under. 

So we decided to dive in and start participating with the festivals every year. This was our second year to attend the Grandfather Mountain Games and P's first year in his kilt. Here are a few shots from the weekend.

Clan Hay members - me, P, Donna and Ben

Ben and Donna in front of Grandfather Mountain and MacRae Meadows.

This guy went all out! I just love it. He looks

like the best friend from Braveheart.

The bagpipe bands were awesome. I just love the sound of them echoing throughout the mountains.

The Drum Major

The Parade of Tartans. 

This is were a representative from each clan marches around the field with the clan flag. It's really cool to see all the the different tartans and clans represented. 

P proudly carried the Clan Hay flag as our representative

in the parade this year.

The Clan Hay fairy

Clan Hay tent

Some of the events that were taking place:

Highland dancing

Scottish fiddling

sheep herding

pole vaulting

heavy weight throw for distance

A look at the field from the hill. It's hard to get a feel for just how big the festival is, so I tried to get a couple of shots from a distance to show just how many people, tents and events were there.

Can't wait for the 2011 games!

Chillin' at the cabin...

This summer the girls were able to spend another week at the cabin in North Carolina with Granny T and Papa Jim. They had a blast as usual and can't wait to go back. Here are just a few snapshots from throughout the week.

Miss Priss learning to play Solitaire.

The girls and Papa Jim hanging out on the new swing.

Poor Papa Jim....

Papa Jim getting his exercise as they go hiking.

The "ghosts" around the cabin.

Playing outside.

Outside wih their umbrellas.Silly girls.

Little Bit relaxing on the couch.

The girls had a great week in North Carolina. Thanks to Granny T and Papa Jim, Mommy and Daddy had a great time in North Carolina too. Pictures from our trip to Grandfather Mountain coming soon.

Strawberry shortcake birthday

Okay, finally getting back to the blogging world. Feels like I've been away for so long! The normal excuses are all I have....birthday parties, vacations, house shopping, work and just being busy in general. Now that I have a moment though.... I will kick off with Little Bit's awesome (if I do say so myself) strawberry shortcake b'day party.

I felt bad for Little Bit this year. Daddy was away playing army on her actual b'day and it messed up our party plans. Heaven forbid you call yourself a 4 year old when you have not had a party and blown out some candles! We had to schedule the party two weeks after her real birthday, but I think it worked out pretty well.  

Can't have a strawberry shortcake party without the strawberries! YUM!

This year I did cupcakes instead of a cake. It was a lot easier

and I think it turned out pretty cute!

They were suppose to look like strawberries.

Shelby hogging the fan.

Byron was in charge of the grilling. Ask me if there's anything you

can help with and I will put you to work!! Thanks again Byron,

the hotdogs were great!

While waiting for the hotdogs to be ready, the golf cart was

a huge hit! Miss Priss enjoyed driving everyone around on it.

The birthday girl! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way the dresses

turned out. I made the dresses, but thanks to Katie Amberson

for the appliqued strawberries and monograming. They were perfect!

The girls enjoying the hotdogs.

Granny T and Papa Jim relaxing and enjoying the party.

Everyone enjoying the party and socializing.

Time for dessert...

OFFICALLY 4! Well, according to Little Bit!

I think the cupcakes were a hit! Yummy!

Present time! That's always fun! By the way, thanks for the gifts everyone. Unfortunately with the way these kid parties go, I have no idea what came from who. Tags were ripped, cards were misplaced and an excited bunch of girls scattered everything around. So thanks again! She loved everything :)

Last but not least...The Slip n Slide and Pool!

It was so much fun to watch these six little ladies play in the water. Some were a little more daring than others, but I think they all had a great time.

This has to be one of my favorite shots. They were all so excited.

Getting the slip n slide set up.

Making sure everyone knew how to slide. Some were

a little more experienced than others, but they were all

hilarious to watch.

Shelby wanted to play too!

Watching the girls play.

Waiting for the pool to be blown up.

All in all I think this was one happy little birthday girl!

Thanks to Pop for taking all the pictures for me again. I love that I can count on you to help me have one less thing on my plate and get some great shots!