The end of a wonderful summer...

This past weekend our wonderful summer having Anna here came to an end. We had so much fun with her this summer that it went by so fast. It was so sweet to see she and Sullivan bond so much this summer. I know they are going to miss each other so much. We left Virginia Beach on Friday and headed with both kiddos and the pups to the Santee. We got to the Santee and enjoyed the rest of our day there with Pop and G.G. Pop took us on a boat ride at Sullivan's request. We decided we would go to "pottery island" and show the kids and Mike how we used to search for arrow heads and such when we were little. Our wonderful idea turned bad when we realised we were in a foot of water and we needed to back out immediately. As we backed out we hit a stump and could not get the boat turned around for all the stumps. They got the best of us and tore a prop off the propeller of the boat. We very slowly got out of there not doing any other damage to the boat. We slowly and I mean slowly made our way back home, the sun was going down and we were all getting hungry. Anna decided if she paddled we would get there quicker. Of course we knew it probably wouldn't help but if she wanted to paddle go for it! I guess some fishermen saw the boat of adults and the kid paddling and decided to help us. They tied us to them and towed us home. Had to have been a sight, this little john boat pulling a pontoon! We did get home quicker... Another wonderful pontoon boat memory!
We got up Saturday morning and headed to Noni's house. After spending some time with her we headed to see Mike's sister Diane and her kids and Jeanine's new baby. Man those Curti gene's are strong. She is a beautiful baby and they all seemed to be doing well. We then did the one thing we didn't want to do and took Anna home. She was so excited to see her mommy. It must be so hard for her to have to always miss someone. After unloading the car her Papa took us to show Sullivan the goats and "Ugly" Anna's chicken! It's name is Ugly for a reason! We said our goodbyes and pulled out and as we did Sullivan broke down in the saddest cry ever. He screamed for Sissy and cried until we finally gave in and called her. It was so pitiful. Broke my heart into pieces. He did calm down after talking to her but has not let a day go by without asking for her. He really misses her. We picked up Noni which made him happy and went to see Tina's house. She just bought a beautiful house in Anderson. It must be so bittersweet for her. My heart aches for her but I am so glad she is able to get a house that she is excited about. She is such a stong woman with amazing faith. After spending some time with her we headed out, had dinner with Noni and then got on the road. Even though it was a quick visit it was nice to see everyone. Sullivan crashed in the car and slept the whole way back to the Santee. Sunday we RELAXED!!! Something Mike and I do not seem to know how to do very well. Mom and I went to Manning and picked up Elliott and while we were there Mr Scott(Brett's Dad) took us to show Sullivan the cows. Mom and I road in the back of the truck with the boys! Sullivan thought that was the greatest! Mr. Scott called the cows over and they all came a mooing! The kids loved it and mooed with them! Sullivan waved bye bye to the cows and blew them a kiss before leaving. Zeke and Brett came in that afternoon after a vacation to the beach. We relaxed and played and spent time with the family. Before the sun was up Monday we were headed back to Virginia. Even though it was a very nice visit with everyone, it was too short! We seriously need a vacation!!!!