Los Flemings

Wednesday we went on a little road trip to the big city. Mame had been curious to check out the Ikea in Charlotte. I agreed in exchange for a day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Wednesday I did laps on the course at the center while Mame and the boys relaxed at the hotel. Thursday after a swim in the pool and plenty of coffee we dove into the Ikea experience. Next time it will take 2 days of whitewater for 1 day at Ikea.

(Jack, left, and Ford test out one of the Ikea chairs)

Monday afternoon we all trekked over to Waynesville to meet Dandy and Granddaddy Frank. Then in the parking lot of a shopping center we handed over the oldest third of our sons for the summer road trip to Wisconsin. They have quite an itinerary and based on this morning's phone call are off to a great start.










The other four fifths of Los Flemings then went for a hike along the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River in Pisgah National Forest.

and Ford (on the right) and Jack keep filling out.

Wednesday was the last day of school. Thursday Sam's classmate TreVon came over to play - and enjoy an afternoon popsicle.

The next Jon Lugbill?


We made it over to Slick Rock the other day to retrieve rocking chairs and my C-1. Sam and I got out on the lake while Mame, Ford and Jack got a nap. Sam discovered that the C-1 is more his size. It's easier for him to propel and turn. A little slalom racer is born.

This morning saw all 5 Flemings out and about for the end of year awards ceremony at Hall Fletcher Elementary. Sam was recognized for academic excellence and for having one of his art works selected for the district wide art show. He also received a Kindergarten Certificate of Completion along with the rest of the members of his class. It was a quick little ceremony without any pomp and circumstance, an appropriate way to end the year. We're going to miss his teacher, she's been terrific.

And they are growing like weeds. That's Ford on the right, Jack on the left.


















Compared to just a couple of weeks ago.













And here are a couple of more pictures by popular demand (of the grandmothers).

Monday was the start of the last full week of school and the last round of show n' tell for the kindergarten year. Sam asked to take Jack & Ford.


The normal structure is to say three things about your item and then field three questions from your peers. Sam gave his brothers' names, their age and that he liked to hold them.








His teacher decided to waive the three question limit due to the intense interest. Two of the more memorable questions were if the babies keep Sam up at night and if Jack and Ford had been premies.

(Even more remarkable - Mame handled it all on her own. I got the opportunity to kayak on the Nolichucky River that day. Thanks dear.)