Thursday on the River along the Tennessee Border

We spent Thursday fighting the extreme heat by seeking out the recommended local swimming hole on the Ocohee River. Joe and I took turns on the river bank with our little Peanut Lucia while we alternated with helping the other kids in the water. The water was shallow and virtually still, but the rocks were slippery underfoot, so Marguerite and Therese required some careful attention. Most of the time, I stayed out of the water, shading and fanning Lucia—and sprinkling bottled water on her. It was one seriously hot day. Eventually, I made my way down to the water while Joe held Lucia. It was good just to get wet.

Anna Marie in the north Georgia mountains. 

Cooling ourselves in the river. 

Okay, I would normally never post a photo of myself in a swimming suit—blech!
But look at our peanut Lucia! I thought this was such a great photo of her, I couldn't resist including it.
(Marguerite simply would not look at the camera. She was having far too much fun taking over Lucia's stroller.)

In the Mountains of Northern Georgia

While we waited for our interstate adoption paperwork to clear, we enjoyed our new family of nine in a huge log house in the northern Georgia mountains. What a find. The owner, bless her heart, gave us an amazing deal, because we were new adoptive parents! It was the perfect place to finally spread out a bit and just get to know sweet Lucia better.

Atlanta

We made quite a day for ourselves in Atlanta, touring the Atlanta Aquarium, and meeting our friends at Mary Mac's Tea Room.

Oohhhh, ahhhhh...

Kathleen and Lucia take a breather.

Elizabeth and Marguerite enjoy fish overhead.

Three amigos, enjoying sea life.

Awesome sights. We were counting heads like crazy though in the crowd! 

So many hands-on exhibits!

Getting caricatures drawn!

This is just two families. Don't you love it?
We loved hanging out with our friend, Courtney, and family. And I recommend Mary Mac's tea room to all northerners who find themselves in Atlanta. Southern food at its finest.

One More Touring Day in Macon

Had to visit the HUGE Bass Pro Shop.

Elizabeth and Lucia (and kids in background) at Ocmulgee National Monument.

The six oldest kids at Ocmulgee National Monument.

Elizabeth and Marguerite have fun at a Macon park. 

Kathleen, Therese and Andrew at a Macon Park. It was "only" 103 degrees. Ouch. 

Anna Marie and sweet pea Lucia, just three days old.

Touring Macon Some More

With Lucia in our arms, the touring of Macon continued...

We visited Macon's Museum of Arts & Sciences...

Andrew got up-close-and-personal with a polar bear.

Kathleen played archaeologist.

Little archeologists digging for treasure.

Touring Macon

We had time to kill while waiting for the placement of Lucia. So we spent a little time exploring Macon.

Touring a historic cemetery in Macon.
Kathleen and Therese, gargoyling it.

Miss Marguerite 

William and Joe check out the cemetery's historical data.

Hey, Mom! These things don't grow in Wisconsin!
Andrew and Therese.

Kathleen, Marguerite and Elizabeth braving the sweltering heat at the cemetery.

Beautiful cemetery. Very hot!