north carolina: phase two

Zak and I were okay with Mom and Dad leaving us behind for four days, because A) We were not yet versed in the time/space continuum theory; B) We were distracted by all the neat new toys; and C) It was obvious that Grandma and Grandpa Lipsey and Aunt Katherine knew how to show a couple of 2-year-olds a good time. And just in case you were wondering, the large Annie on the right is "fuzzy." The small, ceramic Annie on the left is "no fuzzy."


At first we were unsure about this squirting water ring contraption. But after Grandma introduced her fancy plastic water catchers, we were all smiles.


Then Aunt Katherine taught us how to cover the holes with our fingers. Further aquatic mayhem ensued.


Here I am showing KT how to feed ducks and several other duck-like creatures at Lake Junaluska. I jumped right into this activity with no fear whatsoever. Zak...not so much.


Eventually I joined my brother in this elevated Safe Zone. Notice how the much larger geese hog the best seats, while the littler ducks make a nearly perfect semi-circle behind them. This is called "pecking order."



Feeding wild animals is exhausting. You know Zak's really beat when he does the thumb-sucking, arm-crossing, ear-stroking bit.


Now that we're all rested up, how 'bout a swim?


Okay, now, you may want to take a deep breath for this one. On Friday Grandma and Aunt Katherine took us to a John Deere Tractor Dealership!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How did they know! That we love tractors! They make us! So happy! Must! Take! One! Home!


Wyn: I still say, if you're going to use this baby for moldboard plowing, you'd be better off with the shift-free IVT option.
Zak: Now is that available on the 5003 series?
Wyn: Nah, you gotta go up to the 6015 for that.

(Shout out to our fellow Deere-lovin' buddy Joshua .)


As the saying goes, "A goose fed once with stale bagel is not satisfied. A goose fed again the next day with stale hamburger bun is somewhat more satisfied, but still not completely satisfied."


Congrats go to Grandma, Grandpa and Katherine for managing to keep us wonderfully entertained and totally wearing us out while Mom and Dad were on their mini-vacation. Very, very impressive.