August 2014

Edenton, NC

 Thanks again to Mom and Daddy, Kevin and I were able to get away for a couple of days. We went to Edenton, the oldest town in NC. It was the first capital of NC. We went on a walking tour and saw a lot of the older buildings and homes. It is right on the Albemarle Sound so we took lots of walks along the water for the cool breeze.

 The original court house.

 Roanoke River Lighthouse

Visit to the Beach

A visit to see Grandma and Papa Jack always means a visit to the beach as well. We had fun times on the beach and in the boat. I've never been stuck in a down pour on a boat before. I can't say it was fun but it was an adventure and something to remember! Kevin, Papa Jack, and the boys left me and Sarah on an island while they went fishing off the boat. The sky started looking a little dark and the wind picked up. The other people on the island started taking shelter. One guy even mentioned my being stranded out there. I told him not to worry that my father-in-law takes storms near the water very seriously and would be there to get me anytime. About ten minutes before it started raining, the boys were back, the umbrella, sand toys, and stuff was loaded, and we were headed back to the boat ramp. Unfortunately not soon enough. It was pouring, thundering, and lightning all around us. Everything was soaked and the kids were a little freaked out, but we made it back safe and sound!

 

 

Jackson threw the throw net and caught a crab!

 

 Sitting on one of the boat docks in Morehead City.

 There was a cute little park under this bridge in Swasnboro. Just walking under the bridge with cars riding over your head was fun enough!

First Day of School

Sarah started at a new school this year. She is in the preschool program at Burlington Christian Academy. Her first day of school was about a week earlier than the boy's. Jackson is now in the fifth grade and Adam in the first grade at Smith Elementary School.

 Sarah's first day. Her teacher is Mrs. Suzanne. She is in the Shining Stars K3 class.

 Adam's first day. He has Mrs. Campbell.

 Jackson's first day. He has Mrs. Porterfield for homeroom and Mrs. Sharpe for math, and Mrs. Mize for science.

 Adam sitting at his desk.

 Jackson is a safety patrol this year. He arrives at school early every morning and helps open car doors. He also assists at dismissal, too.

Kevin's Birthday

We went to the lake to celebrate Kevin's, Philip's and Val's birthdays.

 Ivey looking cute.

 Julia's not sure about all these people.

 Licking the icing from the candles.

 Cousins!!!!

Can't go to the lake without some swimming and some fishing!

Separation Anxiety

Someone in our family has been experiencing a little separation anxiety... and it's not Sarah. I've been gone for the past three weekends doing "girl stuff" and Kevin has been left at home to hold down the fort. Of course, he has taken every opportunity to try and make me feel guilty. He has been known to say, "Thanks for stopping in" as I run back out the door to bible study or other commitments. Unfortunately the comments did not keep me at home. We had to celebrate Nana's birthday at the Barn Dinner Theater with just the girls. Then the next weekend I had to help shower Emily and baby Ivey with gifts. This past weekend I attended the Women of Faith Conference. See, no room for boys.
Now, don't assume Kevin was sitting at home counting the hours until my return. He packed all three of our kids up and drove across North Carolina two weeks ago. They went to the Fossil Museum in Aurora, dug for fossils at a park, and then rode the ferry across the Pamlico River to get home. Here is a little evidence of their fun weekends.

Jackson getting eaten by a shark at the Fossil Museum.

Digging for shark's teeth.

"Look, I found one, too!"

"Daddy lets me drive when Mommy's gone..."

"...And he gives me M&M's. The blue ones are best."

I missed Jackson's last two soccer games last Saturday. This is the best picture Kevin could get of him getting his medal.

"Aren't you coming with me, Daddy?" (I love these steps Granddad. I climb up them every chance I get.)

I'll help you rake!

You can't rake leaves without playing in a pile or two!

Getting Ready for Sarah's Big Arrival

Here is a last glimpse of Sarah before her big arrival. I had an ultrasound a week ago. The technician said that she weighs 7 lbs., 2 oz. I am being induced in the morning at around 7:15. If all goes well, we will have a little Sarah by supper time!

She was sleeping with her arm in front of her face. We think she looks a little like Adam. She has his nose.

Here is Sarah's room.

Baby Shower

Carol Chapman, mom's very good friend, and my aunt Jamie gave me a shower this past Saturday. We all dressed in our fanciest tea party attire, including hats, and enjoyed some fun times together.

The hostesses and me. Thank you for making this shower so special!

The delicious spread with different flavored teas to choose from- Perfect for celebrating a little girl's arrival.

Every little girl needs a baby doll. Of course, Adam and Jackson thought it was for them. Jackson got excited because she came with extra clothes.

Natalie, Mom, Rebekah, and Carol sporting their tea party hats.

It's going to be so much fun dressing Sarah up in all her precious clothes.

Big Brother Class

This past Sunday we went to the Big Brother Class at the hospital. They learned what newborn babies do, put a diaper on a doll, swaddled a doll, took a tour of the nursery, had a snack, and listened to a story about being a big brother.

We had to talk Adam into putting the diaper on the baby. Once we got her swaddled he was proud to hold the baby.

At least the baby is still in his lap!

Jackson took the class very seriously.

The boys proudly display their certificates of completion.