Happy Birthday America!

We celebrated America's birthday just as we would any dear friend, with food, family, and fireworks! Teague and Ginny spent the previous night with Nana and Papa, so Ryan and I enjoyed some much needed alone time. We were more than thrilled to have the kids return home to help make the flag cake. Later in the day we headed over to Nana and Papa's house for our annual Fourth of July cookout. Nana and Papa deck the house out with flags, banners, and Uncle Sam of course. We pigged out on appetizers, so were barely able to eat the huge spread of hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixin's. Luckily we saved about an inch of room for flag cake and ice cream. Much to Teague's dismay, we went to Archdale's Creekside Park for their firework display. Teague is very afraid of the fireworks, so he stayed buried in the blanket listening to Itunes while the rest of us enjoyed the fireworks. They were truly beautiful!!

We are so blessed to live in a nation where we are free to pursue our dreams, follow our God, and become the best we can be. Thanks to all those who served and are serving. We owe you a huge debt of gratitude. Happy Birthday America!!

Simple Summer Pleasures

Just enjoying some of the sweet things in life that make it all worthwhile!

Family Zoo Day

The kids and I take frequent trips to the zoo, but it is rare for all 4 of us to be able to go together. We decided to take advantage of today's beautiful weather and go to the zoo. It seemed that we weren't the only family to decide to do that today. It was a zoo!! We didn't get to see many exhibits due to the crowds, but we did enjoy getting out and enjoying the walk. The kids got to see the elephants very close, which was a treat! They loved the picnic lunch and trip to the playground. All in all, a great day together as a family!

A Visit to the Dairy Farm

The kids went with the FUMC Kid's Club to the Bowman Dairy Farm and Homeland Creamery in Liberty today. They enjoyed a tour of the farm, hayride, and ice cream tasting. They got to milk a pretend cow filled with water, and help bottle feed a calf. Llamas, turkeys, chickens, roosters, cats, dogs, and of course cows were all animals they saw on the fam. Teague said the best part was the ice cream, cake batter flavor!!

Happy Father's Day

Today we are celebrating those important men in our lives. Happy Father's Day Daddy, Papa, Granddaddy, and Gramps! We are so thankful for your impact on who we are and who we become. We love you all so much and feel blessed to have you in our lives.

Bible School

This has been an exciting week for Teague and Ginny as they adventured at Crocodile Dock VBS at our church. The kids learned that God is always with us, He is powerful, He gives us life, He cares for us, and God does what He says He'll do. Both kids loved learning the songs, and dances, and the bible stories. It was amazing to see just how much they do absorb and learn while having fun. Teague learned the story of Moses and the Isrealites' flee from Egypt. He ate "Isrealite flat breads" (saltine crackers) and they were the "best things ever." Today was the final day of VBS and the kids celebrated with a visit from the Asheboro Fire Department. The firemen climbed their ladder and sprayed the kids with the fire hose. The kids loved the cool down, as temps were in the mid 90's today. Ginny was so excited to go out and play in the water, but she never would get in the water. Teague on the other hand was front and center. He played and ran and had the best time. What a great start to summer!

Some of Ginny too...

The last several blog updates have been all about Teague. It seems that he has been in the spotlight a lot here lately, but let us not for a moment think that Ginny is giving Teague all the attention. She is growing and changing so much, and really trying to be just like her brother. Every day she says something new, does something unbelievable, and brings us such great joy. Ryan basically captured her true essence in a conversation we had over the weekend. We were talking about how blessed we are with our wonderful children. I said, "Ginny has really added so much to our family. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but she has added so much." Ryan said, "She has added a sense of danger...and constant vigilance!" She is a true ball of fire, and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Teague's Last Soccer Game

Teague's first (and maybe last) soccer season has come to a close. The Copperheads concluded their season 3-5. While I can't say that Teague developed a profound love for the game of soccer, I can at least say that he improved a lot over the season. He became more involved in the game and tried to make contact with the ball, but was still very timid and not at all aggressive. He really enjoyed being part of the team, and I think that was the most rewarding thing of the whole experience. He made some friends and had fun. Today the team had a pizza party and each player was awarded a certificate, medal, and trophy. Teague thought that was awesome!! The coach really wants Teague to play again in the fall. Teague said that he would just play tennis or golf.

The end of the school year

Tear, sniff, tear, sniff...Today was Teague's last day of 3 year-old preschool. It is so hard for me to believe that another year has come and gone. This year has been full of ups and downs, some growing pains, and a lot of laughs from my boy. We've gone from flooding the school bathroom/kitchen/classroom to developing really good friendships. I have said before that it is a hard thing to realize that your baby isn't a baby any more, and I've noticed this in Teague a lot the past few weeks. He is so much more independent and self-sufficient. He is at least 6 inches taller than he was at the start of the school year. He is so much fun to be around. His joy at life is contagious. His love for everyone around him is infectious. There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't say something that totally blows my mind; either at his intelligence or his compassion, or simply at his point of view.

Here are some pictures of the last few days as the school year came to a close. He and Emma are at the preschool fundraiser at the church. He was the perfect gentleman to her. It was almost like they were on a date. They held hands in line, and he would guide her forward by gently pushing her at the small of her back. Once, a boy tried to get in front of Emma in line. Teague quickly intervened by pushing the boy back to his spot saying (firmly) "No, you were behind Emma!" It was really cute!! Then there are pictures of the end of the year picnic at Lake James. Teague and Emma, and Teague and his best buddy Connor are featured. He says these are his very best friends! Finally, the last day of school picture on the porch, and one with him and Ms. Shannon (and Emma of course!). It was a good year, and we are very much looking forward to the summer!

Teague's 4th Birthday Cookout

Today Teague finished off the 4th birthday celebration with a huge family cookout. Again, we had a Curious George themed bash, complete with cookout staples (hamburgers, hot dogs, etc). Teague was thrilled to have all of his family in one place. He got lots of really nice gifts, and even got to put on his "Star Wars Live" show. Unfortunately, due to the heat, Granddaddy, Aunt Beth, and Daddy were the only attendees. It was a really fun day! There is nothing better than a juicy hamburger shared with those you love most. Thanks to everyone who came to the party. Thanks for loving our son and sharing good times with us. Can't wait to do it again!