Tumblefest 2013

Emma's gymnastics class finished out their year with the annual Tumblefest!  Emma has done an outstanding job in Level 3 this year.  I can't wait to see how she improves this year.

Nathan's on wheels

Not only did the kids bring home bird houses from their Uncle Pete, Nathan brought home the inspiration to learn how to ride a 2- wheel bicycle.  It really amazes me what kids can do with a little inspiration and motivation. 

Birdhouses with Uncle Pete

While in Charlotte a few weeks ago, we spent Sunday afternoon hanging out in Peter and Tasha's garage! With rain on the way, Pete thought of the great idea of building bird houses with the kids.

Luckily, Pete didn't seem at all phased at handling power tools in the midst of 5 children trapped inside a garage because of a major rain storm.  He did an amazing job with the kids and the bird houses!

We're really excited about these bird houses because the door opens so the kids will be able to see into the nest without disturbing it.

Tumblefest

Emma's gymnastics class completed their year with Tumblefest.  Emma did an amazing job in Level 3.  It was such a blessing to see how hard she worked this year.  She never complains about being tired or working hard.  She just loves every minute of her time at the gym.  We're excited to see how much she has improved this year.  We can't wait to see what next year will hold for her! 

We're so proud of you, Emma.

lemonade for sale....

Peter felt lead this week to have a lemonade stand to raise money for the new church- The Anchor. It's moments like this that make my heart proud of my kids. They worked together. They helped each other; they had fun. They even spent their own money to buy a glass of lemonade.

I'm thankful for the wonderful friends and strangers that stopped along their way to wherever to buy a glass of lemonade. What a blessing to see the kids excited about making some money to give away.

I think the grand total was $34.

Baseball

Ryan has been waiting since last fall to play baseball. He has several friends that play ball and he was eager to join them on the field. It has been so great to watch him go from completely striking out at the first game to hitting a triple by the middle of the season.

Ryan and Derby after a game.  Apparently Ryan didn't think baseball players should smile.

Coach Patrick tells the boys to always slide into home!  You can't go home with clean pants.

After game pep talk.

Outtakes

We accompanied Philip for yet another whirlwind Wilmington trip.  This one lasted slightly over 24 hours.  One of our main objectives was to take a family photo downtown to be used soon as a "We're moving" announcement of sorts.

Appleton Way

It's beginning to look like this will be our new home as of June
 
18th.....http://www.remaxessential.com/homes/4117-Appleton-Way/Wilmington/NC/28412/25221123/?index=4

I can't believe that I didn't take any pictures myself so the reality page will have to suffice!

The Zoo

What better way to recover from having your tonsils removed than spending the day at the Zoo! It was Day 3 post surgery for Nathan and the Dr. warned us that Day 3-5 are typically the worst. I was nervous about the trip but hoped that it would be a pleasant distraction from the pain.
 We had a wonderful day with the family. We met the kids cousins from Philip's side of the family for the day. It was hard to tell what the kids enjoyed more being together or being at the zoo. Nathan had about this same expression all day long.   He held out until we left at 3:30 and then slept all the way home!

Goodbye tonsils

Nathan had his tonsils removed this week. He handled the surgery like a champ and was treated like a prince by all the hospital staff. He was the only patient in the surgical center that morning. Needless to say, he won the admiration of all the staff. He has handled the pain and discomfort unbelievably well. He has already stopped snoring and mouth breathing!

Easter Egg hunt

We had a blast at the church's Easter Egg hunt. It was such a beautiful day. It was wonderful to be outside.

Our gymnast

Emma was invited to participate in a gymnastics "Fun Meet" with her gymnastics center. Emma did a great job! She was awarded 1st on Beam, 6th on Vault, 3rd on Bars, Floor and All-around! Dynamite.....