Blan - Bowling Champion

We took Blan bowling for the first time on Labor Day. I see "League Champion" in his future. I kid you not, the child got a strike on his very first bowl! He was thrilled! We are so proud.

It's been a while!

As most of you know, we've been a little busy with a move around here. We finally got the last of our things into 404 Summit Avenue the last week in August. We moved 95% of everything ourselves, back and forth, back and forth - good times. I am still unpacking a few boxes and finding treasures we packed up almost a year ago when we were preparing to leave Raleigh. It's been a sentimental journey.

Much work has been done - painting, refinishing hardwoods, stripping wallpaper, more painting and wallpapering, weeding, painting, (shopping), painting, etc. The kitchen is half out as we remodel, but it is coming together and it's starting to feel like our forever house.

Blan is very proud and has adjusted incredibly well to yet another new environment. He is digging his new room, but he says his yard is his favorite thing about the house. We are surrounded by other kids, mostly girls. And he loves it! The sound of children playing outside is constant here and it is welcome. This is a wonderful place for Blan to grow. We are finally at home and we thank God each day for answered prayer - for bringing us back and providing this dream place for us. He is so good.

Having silly time in the new bath...

Happy Birthday, Carver and Springer!

We spent the morning in Charlotte celebrating the birthdays of Carver (5) and Springer (2), the children of my sweet friend, Amanda. It was a wonderful time! It's funny watching our children playing together. It seems like yesterday that we were enjoying dorm life and mixers. Our childrens' birthday parties were the last things on our minds! Life is good in every season and I am just so thankful to have amazing life long friends with which to share each step.

Thanks for having us to your party, Carver and Springer! See you soon!

"Pup Pup Golf"

Blan has a new love -

He asks us every single day to take him to play "pup pup golf." He is serious about his game. Check out the look of concentration and the follow through on that swing. Aaron, of course, could not be happier about Blan's new muse. Blan played his first round during our recent trip to the beach and he's been hooked ever since. He's been practicing and perfecting his game; two holes in one last week! Look out, Tiger (and Todd Barfield)! We're expecting sponsorships anyday now.

A gorgeous view of the ominous 18th hole just ahead.

Aaron, I mean Blan, staring down his shot.

The beach!

We went to the beach the 3rd week in July with our families. Blan enjoyed his first real dip in the ocean with Momma and Daddy. It was a great time, but he was more into the pool by the middle of the week -- no sand.

What is it with running from the waves?

I can remember doing this as a child, myself.

Grammie and Mr. B.

Pooped.

Daddy and Pop took Blan to the Fort Fisher Aquarium one afternoon.

Blessed.

The Butterfly Exhibit and the Lazy 5 Ranch

Wow. We have had a busy month! These are some photos from two of our recent "field trips." There is a great science and art museum in Hickory that we frequent. They opened up a wonderful butterfly exhibit recently and Blan went through it 3 times on this particular day. They spray your hands with nectar and encourage you to lure in the butterflies. Our sweet friend, Lilly, would have loved it! Maybe a trip to Hickory is in order soon, Carrie? It made us miss y'all and our museum days in Raleigh.

A few days later, Aaron and I took Blan to the Lazy 5 Ranch near Mooresville. This was a real hoot! You can either drive the 3 miles of road through the acres and acres of refuge or take the horse drawn wagon. It was our first time and we decided it best to take comfort in our vehicle (plus, it was about $15 cheaper). It was crazy! There were zebras, giraffes, rhinos, antelopes and other animals I couldn't name. Llamas, deer, emus, ostrich, steer, pot bellied pigs and many more non-domestic types come right up to our car window for a serious feeding. We have never laughed so hard. We were nearly scared to death by a very large, very sneaky, black llama with horrible table manners. Blan told us over and over again, "That llama is freaking me out!" But, his favorite quote of the day was "Save the drama for your llama!!!" I highly recommend the Lazy 5. http://www.lazy5ranch.com/

We seriously thought the car was going to get "horned" by this monster!

That is us feeding an apparently very hungry (and greedy) emu.

Playing on the playground at Lazy 5.

Happy Fourth of July!

We celebrated our nation's birthday with a festive day at the lake! Rick and Jackie's neighbor bought $3000 in outlawed fireworks and provided us with quite the show. Blan was in awe, but could have lived without the noise.

Blan and his Mimi.