August at a glimpse...

When first hearing of our vicarage assignment, we read a lot of books about the area we would be living in. Out of all the activities and fun things to do, the children wanted to go slide down a rock water slide. Finally, on our way out of town, we took an afternoon to do so.



Here the group waits in line, watching others make the descent into the mountain ice melt pool below. I decided to play photographer for this one!



Uncle Matt came out to help us with the trek across the land to our home. Here he helps Titus to get a good view of the events to follow.



Once we arrived back home we got to live with Paul and Jamie and their family. We had to wait 15 days for our new town home to be finished, and although it was a little cramped, it was a lot of fun. Here Oliver and Titus enjoy cousin time together.



Baseball anyone? Paul is about to blast the wiffle ball across a few yards. Matt is in the street ready to field the ball. Both children and adults had a blast at this game.

Close cousins, both in age and friendship. These two boys are a joy to watch interact. Sometimes it is parallel play, other times they are fully engaged with each other. They will share whatever is on their plate (Titus takes, Oliver gives) and they watch each other and repeat the other's sounds. They are the set of twins I had always hoped for...but at the end of the day I am only in charge of one....best of both worlds!

To help the backyard to keep from turning to mud in the fall, Paul and Michael took on a project of laying a brick paver patio. I guess they needed something to do with all their spare time! Michael would return from the Air Force Reserves, Paul from school, and they would get right to work. Of course, Peter kept them both in line.

With my two oldest visiting Grandma and Grandpa, I was able to go out and about the town. Peter would ride his bike and I would push the other two babies quickly to keep up.

We squeezed in a day at the zoo, right after a light rain and before lunch time. Grandma was in town, so together we could manage 5 little ones at this wild place!

Josiah is looking sharp for his first day of school.

One Last Time...

The last few weeks of living in N. Carolina, we squeezed in as much activity as possible! Although we were there a full year, it was only enough to tap into the endless resources of the astounding area we had been placed in.

Here, Elise and I are enjoying our new matching dresses that Mimi made for us and the two dolls. I think we look quite fashionable. Thanks, Mimi!


Our beloved family, the Egglestons showed us the beauty of Jordan Lake, a huge natural lake that was only a half hour outside of our city! Dr. E's boat was a delight for all of us to take part in. He took the time to teach Mike a thing or two about setting it up.



Titus enjoyed his time on the soft sandy beach.

Dr. E and Josiah get ready to take her on the day's first voyage.

Getting a little bit deeper, they pause for a picture. The boat itself was pretty light weight, all they needed was a good breeze to take off.

Once more, Titus is smiley and content to be on the beach.

Our little spot on the water, just a perfect day.

When leaving any place after living there a while, is missing the great friends you have made. Josiah and Elise both treasured their friendship with Janey. Hopefully it is one that will continue on as time goes by.

I was able to make one last stop at the local outlet stores, and I got these little shoes for Titus with the money his Great Grandparents sent. Obviously, he loves them. Here is but days away from walking on his own. An accomplishment that happened the day before we moved. Maybe he was inspired by an empty house to run in?

One last day at the pool was spent with many of our friends from church. We had a pool and picnic afternoon, and it was a great day in the sun. My children, whom started the year with a fear of putting their head under the water, and clung to the walls of the pool, have obviously overcome that fear this year! The seven friends all jump into the pool together. (They did this many times in order for me to get the "perfect shot")

Josiah does an individual dive. Quite fearless.

Elise flies in behind him with no regrets!

Jordan had some impressive form with her flip dives!

Josiah's last sport of the year was baseball, and this was by far his favorite. He really played well, and had a great atmosphere of coaches and teammates. Here he poses at his last game, where he hit a home run.

Titus is just chill, watching all of the goings ons.

And in true form, I squeezed in one last trip! What started out as a day trip to the beach, evolved into meeting our friends in the Williamsburg area of Virginia. Still trying for one last 'beach day' we discovered two things:

1. There are no natural beaches in this part of Virginia

2. The un-natural ones leave a little to be desired.

Wake-boards aside, the kids did enjoy their time on this semi-industrial river. The nice thing was that the 'sand bar' extended almost to the rope, so the kids could even walk way out in the water. Below, Mike and Titus share the water with this large boat.

The delightful part of the trip, was hanging out with our friends, who had the greater idea of going to Busch Gardens! Thanks to the military, they picked up the tab, and we enjoyed a half day at the park. Even at the end of the day, when we took this picture we were all still smiling!

Josiah and Elise experienced their first grown-up rides, and they both loved it! First they did the log ride. Buddy Nate and Josiah are heading to the top of the ride.....

....then they are zooming to the bottom.....

...SPLASH!!!

Two soaked, but delighted customers!


Michael and Elise take their turn....she was smart and tucked behind the seat, so as not to get as wet!

Elise also enjoyed a pony ride that the others were too tall for, she did this one a few times.

Josiah and I did our first loop-the-loop roller coaster together! He insisted that I would love to do it with him. Unsure, but willing, we went. It was totally awesome! We are in the second seat, behind the guy waving. Our hair was flying back, which says a lot since Ziah's is so short!

One last photo before we left, Elise smiles for me.

Our last month of vicarage was a special one, and we are so thankful for all the people and things God provided us through the entire year. It was like no other experience. Even though we had many last events, it seems like we have endless thoughts about our time there.

Birthday Boy!

Happy 1st Birthday Titus!

The Birthday Boy.



Titus' personal cake.

note: Mom and dad were surprised by the size of this cake. For Titus' own health concerns, we decided to give him only a small piece. The last of the remnants are now digesting in my stomach.




The Cake Makers
Thanks Samantha, Allison, and Arden!




The 'other' cake... since we had our party after our church's Wednesday night worship, I got this one for all who joined in on the party.



Looking around to make sure that he is really allowed to be doing what he is doing.




Notice the icing begins to resemble paint. It is not by coincidence that the chair cover is removed from his high-chair.




Birthday Balloons!

The after-bath! Thankfully someone gave us a cute outfit for his birthday, the green outfit is in the cake rehab center (laundry room).

Grandma was able to celebrate with us.

Happy Birthday Little Boy Titus!

Teeth!

Growing Baby Teeth



Full Set of Baby Teeth





Lost 4 Baby Teeth, Growing 4 Permanent Teeth.



Eclectic Teeth. (Sweet Tooth, Grease Tooth, Salt Tooth, Wisdom Tooth, Cavity Tooth, False Tooth)

Perfect Teeth.

Another Haircut..

"It's time for a trim," I told Elise, holding my breath to what I thought would be an instant battle.
Yet, as she usually does, she surprised me with, "OK, mom. I want it short like Megan's."

Megan's....Megan's? No way am I cutting it that short, you are my baby girl! I can't cut it that short, I will cry all night if I do!

"Let's just cut it a little shorter, and we can always go shorter another time if we want to," I reply with vagueness.



Lo and behold, here is the result. Very cute, I must say.



And speaking of cute, I found one of these in my basket today!

The 3rd of July!

We are blessed to know so many people with so many gifts and abilities. I think that is one of my favorite parts of being involved in the church, the diversity of members. One of our good friends happens to be the PT for the Railhawks professional soccer team. Lizzy invited us to a game, and boy were we glad to take her up on that invitation! The game was on Friday night, under stadium lights. It reminded me of high school games! Thank you so much for a memorable night!

Here is our favorite Railhawk star of the night, Lizzy!

Front row seats with good friends Rev. Pat and Paul, Lizzy's father and husband.

Elise liked "Swoops" the team mascot.

Titus was thrilled with the first firework show he has seen!

The five of us, after one great night. (thank you Evan for the photo)