Thursday of vacation

Thursday was a big day!! We were heading to go on the Lewes-May ferry that is more like a cruise ship. The weather was beautiful (as is was the entire vacation). We boarded our ship at 10:15 on foot. We explored all 3 floors of the ship and then found some seats to just sit and relax. The ride is about one and half hours over to NJ. The kids also used those machines that turn pennies into keepsakes. When we arrived, we boarded a shuttle bus to take us into the main area. The mall area is outside and full of little quaint shops and eating spots. The area is a couple blocks from the ocean front. We found a little place to eat lunch and then walked down to the water to see the ocean. Again, it is very different from NC beaches. The kids had been asking to play putt putt, so the boys and Jonathan played although Chloe did eventually steal Jonathan's ball and putter. Then we walked around and found some sweet treats before we headed back to the shuttle bus.

The ferry this time was even bigger--there were 5 floors to explore. A playroom, snack room/restaurant, gift shop, and more were there. We found a big place on the deck where nobody was at and chilled out. The kids ran around and played and Jon and I napped. It was a relaxing afternoon.

On the way to the ferry in the morning, we had passed a creamery and we decided if it was open on the way back we stopped. It was so we did. The cows are right behind the ice cream spot and they make it right on site. Now, we eat lots of ice cream from places, but this was ABSOLUTELY THE BEST ICE CREAM EVER!!! We all tried different flavors and then Jonathan and I went back and got 2 more flavors. AMAZING!! Too bad we didn't find it sooner--we probably would have gone every day.

At camp, there was an option of hot dogs or hamburgers. Kale and Keegan opted for HD so they could cook it themselves. They played with the friend next door for a long time. Since it was the last night, they wanted to enjoy it all. After showering, we headed off to bed and all crashed. WE were exhausted.

In the morning, Jonathan and the kids went back out bike riding while I cleaned and packed to go. After I showered, I found them walking back to camp. Jonathan loaded the car up which was no easy task and we headed out.

We would definitely do this again. The place was really nice and relaxing. I would like to come back in the fall and stay there again, During the summer, I think the kids would rather camp where there is somewhere to swim. Whichever we do, we all voted to come back to Delaware again.

Wednesday of vacation

At the camp, you could check out bikes to ride. So, we decided to do this and go riding for awhile. The bikes were the old school kind which made it nice. The trails were VERY nice and the kids loved it!! We rode for right past 2 hours and when we asked we found out it was close to 10 miles. It was the first time Chloe had ridden and she completely enjoyed it. We realized Kale drives like a wild man and he crashed several times, but than goodness didn't get hurt. He doesn't slow down to take turns so. . . Jonathan and Cody split with the rest of us at one point. While they were riding, Cody fell and busted up his knee. Considering what it looked like, I was impressed he made it back on the bike.

After showering, we headed out. We stopped to eat at Grotto's again. We decided to head to Dover to see what was there. The ride was nice and scenic. We arrived in downtown Dover. There was lots to see and do, but we soon discovered everything closes at 4:30 so we only had 30 minutes to explore. We opted for the state house. After being screened by security we made our way into the Senate room. The kids explored and checked it all out. Then a lady came to talk to us. She answered all the questions and then invited us back to her office. SHE happened to be a Senator. Security came to tell us we were not to be back there and we let them know we had been invited. She gave all the kids Delaware pins to wear. On the way back out, another lady stopped us and gave the kids candy. They were both really nice. There was a new statue of front so we headed around to see it. Then we walked around a bit. It was really pretty and had cooled off a bit.

On the way back to camp, we stopped and ate ice cream. Did I mention we ate ice cream EVERYDAY we were gone and sometimes more than once?!?!? Back at camp, we had chicken, corn, and cucumbers. The food was GREAT! At camp, there were more people there now. Next door, there was a family with a boy about my kiddos age. They all played together and we talked with the parents. It was a nice evening. The kids, again, made smores. After showering we headed off to bed to get ready for our big day on Thursday.

Tuesday during vacation week

On Tuesday, we all got up and got ready to head out. We headed to Fenwick Island at the southern tip of Delaware. It is such a different "strip" than what we are use to. It is more friendly and towny looking than Emerald Isle. There are not tons of shops with lots of junk. There are some nice jobs. In driving through Fenwick we also drove into Ocean City, Maryland. It looked like what we were use to. In Fenwick we stopped in a bookstore and a shop with treasures. There were the old fashioned candy cigarettes and lipstick candies. We let the kids get these and they thought it was so cool. Next stop was lunch at Grotto's. Apparently Delaware is quite famous for this pizza shop. After eating there we could see why. The kids ate pizza and Jonathan and I tried other entrees. It was very good, not too expensive, and the waiter was extra nice. Next up was Bethany Beach, then Rehoboth Beach. We parked and walked around a bit there, but it was VERY HOT!! All the beaches here have boardwalks right at the beach. We walked up on it and were amazed at the number of people and umbrellas we saw. You could barely see any beach it was so crowded. As we were leaving, a seagull gave Jonathan a superb present that he was so excited about;) We then drove along to the Delaware Shores State Park. You can see most of it riding so we didn't do much exploring here.

We had heard lots about a ferry that is like a mini cruise ship. It is located at Lewes so we headed down there. And yes it is like a mini cruise. (More on that later.) The kids played on the playground and we checked out the fares for later that week. It is next to Cape Hedelopen State Park. That was our next stop and the kids were very excited. They were finally going swimming. Before swimming, we visited the small nature center. It had a touch tank, all sorts of fish to look at, and more. This beach was nothing like the others we had seen. It was not super crowded and the bathhouse is so close to parking and the beach. The kids had lots of fun playing in the water even though it was very cold water. About 5:00 the lifeguards blow the whistles to get everyone out. So, we packed up and left. Little did we know until later in the week, they make you get out just to let you know that you are knowing swimming at your own risk. We could have stayed longer. Oh, well, it was fun while it lasted.

On the way back to camp, we stopped at another roadside stand to get firewood. WE also bought some Amish Apple Strudel bread for breakfast the next day. Back at camp, we cooked hot dogs for supper. The kids really like being able to cook supper on their own. For dessert, we tried a recipe some friends had shared. You cook apples over the fire and then put it in a mix to eat. It was like eating apple pie. After dinner, we all headed over to take showers. Such an experience for the kids. They couldn't believe they had to keep their flops on to shower. Then we headed off to bed since we were all quite tired from our day.

First Family Vacation

Last Sunday, Jonathan, the kids, and myself left for a solid 7 nights to ourselves. This is the first time we have ever gone on a vacation with just us (Iceland and Taiwan do not count). We spent Sunday night in a motel in Annapolis. The kids always enjoy when we all sleep in the same room and there are always many giggles as we all try to go to sleep. The next morning we headed to our destination---Delaware.

We had reserved a yurt for four nights at Trap Pond State Park. I have never been camping so this was cross between a tent and a cabin. It was a beautiful park and our yurt site was in a great location. Upon checking in, the attendant made a funny face when I said we were there for the yurt. She stated all she knew of them was they were really HOT!! She also said there was an AC which I had known about. My thoughts were not good--I don't like heat. We made our way back to the yurt and unlocked the door. We were greeted with what it felt to be 100 degree temperatures. I was freaking out. We took our fans and set them up to help cool the yurt down. We then went walking through some trails to give it time to cool. A couple hours later, it was no cooler. Now, I am in serious panic mode as is Jonathan since he knows I get a little cranky when I am hot. We decide to head to town to get our meats and such to grill. Salisbury, Maryland is only 20 minutes away so we headed there to a Walmart. Upon arriving back at our yurt, we were greeted with much cooler temps. Wow, it was relief. Apparently( as we discovered over the next few days) being in the yurt during the daytime means being VERY HOT!! However, during the night it would get cool in there.

For dinner, we cooked hamburgers on the fire pit, baked beans, and corn we had picked up a roadway stand. It was delicious. There are 2 yurts and about 10 cabins back there and besides 2 guys we were the only ones there. It was nice, quiet, and peaceful. After cleaning up from dinner, we had smores. The boys cooked tons of marshmallows just for the fun of it. Keegan enjoyed finding very tiny frogs and putting these in his bug catcher. Everyone played frisbee and football on the walkway.

Jonathan and Cody drove over to the showers later. These were a little further away, but we were thankful there were latrines very nearby. At bedtime, Jonathan realized Kale's feet were pitch black. It took him about 20 wet wipes to even get them closer to being white. He likes to be barefoot so he was going everywhere like that. We all went to sleep to prepare for the next day.

New blogger has joined the world!!

Cody has joined the ranks of all the others (especially Noah) and created a blog. Check it out at agent4jesus.blogspot.com

Uncharted by Angela Hunt

"Uncharted" is the story of five college pals who became acquainted while working for an author to help sell his new book. Although they all feel a strong connection and develop deep friendships, after college, and divorce for a pair in the group, they go their separate ways and lead very different lives. David is the only one in the group who reads the book and takes it to heart. Eventually, he is also the one who gets them back together. Agreeing to help on a mission trip, they all have no idea of the magnitude of the adventure, hardship and harsh reality they will eventually have to face. The reader
will find several twists and surprises along the way. Wow! It is definitely a thought provoker, making you evaluate your own life. Angela also provides questions for group discussion.

I read this book over the past few days. It was very interesting and surprising at the end. I'd love for someone else to read this and tell me what they think. It is Christian fiction and I was able to check it out at the library. Let me know what you think.

Kale Tale

Tonight, we went to Lifeway. There is a sale on Bibles and I have been wanting to get Kale one. We bought him a NIrV which is great for kids his age. He promptly came home and spent time looking through it. He came to ask me a question about the inside cover where it asks for your name, date, and who gave it to you. He had filled in his name and in the who gave it to you blank, he put "Lifeway". I thought that was hilarious!! Just a Kale moment. . .

Swimming!!

Right past our house is the neighborhood pool. We generally have not made the best use of this great opportunity. We are attempting to make better use of it now. We went swimming this past Saturday. It was so much fun we stayed for about 3 hours. The boys are always skittish at first but eventually warm up to playing. Jonathan took Cody and worked with him on swimming, diving, and jumping off the board in the deep end. Cody has made great progress and can jump off and swim to the ladder on his own. I worked with Chloe on relaxing in the pool. She had Dora swimmies on but it took her awhile to calm down. Eventually she did and swam/floated around on her own. Her little legs moved VERY fast and she was quite excited. She did not want to get out or have anyone hold her. Next up I worked with Keegan. Amazingly he had no fear or panic so I used that to my advantage. I pushed him really hard and it paid off--he swam from one side of the pool to the other all on his own!! He was so excited!! And I was very proud of him. Kale was just enjoying playing around and going under to find a toy. He was not ready to attempt much more.


Before we left, the lifeguard asked if we had ever thought about putting our kids on the swim team. I was like what you saw is all they can swim. She said she had been watching them and they can do better than many kids on the team and we should try it. So next year I think we might give it a try. She said they work on teaching them how to swim and I figure it beats swim lessons. Swim lessons only last for a week or two. Swim team goes on for about 8 weeks so they get plenty of practice. We'll keep you up to date!


Today, I took the kids back for some more swimming. Again, Chloe swam all around. She even figured out how to float on her back and she would just laugh and laugh. Keegan swam from one side to the other several times. Cody is enjoying working on flipping and practicing his swimming. I think we are going to attempt to head over there each day to keep up their practicing.

Baseball season is over

Keegan finished up today with a great (and long) game. He actually came in and scored a run. He was very excited!! He has done well although backyard ball is even better. The boy lives and breathes baseball and would play every day if he could. We'll have to see what next year holds for him.

Quantico Museum with Papa

Last Friday while my dad was in town, we headed to the new Marine Museum. Before heading that way, we hit Krispy Kreme and apparently the kiddos ate WAY TOO many donuts (thanks, Dad). This was our first visit and it was really nice and not too crowded. The boys enjoyed checking out all the planes and such. It was neat and a very nice set up. Next visit, we hope to head to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles. It should be loads of fun!!

One of those things you are not suppose to let your kids do

July 5th Celebration

Before we even moved into our house, we began a tradition--we have a July 4th celebration here at our house. This year marked the 5th year of our fun times. We celebrate it on a Saturday close to July 4th instead of the actual day. Each year there have been new people and it is great to all hang out and have fun. We started at the house, then to the lake where the kids swam and the men played volleyball, then back home to cook hot dogs and eat ALL the food everyone had brought. The food was delicious!! The kids (and there were MANY of them) enjoy hanging out and playing in the backyard. Just as things were winding down a storm began to brew so everyone started packing up and headed out. It was lots of fun and we can't wait until next year.

Missing my boys

Well, my dad came for a visit last week. He left on Monday and since Nana Jo and Granddaddy were coming on Thursday, we let Cody and Kale go back with Papa. This was a HUGE deal for me!! It is one thing when they are close by but not when they are 5 hours away. Anyway, I did good and did not even cry:)) The boys were very excited to go and we will probably have to bribe Kale to get him to come home. They have spent Monday and Tuesday night with my dad and then will meet up with Nana Jo tomorrow and head to her house. And on Thursday, they will arrive back here. I can hardly wait!!

I believe Keegan is more excited about seeing his brothers than the grandparents which is a rare occasion. He has missed them something awful. For one, they all sleep in the same room so he has slept alone and he does NOT like it. He also misses them during the day --some how Chloe and I are not Cody and Kale. Oh, well, they have had lots of fun!

One proud Papa

As most of you know, Keegan decided that his sport of choice for this year would be baseball. I must say that I for one am very glad of this decision. It has brought back a lot of memories of when I played "America's pasttime" back in the day. I was lucky enough to have a great teacher and mentor of the game as my coach...my Father. So with that said, I didn't sign up to be his coach this year but after being out there for a few games and practices I think I might be getting that itch.

I wasn't sure how Keegan would adjust, as he has never really played a whole lot. But he has come a long way. He had two hits last night with runners in scoring position and he also had the chance to throw out three base runners. He fielded all three just like a professional. The first runner beat out his throw. The second runner the first baseman dropped the ball. And the third runner he threw out by a mile. You should have seen the excitement on his face. Needless to say I was one proud Papa.

I think I'll be in the coaching saddle before long. With all my other hats I wear.

Praise Music

Yesterday, we had been listening to Blessed Be the Name on a CD. This is one of Keegan and Kale's favorite songs so we listen to it quite often. Apparently enough tha Chloe has picked up the tune for the chorus. We had turned off the music, but she's in the back "singing" it at the top of her lungs and good enough you can tell exactly what she is singing. It was amazing!!

Air Show pictures

This is one of my favorite especially with the flag in the background. I also made a slide show of more from the NC Air Show we went to at the beginning of June.

Wordless Wednesday

Relaxing Day

So after such a busy day and weekend, the kids and I just hung out at home yesterday. I was such a great mom and let them watch TV all day. I am usually pretty strict about how much they watch, but it was nice to be able to sit and do nothing. They did help unload the dryer, load the washer, and put up clothes, but other than that they just chilled. After dinner, Jonathan played football with the boys outside. I cleaned up lots of stuff yesterday and have about 7 bags of yard sale items. While they played, I went walking with a neighbor. Before heading to bed, I finished a book I had been reading. Such a nice and relaxing day. . . Now off to paint:))

Ear piercing!!!

Last night after eating dinner, we headed over to the mall. I decided it was time to get Chloe's ears pierced and since Jennifer was with me it seemed like a good time to do it. (I did not want to hold her while it was being done.) In Claire's, we shopped around and checked out everything. Then, we went to the chair to get it done. She was BIG girl and barely even cried. I was amazed because I expected her to scream her head off. The lady gave her a lollipop afterwards and Chloe happily took it and was fine. So, she is officially pierced now!!

Recap of last week or so

So it is summer and there is no school, but it seems we are busier than before. Here are soem highlights of the last couple of weeks. Be prepared; we have lots to share. . .

• So we have been working with Chloe on potty training for the last 2 weeks and she has done AMAZING!! She tells us when she needs to potty and even poops on the potty. Today, she wore big girl panties all day and did fine. We are all very excited about this. Size 5 diapers anyone????
• Cody and Keegan attended Power Camp last week. This is an FCA event where the kids learn about a particular sport, but more importantly about being a follower of Christ. Cody choose soccer and was in a huddle with Spencer, a very good friend. Keegan choose baseball and was coached by a friend of ours. Each day begins with great music and a speaker who is well known. Kale, Chloe, and myself stayed and listened to this part each day. Then the kids all go to practices, huddles, and such. At the end of the day, we would return and hear the music and a local pastor. On Wednesday night, there is an event at Camille's, a local restaurant, where the band plays and everyone hangs out. This year, Melvin Adams spoke that night and the next morning at Power Camp. The boys had a great, but tiring week. They cannot wait for next year and Kale is still trying to figure out what sport to choose.
• Baseball for Keegan is underway. He has improved quite a bit and lives to play each time. He can always remember when he has practice and games. His coach is really good and very patient with him. He has a few more games left.
• Last weekend, after Lakeside Church everyone stayed and we all cooked out. It was fun and we had really good food.
• Friday night was the Pillar Men and Boys Camping Trip. They went camping in Prince William Forest and had fun. While they were camping, Jennifer, Ruthe, Chloe, and myself has a girls night out. We ate at Olive Garden and then headed to the mall for a special event. That's the next post, so check it out!! After the special event, we ate ice cream at Jennifer's and then painted fingers and toes. The girls enjoyed having the girls night.
• This is too funny not to mention. Each day at camp, Chloe would have to go potty. So I get her on the toliet and then go to the next one to use it. One day I sat her down and I did not have to go so I was just waiting for her. She looked and me and said, "Mommy, go potty." Of course I did not go, but it was cute. The next day same situation except I had to go. When she heard me pee, she hollered out, "Good job Mommy!!" She is quite the comedian:)
• We have ben to KD twice in the past weeks. The first time, we all went with friends and then this week Chloe, Kale, and I joined some more friends and went to the waterpark. It was fun and we all look forward to heading back soon.
• Last Sunday night after church, another family and ours headed over the lake. They wanted to see it and we figured the kids could get it for a little while. Chloe hits the sand and starts stripping everything off including her panties. Yep, she went skinny dipping!! Apparently, she thinks having panties on means she can strip these off whenevery she'd like. We'll have to watch that!!

Anyway, that's lots of catching up. I also have lots of pictures for the last several posts that I hope to get up by the beginning of next week for all to see.

More Scrapping

I am hoping to do lots of digi scrapping this summer while home. I uploaded four different layouts to Costco and had these printed on 12x12 paper. The pages turned out really well and look nice in the albums. The price was good too. I also uploaded a page to an online company that will send you a sample pack for the shipping charges. I should get those next week so I can compare. The price is very comparable to Costco except I'll need to add in shipping charges. And, since I don't have a Costco membership, I'll need to factor that in. Anyway, here's a couple of pages I've scrapped recently.

Potty Training & Nail Polish

So, I decided that as soon as school was out I would attempt to get Chloe in panties. It is a slow process, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (at least for tonight). She is wet when she wakes up in the morning and then does not go again until near dinner time. Then when she goes, she goes, and goes, and goes. . . You get the picture here?? So tonight, while she was sitting on the potty, not too happy, I decided I'd paint her toe nails. She choose purple polish at Target and was quite content to have her nails painting. Oh, the joys of a girl:)) I'll keep you up to date on the potty training.

Pastor Wives

Ok, so I know this is really cheesy, but I could not even resist. It does not even apply to me (yet), but it applies ot many of my friends:)) Enjoy!!

Cherry Point Air Show

Growing up, my dad often took us to the air show at Cherry Point. It was always lots of fun and exciting to see the machines and equipment up close. We were always allowed to try everything out. Well, I thought it would be great to go with dad and the kids to check it out. I was sure it would be completely different than it had been. I prepared myself for this so I would not be disappointed. Boy was I WRONG!!! It was just like it was when I was little. The only thing that was different was it was EXTREMELY hot and in our pictures from the past, we wore coats to it. Even with the heat, the kids had fun seeing everything and climbing in tanks, planes, helicopters, and such. The Blue Angels were the highlight at the end. The boys thought it was really neat to see the performance. Chloe was not a fan of this as it was very loud and she just wanted to sit back in the car. Next time, we will have to bring head phones for her. Of course, we hope they change dates so it is not so hot. The kids also enjoyed riding the ferry to and front eh air show. Jonathan and I enjoyed eating real barbecue--wow, it was good. And of course, dad fixed his wonderful shrimp. The boys and Chloe washed my car on Saturday morning while Jonathan and I slept. They also picked squash, raddish, zucchini, and other veggies. That evening, they dug potatoes. They have such fun at Papa's house:)

Keegan and baseball

Keegan is a HUGE fan of any sport, but his favorite is baseball. He began practicing with his team in May and missed the first game last Saturday, but played his FIRST ever baseball game today. He did an AMAZING job!! He went up to bat three times and hit all three times. He made it to base twice, but was tagged out on the third. However, that hit still batted in 2 runs! He played third, outfield, pitcher (beside the adult), and first base. His coach is really good and lets the kids play everywhere even if they cannot really handle that position. He seems to be really big on building the skills and having fun--not being competitive. He has been very patient with Keegan and works with him one on one every time. I think we'll have to request him every year:))

School's Out for Summer

I could just leave it at that, but I won't. . .

This year has come to an end even though it does not seem like that yet. Kale finished his first grade year off and is very excited to head to 2nd grade. AR is a huge reading program at our school, and he finished 4th in points for his grade level!! Way to go, Kale!! He received a medal for this a a bear for reaching his grade level goal. He has decided he'd like to get this bear every year. We'll have to see if he can do that. Keegan had a much better year in first. His teacher, Mrs. Carey is a wonderful teacher and friend. She worked with him extra hard and he has made lots of progress this year. He is excited because he was able to bring his laptop home over the summer to practice using a particular program that is helpful for him. He loves technology and is very talented at it. Cody enjoyed his 4th grade year and is ready for 5th. He also placed 4th in points for his grade level and received a medal. He also met his grade level goal and received a teddy bear. This is his 3rd bear!!! All 3 boys were awarded Character Honor Roll certificates and we are VERY proud of that. We are now ready to enjoy summer and all that comes with that. I will still be at Riverview next year as a Title I teacher, but most likely some changes. Many of my very good friends have moved to other schools this year and it will be somewhat different next year. All the moves were for the best, but they will all be missed!!

Double Digit Cody

Cody hit the double digits on Friday when he turned 10!! He recieved his first gift a book, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid that morning and had fiinished it before we ate supper. He brought Little Debbie brownies to share at school. Next we were off to Dumfries to celebrate his birthday with friends. He chose Pizza Hut and of course Jo Jo's since it is right next door. After eating ice cream, he opened his presents which included some Skeecher croc shoes, the next book in the series (which he finished before supper on Saturday), a Wii pack with games and controller (more on this later) and running shoes. He had a great day and was excited about a trip to the zoo the next day.

It is really hard to believe my baby is 10 already. It seems like yesterday that he was born. He was a whooping 9 lbs and 21 inches long!! Today, he is a very skinny boy with long lanky legs (and toes). He is such a gentleman with a huge heart for not only his family and friends, but the lost souls of the world. He is constantly researching different countries where he could be a missionary when he is old enough. Currently, Taiwan and Libya are at the top of his list. We'll see what the future holds. . . We love you, Cody and happy birthday!!!