Charleston

Thanks to a structural leadership conference, Dain and I got the chance to travel to Charleston earlier this summer.  For those of you keeping track, this is our first (real....out of state....kid free.....no other people involved) trip in a looooong time.  We moved at a slow pace, and ate, and talked, and ate some more, and laughed a lot. 

 

Thanks to the world's slowest boarding plane, we were late arriving for our connection flight which led to a mad dash through the Atlanta Airport....but by some miracle we made it!

 

The second day we were there a tropical storm moved in....devastating rain and wind.......flooding......just kidding ;) There WAS a tropical storm, but the worst of it missed Charleston and  Dain and I were rather unimpressed with the whole thing, but thankful at the same time, because who really wants to spend their vacation stuck inside?

 

 

One day I got "brave" and visited a plantation on my own.  It was beautiful and I was so busy taking everything in that I walked over this bridge to see the statue on the other side.....

 

And nearly stepped on this guy!  I screamed so loud.....and then laughed hysterically because I was the crazy Midwesterner screaming at an alligator.....and then I went back to take a picture because I knew no one would believe me without a picture as proof.  In my defense, it wasn't the size of the thing, but the fact that it totally caught me off guard AND the idea that mama alligator could be around that really freaked me out.  I spent the rest of the time on the trail nervously jumping at every squirrel and bird that crossed my path :)

 

Here's the modest plantation I selected for our retirement home:

 

Grandkids will love it, don't you think?

 

 

 

The area was beautiful and the downtown was great for shopping and with all the historical sites and beautiful views it was great for exploring.  But really, the best part of the trip was getting to hang out with this guy:

 

 

Can't wait to go back!

Kale's First Communion

For your First Communion
May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile.

For every care, a promise, and a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share.

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for every prayer.

~Irish Blessing

We are so proud of the young man you are becoming.  Full of courage and compassion, taking challenges head on (sometimes literally...ha, ha), and ever growing in your faith. Congratulations on your first communion.
Love, Dad & Mom

FIVE...A Year of Firsts

This was a busy year for you sweet girl. We watched you twirl, and kick, and dribble, and swing your way through year #5 with a big 'ol smile on your face.

 

 

~5 Fun Facts About Your Year~

 

#1

You pick fantastic outfits that are totally unique and absolutely you....always with a headband or accessory to match :)

 

 

#2

After much practice you reached your t-ball goal and made it through a whole game without playing in the dirt!  YEA!

 

#3

You lost two teeth, but still have a smile that can light up a room!

 

#4

You were a beautiful "Bluebird of Happiness" and you memorized the whole dance so you didn't have to watch the teacher.  Awesome!!

 

 

#5

You're all set for kindergarten!! 

 

Happy 5th Birthday Bailey Girl!