July 4th at Topsail

It was hot!!! But Wade had a great time in the waves and sand. I always enjoy catching up with the Langston crew. We stayed at a new Inn in the town of Topsail Beach.









We drive to Wilmington and thought we would just show Wade the Battleship NC but he really wanted to go on so we took a tour.








Then after some rain and lightening ran us off the beach we had time to snap a few pictures before our traditional dinner at the Breezeway.






Look at what a difference four years makes......

Summer Fun

Father's Day weekend we went to the bike and hike weekend that the ski club has done for years. We rode some of the Virginia Creeper with Wade on his tag along bike. See them on the bridge?









He got to hear about our friend Gettys as he sat on the bench the club purchased for Greysen Highlands in his memory.


And we hiked some of the Appalachian trail.


Pretty fitting that Mike's Father's Day lunch consisted of PB&J. It always tastes better on a hike!!



We saw wild ponies!


The crew that hiked that day....not as big as year's past but a fun day.

Wow do I need to catch up

I just realized it's been almost 6 months since I have updated the blog...so hang on, here goes

In the Spring Krispy Kreme was a part of the new Power Rangers movie....loved that Wade could see a face like his as a superhero (although it will be a while before he can see this movie)






And we wrapped up preschool, we officially have a kindergartener now.
Mrs. Bane was just what Wade needed this year and we are looking forward to continuing at St John's in August.



We also said goodbye to Miss Molly at church as she goes off to college.


Wade loves to ride his bike...here he and Max are enjoying the blocked off street in downtown.


We celebrated National Doughnut Day


And got to see McKinley's dance recital this year. She is dressed as a Oompa Loompa in case you are wondering.





So that takes us through early June.....

50 days to 50 count down

Saturday began my 50 day count down to my 50th birthday. Seems appropriate that I was spending the day with the man who was there in the very beginning....



We spent a long Easter weekend in Georgia, little Wade loves spending time there with his "Grey Grey" and Teenie







So my thought is to treat this countdown to this milestone birthday as a chance to count my blessings. I have a great husband and son, a job I enjoy and a great network of family and friends. So don't be surprised if you get a call from me in the next few weeks so I can tell you just that (and if we are grabbing a latte, quilting or going on a hike together even better).

We are now officially a family of skiers!

Wade did great at Copper Mountain. We decided to do a quick three day trip after finding some good airfare. He took a full day lesson (and had one MLK Monday at Appalachian a few weeks earlier). The second day he was ready to go out with Mom and Dad! After a few times on the magic carpet we gave the small chair lift a try.








He didn't even want to stop for lunch. Any of you that know Wade, know food is a huge priority for him....so it shows how much fun he was having. When we did stop I let him have the biggest rice krispy treat I have ever seen.





I think Mike had just as much fun watching him progress as he did learning. It won't be long before Mommy gets left in their dust.

So we are now officially a family of skiers, there will be more trips in our future. Copper Mt was laid out great for families. Kids ski free, and even had free kids camp at night so we could celebrate an early Valentine's dinner.

Chinese New Year 2017

Just look at how these guys have grown. Sam suggested we get the boys photo made for Chinese New Year so in 2014 we got this one in their silks.



Wade was scared of the studio and his Finn McMissile helped calm him down

Then we met Jonah next year and there were three!



2016 was the year of the Monkey...this one will probably always be my favorite



And now 2017, the year of the Rooster. Jonah's family is working to bring home a little brother so by next year there will be four!



I am glad Wade has these guys in his life. It could mean a lot to him someday to know others from the same birth country and going through the same treatments for cleft repairs as he will.

Christmas Time

Wade had no problems with Santa and Mrs Clause this year. We met them down at the Mast General Store.



This year's tree and how much higher he can reach!!!


The St John's PreK program was precious. Spot our little star?





I enjoyed Christmas being on Sunday morning. We had to hurry to get all the gifts opened and dressed for church but it felt right to be worshiping Jesus and not have the day be all about Santa.

Thanksgiving

It was time for Wade's first Jedi Training camp down at Grey Grey's. We first did this for Marshall and Bobby about 13 years ago. Always fun to train the next batch of Jedi. It had been 8 years since we had one



This time Landon, Eli, Wade and Sam got to ride the speeder and learn some light saber moves. Marshall was brave enough to be our Darth Maul and let use the force on him.









We also had great weather which made for some good fishing.






And the two Wade's put out Christmas flowers for Mom.

Hollywood Studios

I had a conference in Orlando (and found some great airline prices) so our gift to Wade for his birthday was a quick trip to Hollywood Studios. This day was all about Star Wars (thanks Daddy for hanging in there). He loved it. And we stayed one night at the Art of Animation where we got to hang with our buddies from Cars, Lion King and Little Mermaid.