NC

We had a great trip to NC in July. Alice and Will always love seeing Gigi and Papa and their cousins. I went by myself with the kids because Brad had to work. The kids were the best little travelers this time. For the first time since Alice was born, we did not take a stroller. It wasn't by choice -we couldn't find the umbrella stroller. Also for the first time, I read a magazine on the plane. I had a little stroke of genius and bought 2 headsets in the airport gift shop. They both watched a movie the whole way there.






Will and Andrew really enjoyed each other. It made me a little sad that they don't get to see one another very often.


We celebrated our 35th Adoption Day with the traditional cookie cake.


Mom and Dad invited old friends and relatives for a party. Aunt Rae and Uncle Johnny, who I haven't seen since Alice was a baby, came from Virginia. It was so wonderful to see them. As is the custom, we took a picture of all the "Raes" -Lisa Rae, Jessy Raye, Minerva Rae, Michael Ray
Dad and Aunt Rae are still looking good in their late 70s.


It has become a family tradition to go to the beach for a week during the summer. This year we decided not to rent a house, but I was dying to go the beach, even if just for one day. I love living in the Midwest, but I do miss the beach in the summer. Lakes are great, but they just aren't the beach. Mom and Dad understand this and arranged for us to go for a few days. Thanks Mom and Dad. Bryan and the boys went with us and we really had a nice time.



We stayed at a hotel on Carolina Beach. I haven't been there since I was in middle school, but I have fond memories of my time there. We made some nice new memories during this trip. The kids particularly loved the boardwalk. They still still have homemade donuts and a slushy store with so many choices that I remember.















We had a wonderful time in NC and already miss everyone very much.

Summertime

A highlight of the summer for Alice was Saftey Town which is put on by the city. For one week, Alice learned about traffic safety, drugs, water safety, etc. It was right up her alley, a whole week of rules. Each night when she got home, we got a little lesson of what she learned. I think she really learned a lot while having fun. For a portion of the day, they drove around the "town" on their big wheels learning about traffic saftey.


When the week was over they participated in a ceremony during which their police officer (teacher) had them take an oath to follow the saftey rules they learned.

Sixth graders led each small group. This is Alice with her leader, Annie.

We've been wanting to try sidewalk chalk for a while, and we were glad when we did. Alice and I spent several hours painting. Will isn't quite old enough to goin in the fun.