Highland Lake Inn

Back before we made our move north, we had the chance to spend a few days in the mountains of North Carolina with my family. We enjoyed a relaxing weekend and had a great time! It was good to get away and enjoy the mountains, family and relaxing. I appreciate my mom and her family for getting this weekend together! It's a nice treat and a fun vacation for us!

We went hiking one morning...the kids did great!

My sweet little man!

Love these smiles!

A great view of the falls...

Ava

Downtown Hendersonville...we went to a street festival

There was a car show at the resort where we stayed...Rolls Royce and Bentlys...I've never seen cars so expensive. The cars ranged from $300,000 to $650,ooo...yes, you read that right!

Loves the trike that Granna and Pops brought from their house!

Chocolate milk...his fave!

Kaleigh..my cousin's little girl!

The swing was a big hit! Ava can now make herself swing without being pushed! She is getting to be such a big girl!

Paddle Boats...not Emet's favorite!

Kaleigh and LaRue

Sweet Time in South Carolina

We left last Sunday for a week long trip to spend time with family. The first part of our week was spent in South Carolina visiting with Jon's family. We had a blast and enjoyed just getting to hang out. We stayed with Allyson and Kevin and made a trip to see Jon's grandparents as well. A fun filled week for sure! Jon and Kevin golfed, we visited a strawberry patch, the zoo, the park, the pool and even got to see Kelsey play softball! We loved every minute of our time with them!

At the strawberry patch

On the big green tractor!!

The goods!

The evidence!

Not sure how this happened, but suddenly, Ava and Kolson ran outside dressed up with guns...it was too cute not to get a picture. We had a warthog and superman (supergirl, I guess!)!

Papa Simmons and Ava

We enjoyed getting to visit with Mama and Papa Simmons.
We had lunch with them and then the kids enjoyed playing in their yard!

We also were able to visit Mama Chasteen at her rehab center. She seemed to be doing well and it was great to visit with her. Jon's aunt Cathy was there as well, so we were able to spend some time with her too. All the residents there enjoyed seeing our kids running around!

Greenville Zoo

Kolson

Jon got this great shot...let's call him Simba!

We tried to feed the giraffes but they weren't really hungry.

Kelsey

The kids got to ride a bear!

One of Emet's many expressions!

On the playground in the park!

After Kelsey's game

Miss Kelsey

The gang after the game! Pat and Amy came to Allyson's for dinner before Kelsey's game. Amy went with us to the game and Pat caught up with us after the game. What a fun night!

Last Sunday at Gorman

We have loved our time at Gorman! The people there welcomed us with open arms a little over two years ago. We've made some close friends and relationships with some of the sweet people there. We have truly loved our students. They have blessed our lives in so many ways and for that we are grateful. Leaving isn't easy, but we are thankful for the support of the church we've called home the past two years!

Me and my girls...Chelsie and Brittney
I don't have words for how much these girls mean to me! They are the best and I'm going to miss them so much. They are girls who love the Lord and pursue Christ...and girls that I have had a blast with. We've made so many fun memories...and will make some more. Boston will never be the same after these girls come up for a visit this summer! I can't wait for that!

"Deuces"

Our last Sunday was also Senior Sunday. Trey and Daniel, two of our senior guys, have been very active and a key part of the youth group. It was a joy to share in their Senior Sunday and be there to support them. Trey (on the left of Jon) is going into the Marines and Daniel is going to Louisburg College to play baseball!

Awana Awards

Ava has loved going to Cubbies at church. She looked forward to it every week. They had Awana awards and it was great seeing her with her class. She made it through all of her memory verses in her book and did the review section. I was so proud!

Miss Ava

Singing Cubbies Songs

Awards
Thanks to KK, Denise and Valerie who worked with the Cubbies all year! The kids loved them and they were wonderful teachers. What a blessing to have these ladies so committed to the Lord and to our kids!

Gymnastics

We have had a blast at Bull City Gymnastics the past two years. Ava has learned a lot and is becoming quite the little gymnast. Her teacher was recommending her for a developmental program that helps young gymnasts work on technique. She said she noticed Ava had motivation and natural talent! Makes a Momma proud! Since we won't be at this gym anymore because of our move, Amanda even called the new gym we are going to take Ava to and spoke to them about a class for her. We are thankful for what a great teacher Ava had in Amanda and we will certainly miss her!

Mrs. Amanda and Ava

What Emet likes to do when he gets to go to the gym...

Working on a back flip!

Jumping in the pit

Cartwheel

Gold Medal Day

Love the Richesons!!!

We've been blessed with great friends. Each week (usually) we would get together with the Richesons. Ava and Isaac are good buddies and Emet enjoys playing with Caleb. We have had a wonderful 3 years of sharing life. Melissa and I have become dear friends and I'm thankful for the friendship the Lord has blessed us with. We know, despite the distance and miles, we will remain friends. Love you guys!!!

Isaac and Ava

again...

and again!!!

The sweet kiddos...Isaac, Ava, Caleb and Emet

Gorman Farewell Dinner

We are thankful for the (almost) 2 1/2 years we've had at Gorman! The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful church family and close friends. Last night Gorman had a farewell dinner for us. What a blessing to have an evening to fellowship with our friends. We were showered with love and support! The scrapbooking ladies fixed me up with a ton of scrapbooking supplies and a Cricut machine. They wanted to make sure I was all set! My girls, Brittney and Chelsie surprised Jon and me with a scrapbook of memories from our time here. What a sweet gift...we will cherish it for years to come! I love these sweet girls! Thanks to Heather for the kids' gifts as well. We love our friends and Gorman and will truly miss them!

Looking at our scrapbook

My dear friend Laura...what a blessing it has been to get to know her over the past couple of years. She is a wonderful woman, friend, mother and wife. I'm encouraged by her friendship and will miss our time together!