Another Milestone!

Yesterday Moses rode the bus home for the first time...and loved it! After a week of picking him up every day (which equaled waiting in line for a half hour or more everyday to pick him up) we decided to give the bus a try since he would arrive home at the same time anyways. His neighbor and fellow kindergartner friend Layne joined him on the adventure. They sat in the first seat and looked so cute and proud of themselves!

Here are a few pictures of them getting off the bus! Moses we are so proud of you! You are an awesome son and are doing great at school!

Labor Day

This posting is a bit belated but I thought I would give you a glimpse into our Labor Day. It started off with Mark taking an early morning motorcycle ride with his buddy Ryan. Later we had a picnic lunch from RuckerJohn's and a "pool party" with our friends and neighbors Lori, Layne & Brendan. Here are a few pictures from our day!

Mark & Ryan's bikes taking a break along side the Carolina Coast

Moses with our neighbors Lori, Layne & Brendan

The artists at work...

Having fun in the slip n' slide pool!

Happy 5th Birthday Moses!

Happy Birthday Moses!

Right before Moses started kindergarten he celebrated his 5th birthday! Moses wanted to celebrate with Noah since they share the same birthday! We went to Matt & Naomi's in New Bern and had a party with their family and Ryan, Denise & Hayden. The highlights from his birthday party were that he got lots of legos and a headlight!

Blessing the birthday boys

I love it!

One of Naomi's famous cakes....peanut butter icecream sandwhich cake with a star wars twist!

Moses talking to Grandma Buckwalter and building his new legos

The Lego creations....

Check out the interior in this car!

Daddy's Little Helper

I love these pictures of Silas! His personality is coming out all the time and he is becoming more expressive. He loves cars & motorcycles and being daddy's helper!

Here he is helping Daddy wash the van!

Just Singing in the Rain!

First Day of Kindergarten

Well here we are...a new season of life. A milestone. I can't believe we are really here. After much debate and prayer we decided to send Moses to kindergarten this year. Last week was his first full week of school. The first few days was not so sure about school but by the end of the week he was smiling and even admitted that maybe he had a little fun! I think the whole process has actually been harder on Mommy & Daddy as we have had to do some letting go and trusting to a whole new level. It has given me a new appreciation for our parents and all the releasing I am sure they have done with us! :) Anyways...here are some pictures from the morning of his first day of school!

Moses, the kindergartner

Feeling a bit scared?

Ready to conquer the world!

Sweetness

There are moments when their sweetness shines through...and others when...well you know. But here are some of the sweeter moments of our day. Now that Moses is in kindergarten it has given Sarah & Silas some time to bond and they have really gotten along guite nicely!

Visitors from NY, NC, PA and San Diego

We had a great night last night with some of Heather's family. On Sunday her Aunt Pat & Uncle Jeff along with her cousins and grandfather, Poppy, arrived in Emerald Isle. We had dinner together last night at RuckerJohn's and then spent some time relaxing at the beach house where they are staying. We had a great time visiting with the crew while the kids devoured watermelon and ice pops. Brad & Carla's daughter Addison & Silas hit it off while Moses and TJ played on the beach. We left feeling blessed by our time together and very thankful for our families. Here are some pics.

Moses and Poppy on the Beach

Poppy enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the beach

Sarah and Poppy feasting on watermelon

Mark & the kids!

Silas and Addison enjoying fudge pops while Poppy enjoys some ice cream

Finger painting anyone!

From the Promised Land...

One of the things that we have missed the most during the last two summers has been fresh produce from Heather's parents farm. We recently received a love package from Promised Land that contained lots of fresh veggies. Here are some images of the tomatoes, peppers, potatos and other goodies. Thanks Dan and Amy, we love you guys!

On the Beach

I love to go for walks on the beach at sunrise and sunset-here are some of my favorite images from the late summer here at Emerald Isle. These were taken early one morning as Moses and I walked along the beach while Mommy, Sarah and Silas slept in!