Volunteers

Growing up with a parent in the nonprofit career means never ending volunteer opportunities. I'm grateful that they always say yes. It also gives them countless hours for Beta Club, NHS, youth group, business fraternities, and any other organization.

They have helped to trap chipmunks, paint, repair walls....

haul junk, man the registration desk, and organize the bookshelves. These tasks were only in the past two months, too!

Thank you sweet kiddos! You make a difference with every act of kindness.

Luke's Career

After raising our son and sending him off to college, it warmed my heart to see him prepare for the first day of his career. He's an Audit & Compliance Financial Analyst Associate with Lockheed Martin. Luke was in a hurry to get there early, so the only picture I took was him making his lunch.

After his first week of work, he took us out to his favorite restaurant, India Palace, and picked up the check! 

Then just one week later, he was off again on his first National Guard drill duty for the weekend. 

I'm so proud of you, the decisions you've made, and all the great things you'll be doing throughout your careers. Well done. 

Eric's Bday

The weekend before Eric's 52nd birthday, we drove to Georgia to meet up with Ashlyn. There was a perfect camping site about halfway between SC and AL. 

The campsite had a nice trail loop, so we decided to check it out.

The trail went around a lake and it was so peaceful. The canoe was a nice surprise, as well as a tempting option. But we needed to get back to camp before it got too dark.

A little river crossing along the trail.

The trail then lead us to the other side of the campground where we found a playground! 

Since there wasn't an age limit posted, even birthday boy had some fun.

Breakfast the next morning was Eric's choice. Cracker Barrel!

When we made it back to SC, it was time to celebrate. Eric's birthday is always a special occasion where we have to decorate at least a week in advance, there has to be a theme (or multiple themes), and the cake must be home made. 

This year's cake was half chocolate and half red velvet. He couldn't decide which one he wanted, so he settled on half and half. Sure dear, no problem. Bring it on! 

Free Tea Day!

Once a year, one of our favorite places to eat gives free tea to all customers. We all brought our reusable tea cups, too!

They surprised us with a uniqe give-a-way...McAlister's Tea Ice Cream!! They asked if we each wanted a pint. Heck yeah!!

It was actually quite tasty. Very refreshing vanilla with a hint of lemon. Three thumbs up from us!

Blueberry Harvest

 Our blueberry bushes were really full this year!

The spring rains and warm sunshine helped to make our harvest quite abundant. We were outside almost daily from the end of June to the first of July picking them. We shared some with friends and neighbors, too.

They were so plump and juicy right off the bush! I might have been guilty eating just as many as I added to the bucket. But when several of us were picking together, the buckets filled up much faster. 

Purely organic, these delicious berries will keep us satisfied all winter. It's one of my favorite crops, and they are so easy to grow!

Birmingham

After we returned from our trip to the Middle East, Ashlyn had 24 hours to report to her surgical residency in Birmingham. She took only what would fit in her car, and we promised to bring the rest later. 

The loaded truck made it difficult to use our mirrors, but it was an opportunity for our little one to practice driving like this after we got through Atlanta. She did surprisingly well! When we arrived at Ashlyn's place, we unloaded and hauled her items up to her 4th floor apartment. As the girls organized her furniture and decorations, Eric wired up her cable, wi-fi, and TV. 

She was so excited she wouldn't have to sleep on the floor anymore! 

Eric also wanted to make sure her air filters were clean. But without a ladder and tools, we had to improvise.

Our short trip gave us limited time to explore the area. There was a disc golf park nearby, so we decided to stretch our legs before the drive home and play a few holes. Although it was a really tough course,Eric somehow still managed to score par. 

The following weekend, Alex drove to Alabama for a visit. Ashlyn's sparsely furnished apartment seemed to be sufficient with a little creativity. Her study desk worked just fine as a dining table. 

Simplicity at it's best!

Driving

 Julia obtained her driver's license. 

After obtaining a driver's learner permit, completing a driver's education course, and many hours of practice driving, she took her driving test for an official license.  She passed her driving test with flying colors.

What was her first driving experience alone with her new driver's license?  Dad needed some groceries, so Julia drove to the store all by herself.  She is following in her father's footsteps as his first trip was to the grocery store also.

Here is Julia getting ready to drive.

Big smiles in the car by herself.

And she is on the road.  Drive safe!