Happy 15th Jackson!

15 years ago today, around 10:40 AM, I started a new job, the best one I've ever known yet the hardest and most humbling; most of my training was on the job and required much prayer and discernment along with some trial and error:-) 15 years have flown by, even though so many of the days have been long.  I've  learned so much through this boy and I am a better person because of him.  Happy Birthday to my first baby.  Have a wonderful day, Jackson!  I love you more!

He's got his permit!  

 

 

Summer 2016

Jackson finished driver's ed!!!

Sawyer has done his fair share of turtle catching

We celebrated that Warriors championship, one last time

Jackson and Chase did a remake that evening.  The top pic is from 2010.

We celebrated Webb's 44th birthday this summer

We also celebrated Granny's birthday

I took in an injured baby bird that I found at the gym.  Sawyer appropriately named him Gym Bird. Unfortunately, he only lived for 13 days and I grew very attached to him.  It was a neat experience for the boys and me.  

We've had lots of butterflies this summer.  I enjoy taking photos of them and Sawyer encourages it.  He ran in today and told me to grab my camera.  Granny has a butterfly bush near our gate and we can usually find quite a few butterflies hanging out there. 

Our relatives shared this beautiful photo of our home away from home.  We've seen many rainbows this summer.  God keeps reminding us that He keeps His promises.  

Lots of frog catching has been done this summer.

And fishing!  

Kayaking  

 

Sawyer came up with two straw innovations this summer.

NC Zoo

Beach trip with the Flythes



Fort Fisher Aquarium 

A storm was rolling in this evening and we could see what looked like Jesus' face in the clouds:)

Jackson & Kurtis

Sawyer & Bennett

Granny's English garden

The Woolards came to Troy

More kayaking 

Lots of wildlife 

Cheap and environmentally friendly porch exterminator;-)  

Well, hey there!  

Addi with Sandy, the dog from across the street

I almost captured Chris doing a cheerleading move

Hanging out- Chase, Jackson & Cole

Cole got baptized this summer!  

Low Water Bridge

Andrew

Chase

Cole

Addi

Chase

Jackson

Sawyer and Bennett

Dad is giving it a try

Uncle Christopher

Aunt LaLa

Sawyer's 6th Birthday Party

Reece

Davis says it's cold

Rylei

Anna Baker

Wyatt

Cade

Water balloon fight

Cousin Reece

Football has begun

Scrimmage against Wake Christian 

Jackson running in a TD:-)

Sprinklers are pretty entertaining

He took this mat that I was going to trash and made it into a slide

Add baby soap and it goes pretty fast!

Some contraption that Sawyer created:-) 

                            Have you noticed that God paints a new picture for us to see every day?

Summer surprise!  I awoke one morning to find lots of caterpillars on my cilantro.  We kept a few in our butterfly house and now we have three chrysalises.  

First hatchling 

 

 

We released one of our butterflies in Troy

Graham flipping off of the kayak

Caden and Jackson - Pitcher and catcher from the Warriors 2016 :-)

Pre Sawyer's fall

Right before Webb fell in:-)

Andrew and Sawyer

Farewell to the carefree schedule and lazy days.  Summer break, we're never ready for you to depart from us.  The other school is calling us, that one that requires routine, grades and an attendance record.  Until next year....