My Kiddos

I wanted some photos taken to capture my kiddos at an important stage of life... She's one (ok almost 14 months) and he's starting kindergarten in 2 weeks. *sigh* Where does the time go??

Our dear friend Amanda of Mishmash Photography took the pictures ...and let me just say that although she claims to be an amateur, I think these are amazing!  Hannah was a little cranky, but you would never know!  There are even more, but I narrowed down for the blog.  We LOVE them!!  Thank you so much, Amanda! 

Camp Willow Run 2010

We had another great week at Camp Willow Run this summer.  The Lord was at work in the lives of the middle schoolers!!  Great music, great fellowship, beautiful place, great memories, and great speaker (I'm partial!.. actually I didn't make it to a single talk since they occured during Hannah's naptimes.  I did hear the campers rave and share about what they were learning though!).  Here's some of the promised pictures...

Lake Fun

Hanging out as a family

New Adventures

The dormitories for the new Camp Willow Springs are going up!!  This will be the elementary school summer camp, as well as great retreat facilities.  If funds come in, it will open next summer!  We hope to have Jackson there in 3 years.  (of course he THINKS he is a camper now...)

Two tired, sun-kissed, and happy kiddos on their way home.  What a great week!

CWR, How We Love Thee

This week we are back at Camp Willow Run, also known as heaven on earth.  (I might be a little partial.)  Anyways, the kids are having THE BEST time.  I said it before, but to Jackson this is as good as Disney World.  Because he is older and more mature we have allowed him to do more things.  This year he attends all of Daddy's talks and sits and listens with the Middle Schoolers.  He has surprised me at how well he has done!  Although, true to being a preacher's kid, he asked to do a few things on stage.  Such a ham!!  First he told the kids that Jesus loves them, that they need to obey their parents, and that Jesus loves all the little children.  I kid you not - I couldn't make this stuff up!  :)  The next night he asked if he could sing two songs - "I'm keeping my eyes on Jesus" (old VBS song) and "Jesus loves the Little Children".  It has now become a routine that Jackson starts out on stage and "teaches" the kids a Bible story and then Daddy gets his turn.  He wants to be just like Dad!  The Middle schoolers LOVE him.  He had a harem of girls following him around the swim area today.  Oh my!

Hannah is mesmerized by just about everything.  She is so happy to just wander around and play with leaves, rocks, sticks, shells  and pine cones.  There are lots of wide open spaces to explore!  Thankfully the weather has been pretty comfortable.  She was so bewildered at the kids up in the trees in High Ropes.  She also gets quite a bit of attention from the children and she plays shy and flirts at the same time.  The funniest thing is watching her dance and try to do the hand motions during the songs! 

Our week so far has consisted of swimming, Mike and Jackson canoed, went fishing in a boat twice, shot arrows in Archery, shot BB guns in Riflery, rode in Lola (small motor boat) while helping kids with the sailing class, several games of Pin Dodge ball (which Jackson LOVES), and many fudgesicles(sp?) at Canteen. 

And, for as many pics that we took last week at the beach, I have rarely pulled out the camera this week.  I'm making it a goal for the rest of our time, though.  More to come soon...

Attempting a family picture (aka the out-takes)

Everyone wants a good family picture at the beach. Right? So did I. Jack seems to think the sun is in his eyes only when the camera is on him. Hannah can't be still - there's too much to investigate. My kids conspired against me.   And the people taking the pictures have no idea if they are good or bad since the sun made it impossible to see on the camera.  Thought I'd share these funny attempts with ya...

I have at least 10 more like these!  *sigh*

Here's our best attempt.  Three out of four ain't so bad.  Still not frame worthy!

I call this one "preacher hair".

Its a bit hard to see -- with no nap hannah was quite exhausted at the aquarium.  She fell asleep 2 minutes later.

OIB - part 2

Uncharacteristically of us, we actually took lots of pictures this trip!  Here's part two of our Ocean Isle Family Trip...

On Wednesday we took the ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher and went to the Aquarium.  Apparently everyone else had the same idea for that day.  It was crowded, but we had fun anyway!  Jackson thought riding the ferry was so cool.

Loved the alligator exhibits and even got to watch a feeding.  Ew!  Jack really had a great time and loved learning about the sea creatures. (This is the only pic from the aquarium that turned out well.)

The boys loved playing with cousin Kim and her friend Samantha.  They took a bazillion silly pics together on their webcam.

After a huge rainstorm the boys had a blast puddle jumping!

Energetic boys + pillows = Sumo wrestling!  I'm not sure who was more entertained - Jack and Ethan or the adults watching!  SO funny!

Can't wait to go back next year!

Ocean Isle - Part One

In case you are wondering... Jack is still utterly in love with the beach.  This week we went on the annual trip with Daddy's side of the family.

Hannah is quite taken with it too!  She toddles around with 2 shells in each hand at all times.  Occasionally she'll find a better one and trade.  She's less intimidated by the waves and has really enjoyed being in the water this time.

Playing on the slip and slide with Ethan.  Daddy "bowled" them down and they loved it!

Great-Granny got to fish on the pier and she was the happiest I've seen her! She caught 2 fish and even a baby shark. She was grinning from ear to ear!  It was such a blessing to have her on the trip with us this year.

Jumping the waves with granddaddy