Bye, Bye Box Turtle

June 28, 2014

We have all enjoyed finding box turtles periodically in the yard.  I am always amazed at how excited the kids get.  We found another box turtle in the flower bed early in the morning when we were saying goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa.  We put it in the wagon to wait until the kids got up to see it.  To see Nathan's reaction was priceless!

"Ooh a turtle!"

"I see it!"

"Turtle!!"

"Dad, turtle!"

"It get me!"

We moved it out onto the drive way so the kids could see it better.

This little guy was staying locked inside!

Daniel, Dad and Nathan

Daniel pretending to be scared of the turtle.

Nathan just kept repeating, "A turtle!" over and over again.  It was pretty cute.

Daniel with the turtle.

Bradley and turtle.

Nathan pointing at the camera.  He loved the turtle...from a distance.  He did not want to hold it.

After everyone had a chance to see the turtle we put him back into the flower bed by the front door where we found him.  He didn't stick around long.  As soon as we turned out backs for a second he was gone!  We will miss finding turtles in the yard.  I guess we will see what new kinds of critters are waiting for us.  :0)

Graduation Dinner

June 27, 2014

The last four years have been LONG and HARD!  There were times I didn't think either of us would make it, but we did!!  It was good to have Andy's parents come celebrate his graduation with us.

Proud parents!

Carla and Alpheaus

Andy's co-chief, Carolyn and her husband Ned.

They were excited to be finished at UNC as well.

The man of the hour!

He sure washes up nice.  :0)

The graduating chiefs.

Andy and Carolyn

Carla, Andy and Alpheaus

I joined them for a picture.  As I looked through the pictures later I realized this was the only picture of both Andy and I that I have for that night.

During the dinner the chiefs gave a short speech.  Andy did a great job.  He shared a short story about each of his attendings and thanked them for all he learned over the last four years.

He also thanked his parents for all their love and support and for making the trip out to the graduation.

I got thanked as well.  :0)

Andy, Dr. Turvey, and Carolyn

All the attending doctors Andy worked with over the last four years.

The out-going Chiefs with their Interns.

Carolyn, Esther Dixon(clinic supervisor) and Andy

Some of the clinic and OR staff.  They all love Andy and thanked me for sharing him with them for the past four years.  

Our neighbors, Marek and Margaret, kept the kids for us while we went to the graduation dinner.  They have been such good neighbors.  I am not sure what I will do without them!

Marek showing Andy pictures of the kids doing silly things.

We have all come to love and think of them as extended family.  Thank you so much for all you did to help us make it through the past 4 years!

Grandma and Grandpa in NC

June 27, 2014

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit and join us at Andy's graduation.  We played in the yard and relaxing most of the day, and then went to the graduation dinner in the evening.

Andy enjoying some relaxation and freedom.

Grandpa...being silly.  ;0)

There's the Grandpa we know and love.

Here we have the adult supervision.  (It can get kind of rowdy in the cul-de-sac.)

Grandpa, Grandma and Dad

Daniel getting ready to launch one of the stomp rockets.

Nathan loved the fan we set out to provide a little extra air movement.

Daniel has to be talked into smiling for pictures occasionally.

Daniel launching another rocket.  Notice the white streak above the car.

Sometimes the stomp rockets get caught in the tree.

What can you see hiding in the branches here?

A rocket!

And a football.

I threw this football up to get the rocket out and got the football stuck.

Notice this is a different football stuck in the tree. :0)

Andy threw this one up to get the other football and rocket down.

It took Grandpa with a small basketball to get all the balls and rocket out of the tree.

Way to save the day Grandpa!

After playing outside we had to have a little down time.

Grandpa in his usual spot on the floor.

This is what I found when I came down from getting ready for the graduation dinner.

Our Last NC Playgroup

June 25, 2014

We joined our playgroup one last time at the pool.  We have gotten to know so many friends here that it makes it hard to say good bye.  We have really enjoyed our ward family and friends here.

Eliza found a little frog IN the pool.  We scooped it out and it hopped back in!  I guess it was dehydrated and wanted a relaxing soak.  It wasn't too relaxing with all the kiddos in the pool though.  

Since Andy was done for the week he was able to join us.  We loved having our Dad at playgroup and think we should make it a habit.  :0)

Alia is one of our favorite playgroup friends.  She is such a cutie.

Alia jumping in.  This girl knows what she wants and how to get it.  We will miss you Alia.

Charisse returning fire.  The boys shot everyone!

Daxton is Alia's little brother.

I love the cheeks on this boy.  He is so sweet!

Daniel trying to pick out his next target.

Ben jumping in to his mom, Charisse.

Ben had to watch Nathan a few times before he got brave enough to actually jump.  He is more cautious than Nathan is.  We will miss seeing Ben and Charisse every week.

Nichole and Zack

Zack has such a sweet little spirit and one of the most patient loving mothers ever.  We will miss you!

Lincoln and his mom, Emily

Emily can make anything look good! I have often commented on how cute her shirt is only to find out she altered it from something she bought.  She is amazing! 

Lincoln is one of my favorite nursery boys.  I will miss his sweet little smile.

The Shirley kids being wild and generally reeking havoc in the pool.

They have all played so well with each other and for the most part are very kind to one other.

I am blessed to have such beautiful and healthy children.  I love you guys!