Another year into adulthood, Daniel's 22nd birthday

This year we were again at the beach for Daniel's birthday. He had just started beach lifeguarding and was exhausted, but he took time to come to Holden and enjoy a little birthday celebration.  For his dinner, he requested fried chicken.

The sad looking plate in the lower corner was mine. I was about a month into my diet. Skipping this particular dinner though, didn't bother me; I'm not a big fan of friend chicken.

Now, strawberry shortcake, on the other hand.....

As usual, it was a complete joy to spend time with our big boy! His zest for life fills me with joy. I love hearing about his passions, which he was able to live out while lifeguarding. It's always wonderful when we get a chance to visit with him. The younger sibs absolutely adore their big brother. At this point, he was a bit nervous about his future, not knowing what he would be doing in the fall. We all agreed that he was in God's hands and that was the best place to be! As I'm writing this much later, I can attest that God was working!

Daniel was featured on the cover of "Wrightsville Beach" magazine.

He loved lifeguarding and helping save people! This love goes perfectly with who he is. I'm so very proud of his heart and concern for others!

Even though we celebrated his birthday, he came with a present for me.

He bought me a picture done by a Wilmington artist. This artist photographs the Wrightsville Beach waves up close. You can see Crystal pier in the distance. It's a one of a kind gift and one that I'll always cherish, not only for the significance of a local beach, but the thoughtfulness and love of Daniel choosing it for me! It has a place of honor on the shelf at our beach house. Everytime I look at it,  I'm reminded to thank God for the special young man Daniel is, and the gift that he is to all of us in our family!

My, how he has grown!

It is amazing how this sweet little face

Has so quickly grown into this bundle of energy

Solomon is 10 months old. He can be very sweet, loving to be petted, but he can also be so rambunctious and wild. He weighs around 80 lbs and is very tall.

He does love his family and is afraid of many things...

the pool, the broom, the vacuum, the fence and the mop. (I guess he just prefers that things be kept dirty)

Here he is seeking refuge from the pool

He might detest the pool, but is a definite beach bum!
Abbey is totally obsessed with him. As we traveled out of town this summer. She was distraught the entire time with worry about Solomon. As soon as she wakes every morning, she goes and gets him out of his crate. He loves her too!

He adores most dogs, unless they bark at him. His favorite dog is Daniel's dog, Lou.

"Sun's so hot he has to......

He knows the commands for sit, down, shake, up, get in your bed and get in the house.
We are investigating formal training as Solly-boy is so big and we want to make sure we can control him.

Like his deceased older sister, he lives for tennis balls. Here he is showing his "ups" for the yellow spheres.

He is the apple of his dad's eye! (this was taken about 3 months ago)

Our newest college graduate

On May 6, the world got a lot of new college graduates. One of those, was our very own Daniel. He graduated from UNCW with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology.

Nana and Grandaddy had prime seating down on the floor.

We had good seats behind the stage, but we had a lot of time to kill before the graduation.

 No more tuition bills!!
We've had someone in college for the past 12 years. It will be a welcome break!

Walking in

Picture time before he walks across the stage.

Afterward we went to a burger place that Daniel had picked.

Of course, like every mother in that stadium, I was immensely proud of my son.  Graduating in four years is an accomplishment worthy of praise. As I write this, he already has a job, but on the graduation day, we didn't know where he would end up. I did know that God had a plan and would open and close doors, which he definitely did!!

Another step into life for Daniel. It is very bittersweet to see him move from one stage to another. I'm thankful for him and his work ethic. I'm so thankful and proud to be his mom!