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!

Daniel gets sashed

Athletes at UNCW who have competed on a team for the entire 4 years of college, get recognized in the "Sashing Ceremony".

One more step toward graduation, one more chance to celebrate Daniel and his accomplishments.

It was a dirty rotten shame that his current coach decided not to attend. The diving coach had the honors of talking about the swimmers. He talked about the obstacles the kids had seen, among them are: the school threatening to discontinue the swimming program and the very much loved coach retires. He was correct to say that these guys had persevered and fought to be a success. The retired coach was in attendance, although he did not speak. It meant a lot to Daniel for the coach who recruited him to be there.

I'm so very proud of Daniel's accomplishments and his tenacity for his sport.

The Baton Chinese Dancer

Again this year, Abbey participated in FCC's Chinese Dance program. This year she learned the Baton dance. She danced at the Chinese New Year celebration, but John and I weren't able to be there to see her, as Daniel's senior meet was the same weekend. The Miller crew graciously invited her to be a part of their family for the weekend, so she could dance. The second opportunity to dance was Children's Day. Thankfully, John and I were able to be there for that one.

She and good friend, Lily were side by side.

All of the dancers received a medal.

All of the participants...

I was so glad to be able to see my girl dance. She loves it so! Next year she will learn a different dance. Hopefully, I won't have to miss any performance.

But, I want to be a big brother....

Sorry, Elijah, that just isn't happening, without a miracle from the Lord!

But, he would make a great big brother...

This was totally spontaneous. Evie was staying with us while her mom was away on business. I walked in after getting her toothbrush, and Elijah had started reading to her.

The last swim team end of year picnic

Among the list of lasts for our graduating senior is the end of season picnic for the swim team. This year the picnic was held at a local park. John, the kids and I attended to celebrate our favorite college swimmer.

They always have scrumptious food. I abstained this year, as I was on my diet.

Lou man and his master....

They love their brother and his dog!

We love our boy!

It was rather chilly for an April day. We had a good time connecting, maybe for the last time, with other parents. A strong sense of community develops after sitting in the stands cheering for our kids for 4 years.  Again, another good thing coming to an end, hopefully to be replaced by other fun things!

Easter 2016

Easter Traditions.....

Egg hunts!

First one with friends.


and they are off!!

Sometimes being a bit vertically challenged means resorting to a little climbing

The whole gang!

Again, this year we went to the beach. Beth, Greg and Evie joined us.

Too cute for words!

Papa/Dad hid the eggs.

We went to church at Port City with Daniel on Saturday, so our Sunday was free to be spent hunting.

Layne, Layne is 3!~ February 7th, 2016

My oldest grand daughter, Layne, turned 3 on February 7. She's such a joy! She's incredibly intelligent and forgets nothing. She knows her alphabet and can recognize many of the letters. One of her favorite things to do at my house is to paint, or have me read, "Wacky Wednesday", for the millionth time.  Miss Chatty tells everything she knows.  I'm careful not to say anything that I don't want repeated.

A few weeks ago, we were at the beach. Anna called because she said Layne had said she missed us and wanted to talk to us. We talked and then Papa got on the phone. When he said he missed her, she broke down and cried, saying over and over, "They miss me, Mommy!" She can be such a sweetie., and then in the next minute, she can be a fiesty pants. It's a lot of fun to see what she's going to come out with next. I'm so blessed to live close enough to help Anna out with childcare. I hope the girls will always look at my house as their home away from home. I love seeing them.

For her birthday, Elsa from "Frozen" came and painted faces.

For her cake, Layne requested, "A Minion hugging Elsa". Strange, but true...Wilton doesn't make a minion hugging Elsa cake, so this is what I came up with.

It was a great party, all of our family, except for Daniel, came.

My three oldest

Evie rocked out with the microphone

Aunt Bee got some Waverly snuggles

Happy, happy birthday my dear Laynie-Boo! You fill our lives with so much spunk and joy!