Abbey discovers a new sport

Last year, when Daniel received his championship ring during a UNCW volleyball game. Abbey was mesmerized with the sport and wanted to play. Most leagues around here don't start until middle school. But, this summer a parent told me about a volleyball program for ages 9-13. I immediately signed Abbey up!


They had try outs, (everyone was able to play, the try outs were to ensure equitable players). I was so nervous when Abbey was the very first one to show what she could do. I should never have worried. She stepped up and served the ball like a champ! She was chosen to be on the Setters team, which is coached by a friend from our pool. She chose several neighborhood girls, so Abbey had quite a few familiar faces among her team mates.

At one of her last games, she had her own cheering section. Anna, Beth, their kiddos, Nana and Grandaddy joined us to watch our budding volleyball player.

We all were so proud of Abbey and her go-get-it attitude.

Abbey's anxiously awaiting the spring league's start up!

More beach memories

I found my first whole sand dollar

The kids got fishing rods from Nana and Grand daddy. They quickly put them to use.

Backtracking...Daniel joins the ranks of adulthood~June 2

(I inadvertently failed to document Daniel's 21st birthday...so here it is...better late than never)


Daniel had a monumental birthday on May 30th. He turned 21 years old. We were at the beach that weekend, so he came to celebrate with us.

After a dinner of ribs...

He directed our serenade...

and blew out the candles!

He's now considered an adult! Which, as it usually happens, he is finding out that being an adult is over rated. For instance, He now has the daunting grown up task of figuring out what to do with his life after the quickly approaching college graduation.

I think most of our family would say that, of the kids, Daniel is the glue. He's the bridge between the bigs and the littles. He is so very loved by everyone. We all love it when he spends time with us. He loves to laugh and can make any of us smile with his antics. All three of his nieces have little "crushes" on Uncle Dan.

Of course, part of who Daniel is has been reflected through his sport of swimming. He has spent many, many hours in the pool, devoted to this sport. He has excelled while holding down a part time job and doing well in school. He has a never give up, can do attitude. He thinks he can win every time he gets in the pool.

As his mom I so appreciate his honesty and transparency. Most of the time, what you see with Daniel is what you get! He's a very genuine person. This past year has presented many challenges, through these challenges, he's found that his strength relies on his faith in God.

Daniel, I've no doubt at all that God will use you mightily. He has a plan for your post college life and it is a plan for your good! I know that the hand of the Lord is on you. I'm so very proud of you and grateful to be your mom. I love you beyond words and thank the Lord for you. I can't wait to see how God will work and direct your paths.

Beach Memories 2015

Another year enjoyed at the Doz A Way!

One of John's and my greatest joys is introducing our grand daughters to the ocean.

Waverly's first time at the beach, obviously she found the sound of the ocean relaxing.

 Cousins on the way to the beach

Baby toes in the sand....

We got to have Evie all to ourselves for a day or two...

Bathing beauty...

Holden Beach has a "Festival By the Sea" every October. The bridge is blocked off and people can walk across.

Views from the bridge

Our house, as seen from the bridge,  is the gray roof in the foreground

Interesting perspective

There was a parade down the causeway

        Elvis was the Grand Marshal

There were clowns, floats, ROTC marchers,  and motorcycles

 Baby was strapped to the back of a golf cart

After the parade, there were tons of vendors and bounce-play things available.

My Mom and Dad were down for this weekend. My dad gave Abbey a chess lesson:

We enjoyed several of the weekly concerts at the Pavilion.
At one concert we ran into some hometown friends and Elijah danced with his friend.

The kids didn't get to escape the chore of school, but the recess time after work was finished was awesome!

Abbey made friends with some seagulls

I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to experience this place!