3 years.. really?

Three years ago today we were making our way down I-20 to new lives.  We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.  We knew no one, all our stuff would be in storage for the next month, we still hadn't closed on our house, we would spend the next month in an apartment, and we were all full of nerves.  But in the last 3 years we have met tons of new people, made friends who feel like family, found a wonderful church home, made a house into a home, and have all but forgotten the nerves.  I can honestly say that moving to South Caroline was one of the best things we could have ever done.  Very thankful that God had a plan for our lives that brought us here.

Beach Trip

Since moving to South Carolina almost 3 years ago we figured our trips to Panama City Beach would come to an end.  Since we would be living somewhat closer to the Atlantic ocean beaches we figured we would be going to those from now on.  So we tried one last summer in Hilton Head, SC.  We were not impressed.  We've heard better reviews about Myrtle Beach, SC but we didn't want to take any chances.  So we made a long vacation out of it by stopping in and visiting the grandparents and great grandparents in 'dega before making the 5 hour drive down to Panama City Beach.  We had a good visit at "home" and we had great time at the beach.  My daddy came down for a few days and besides a couple days of rough water it was a great vacation.  The only draw back was the 7 hour drive back home to South Carolina straight from the beach.

Some of the things we did besides play at the beach were:

Fun Land Arcade- This is a tradition that dates back to when I was little and I went to the beach with my parents.  When Kent and I got married and honeymooned in the town next to PCB I introduced Kent to Fun Land.  And now every time we go our kids beg for multiple trips there.

Pineapple Willy's- They have some of the best ribs in the world.  Or at least in the world that I live in.  We go there every year.  My first time going was during my senior trip and now we go every year.  It's another one of those places that the kids just expect us to go to.

Pier Park- It has great places to eat like Margaritaville, which we eat at every time.  It has shops and now they have expanded their throw back to Miracle Strip Amusement Park.  They have brought back several of the old rides and even the Ferris wheel.  The kids had a blast and I am sure it will become part of our traditions.

Wonderworks- We tried this place out on a day that the beach patrol closed all the beaches because of dangerous rip currents.  Apparently everyone else had the same idea.  It was extremely crowded which made for a somewhat miserable experience.  I am sure had there not been so many people that it would have been a lot better.  However, what we did do we enjoyed (well minus the virtual roller coaster.. me and my equilibrium could have done without it).

Air boat ride- It was extremely boring.  It took all I had to not take a nap!

We also rode go-karts and played putt-putt.  Kent and Jon Kent won the go-karts and my daddy won the putt-putt.  Zoey is still fussing that I wasn't driving fast enough! Pedal to floor.. can't get much faster than that!

All in all it was a great beach trip. I am looking forward to our next one!

Another year.. another milestone

Well, another chapter of O'ville school years is in the books.  I am now a momma to a 2nd grader, 1st grader and a 4K preschooler.  Wow.  Time is flying, my kids are growing up, and I am just not ready for any of it.

 Jon Kent had a great year in 1st grade.  He made the A honor roll for the year, passed all his testing with flying colors and well above grade level and just thrived in all his subjects.  I am very thankful for his teacher who encouraged him all along the way.  We have been so blessed with amazing teachers at the kids' school.

Zoey had a great year in kindergarten.  She went in hardly reading and came out a great reader.  Her confidence in herself academically has soared and I give my thanks to her teachers for fostering that in her.  She really blossomed this year in the classroom.

Nathan took his test to get into preK at MCE and he will be joining his brother and sister for half a day at the elementary school.  So for 3 hours every day I will be completely alone during the school day.  That hasn't happened in almost 8 years! :)  I will be busy though with PTO stuff since I was sucked into that new role.  I am actually looking forward to it though.  It allows me to be at the school a good bit and volunteering around my kids.  Can't ask for much more than that!

Now to enjoy summer break!

First and last school day pictures

First and last school day pictures

Dance like EVERYBODY is watching!!

Zoey had her first full dance recital.  She did one during the fall which was short and sweet.  This one was more detailed and a little longer.  She had a blast.  She loved her hip-hop class.  Sadly, the dance studio that she was at is closing.  I am not sure we will do dance again.  We may, but I am thinking gymnastics will be our next step.  But who knows.  Secretly I wish she would take to softball or soccer.  I know a lot more about those than any dance moves! ;)  However, I want her to find her own passions and if that is in dance then I guess I can get girly with the best of them!

Character Award

Jon Kent's first grade teacher nominated him for the "Aiken Character First" award.  All the first grade teachers had to agree that he was worthy of the award, which they all did.  I know at his age Jon Kent doesn't realize the honor that goes with this award, but I as his parent sure do.  It does my heart good to know he is learning some of the values that we are teaching at home.  I truly hope he carries those values and lessons with him through out the remainder of his school years and on into his life.

The write up for why he was selected.

Program

Receiving his award from the mayor.

Jon Kent's sweet teacher, Miss. LaManna

Happy Graduation Day!

Zoey has graduated kindergarten.  She got an owl award for know all her lightning words and the PE award.  She was so proud of herself and she should be!  Zoey did awesome this year in school and she had amazing teachers helping her all along the way.

Zoey, we are so proud of you and all that you accomplished this year!  We know there are big things in store for you!  You are truly the sparkle in our family and we are very blessed to call you our daughter!!!  We love you so very, very much!!

29th

Just to make it clear.. my 29th birthday will be my last official birthday.  The rest (if God wills) will just be anniversaries of my 29th birthday.

Seriously.

For whatever reason, I am not looking forward to the big 3-0.  I know people say that the 30's are when they really start feeling good in their skin.  Bravo to you.  I just don't have that feeling.  Maybe I will, but for now I am holding on tight to my 20's.

My birthday weekend was great.  Since my birthday fell on Mother's Day this year I felt a little jibbed if I am being honest.  But Kent and the kids made it up to me.  They spoiled me and all around make me feel loved. It really was one of my best birthdays yet!

So here's a happy 29th birthday to me.. with many more 29th's to go!

My birthday present

My Mother's Day flowers