OBX

For my 30th birthday, (and for John's birthday and our anniversary and Christmas presents) we went to Avon, NC in the Outer Banks. There were several "incidents" on our trip, but we had a good time anyway. As we were about to cross the bridge to the OBX we heard on the radio that hwy 12 was closed in Rodanthe due to flooding from the ocean waves. That was the only road to Avon. We quickly tried to find another route and were told that the only other way to get there was by ferry. The ferry only ran twice a day...10am and 5pm. It was about 10am when we learned this, and the ferry dock was 1.5 hours away. The 5pm ferry was a little late (and quite rocky by the end of the trip) so we missed the next ferry to Hatteras and had to wait about an hour for it. Instead of getting to the house at about 10:30am, we got there at 10:15pm...what a day. At least we got to see the sunset on the ferry.

The second night we were there we tried to turn on the gas fireplace. I found a remote with a fire symbol and thought that might turn it on. It didn't...it set off the fire alarm. After 10 minutes we found the code, but the firetruck was already heading down the street. That was the least fun part of the trip.

The waves at the beach were incredible. They were huge and continuous and there were rows of them far out into the ocean. We sat and watched them for a long time.

Here are a few photos from the trip. There are a lot more photos in the photo album on the right column. The first one is John's favorite picture.

sunset at the beginning of the 1st ferry ride

walking onto the beach

fun with shadows

a lot of fun with shadows

We took so many pictures, but couldn't get the perfect wave

Oops, I forgot to tell him the water was coming

Some big waves

Hatteras lighthouse

Back of the beachouse overlooking the Sound (John is on the top deck)

On the deck enjoying the sunset over the Sound

Terra

Here are some family photos with Terra. We had a lot of fun with her and we are thankful that Annelise will remember her a little. November 3rd, 2010

How does Daddy Sneeze?

Garage

Caleb is obsessed with garage doors and would like to be one himself.

Ballet

Annelise started taking ballet this fall and she loves it. She doesn't always pay attention in class, but it is a class full of 4 and 5 year old girls. Here are some photos.

Annelise is on the right. She has her head turned (not paying attention) and is wearing a ponytail.

Belated Birthday

On July 5th, Annelise turned 4 years old. We had a birthday party for her. She had a great time with her friends and was just telling me about her special cupcake. That reminded me that I have not shared the photos here. It was a hot July day so we had a morning party. Because of the 4th of July holiday being on July 5th, we were able to have the party on her birthday. I am sorry I did not post these sooner. The first few pictures are from a few days after her birthday. We went hiking after church, then went to the park for fireworks in the evening.

Funny Videos

Caleb has been very funny lately. The first is just funny. The second video is something he started doing all by himself. I don't know where he came up with the idea.

Niagara Falls

We went to Niagara Falls in May. Here are more photos from the trip. If you start at the bottom and work your way back up, you will see the pictures in order.

Our last stop before heading home. The water behind us is rushing towards the falls.

Annelise enjoyed the field of flowers as much as anything else.

Cave of the Winds- walking around the base of the falls, lots of spray and cold water running over our feet.

Caleb is smiling because he is no longer in the spray from the waterfall (river going away from falls)

Observation Tower

View from Observation Tower


View from the Maid of the Mist

On the Maid of the Mist boat ride

First time seeing the falls

Camping the night before we reached Niagara Falls, NY

A Vacation Story

Spring Stuff

Back to some kids and family photos. The spring time brings the business of fun.

a rattle snake John ran up on during a run

Annelise "reads" If You Give a Mouse a Cookie to Caleb all the time

Annelise and John climbing together

" Mmm, smell goot"

Maybe he fell asleep while climbing into bed

In Mama and Daddy's bed

This was the first time Annelise had seen this book and she did this all by herself while I was cooking. I didn't even tell her the directions. I didn't know what she was doing until she was finished. (sorry to brag...proud mama)

In the "blood water" as Annelise calls it

The cause of the "blood water". Funny little mustache she has, huh?

Caleb thinks outside of the box...and outside of the paper

Caleb wiped out at the end of a fun Easter day with church family

My sister Amy and her boyfriend Bryan visit--eating on the parkway...very windy

Annelise and her new friends. 2 nice boys that are the same age as her and Caleb. She is going cruising with Samuel.

Caleb and his Peruvian sweater