Jossalyn started ballet

Over the summer Joss took a 6 week ballet class after asking for months to dance.  She didn't seem to fond of the class so when the 6 weeks were over we didn't sign up again.  After asking again, we found out her good buddy, Mercy, was taking at Arts Evangelica.  I had heard wonderful things about this studio so we went for a trial class.  Joss absolutely loves it! It is breathtaking to watch these wonderful teachers lead these little girls in dancing for the Lord.  Joss seems to have a knack for dancing.  We'll see if she decided to continue!

Mrs. Kidd with her Little Lambs

                                                

Be still my heart!!

These 2 share a bond that makes my mama heart swell!

Jamestown

One of the many things I love about homeschooling is the freedom to take field trips whenever we want.  We recently started a unit on Jamestown so what a perfect way to bring it to life, then going to Virginia!  We had SO much fun!  The kids loved the settlement.  They were able to see the ways people lived during that time period, play with "gear", run through the Indian village and James Fort, and so much more.  Definitely worth the trip!  Oh....and the pool where we stayed was a perk too ;).

Nana is hilarious!

The Darling Dukes

This kid always cracks me up!

Such characters!  Where on earth do they get it?!

Cheesin' with Nana and Poppi!

Of course they had to put on a show!

Jamestown was everyones favorite.  There was so much to do and see!

 Yorktown was great too!  Look at that, my nature boy found a turtle! 

Me sitting poolside while they swim away with Daddy-O.  

We sort of played musical beds.  The snoring competition between Daddy-O, Poppi, and yes Nana was almost too much.  It sure doesn't look like Camron and Caden are bothered by it!

This picture is a perfect representation of my mood the past few days.  I have just had this weight on my shoulders.  I can't shake it.  Nor can I describe it really.  I feel burdened.  For friends, family members, our world.  But while I am feeling grumpy and irritable and dark, I have a heavenly Father who loves me anyway.  Just like the sun is shining in this picture above the storm brewing underneath, the SON is always shining in my life, no matter what storms may be brewing around me.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Durham Stay-cation

Schedules this year and things beyond our control kept us from spending time over the summer with Mimi and Grandpa like we planned.  So we took a few days to go hang out with them and have some fun!  We just relaxed and did some fun things like going to the Museum of Life and Science.  The kids had a blast!

 FUN FUN!!

 Mirror Selfie! 

Doesn't he look thrilled?!  I just love that kid!

Time for S'mores!

Daddy Daughter Dance 20

Daddy-O took Joss to the Daddy Daughter Dance at LCC.  First they had dinner at her favorite place, Chick-fil-A, of course.  Once they got to the dance, she seemed to get a little more shy.  She told us she didn't like all the other girls squealing.  Oh the irony!  Either way, she sure looked precious.  And Daddy-O was looking mighty fine too if I do say so myself!

Daddy-O and another supervisor where he works decided to have a picnic for the staff.  They went all out with yummy food, fun games and even prizes.  They played a few games of softball.  The winning team received a trophy which the supervisor got to keep and the losing supervisor got....a pie in the face.  It was a lot of fun for the whole family.  The day was beautiful other than a chill in the air when the wind blew.  Of course Daddy-O enjoyed the softball part the most ;).  

                                     

 The kiddos enjoying a game of cornhole.

 Just having fun with our shadows!

 Isn't she just adorable?!?!

Now by the looks of this picture you would THINK Daddy-O's team lost.... That would be incorrect.  I just couldn't stand his buddy getting a pie in the face alone....so I sorta got the kids to get him when he wasn't expecting it.  Oh what fun :)

Oak Island 2014

We are so blessed to be able to stay in the same house each year on our family vacation to Oak Island.    It is definitely our home away from home!  I feel like we know the owners.  Maybe I'll start referring to them as Uncle and Aunt.....hmmm....
Anyway, it is so hard to choose what pictures I want to post.  I think I am going to have to do a few collages and get as many as possible in.

   

All of the kids definitely get their love for the water from their Daddy!  I love the beach but my time in the water is minimal!  I don't like not being able to see the bottom!  Everyone had their turn on the surfboard this year!  

We love just hanging out, playing in the sand and enjoying the sun.  Camron and Caden were hilarious in the sand.  They rolled in it, rubbed it on their faces....might have even eaten some...I can't rightly say ;).  Maggie and Sadie have such a love hate relationship.  One minute they are at each others throats and the next they're all cuddled up together tolerating each other.  The guys fished and caught dinner one night.  It was DELISH!  We are extremely blessed by this trip every year!

We can't wait until next trip!