Retirement and Lake Adger

After FORTY-ONE years of working in education, touching lives of countless students in the elementary classroom all the way through graduate school, my mom finally wrapped up a remarkable career at the end of June.  There aren't ways to express how proud we are of her and also how grateful we are that this chapter has come to a close and that we'll get even more Sweet Mama in our lives.  Here are my girls with her, wearing their "Love Salem" t-shirts, on campus her last week of work.

When July 1 rolled around, we went off to Lake Adger to celebrate.  It was one of the most peaceful places I've ever been.  We spent the long weekend swimming, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, eating, resting, and enjoying being together.  It was a great summer getaway.

Eloise had it made; hikes in the backpack, naps in the kayak.

Matching PJs

Caroline and Clara loved listening to books on CD together.

 And everyone got some Sweet Mama snuggles.

 Great view from our deck.

The big cousins loved sharing a room.

 Robert taught the girls how to fish (no catching this time though).

 And we had our own kid-friendly firework show on July 4.

These girls finished up a fun weekend together with a movie night in bed.  Sweet cousin memories.

Congratulations, Sweet Mama.  Here's to lots more traveling and many more memories to make together in the years ahead.

Looking Back: October {Western NC Nature Center}

Got a little ahead of myself with the apple orchard post.  That weekend was kicked off in Asheville.  Robert was volunteering at a camp work weekend and so Clara, Eloise, Sweet Mama and I spent Saturday morning at the Western North Carolina Nature Center.  We've been members for a couple of years (they've got some great reciprocal privileges), but had never had a chance to visit it.  Clara had a great time, even though it was FREEZING for October.  These cell phone photos aren't the best, but we had a good morning.  The baby goat was her favorite. 

And here's a closeup selfie of our family of four at Camp Ridgecrest.  This is where the magic all began.  We could never have imagined in 2003 that we'd be here with these two beautiful girls a decade later.

Thanks be to God.