Royal Treatment

About a year ago, my mother-in- law, Jan, starting planning a girl's weekend away.  This would be a celebration of Shanda and I both turning 30 in 2008.  Sure enough, in secret she planned a getaway just for us girls.  

Friday, I left with directions to an unknown destination.  As I arrived, I was blown away.  Jan and Jerry had reservations for us at Grandover Resort, in Greensboro.  Needless to say, I was extremely excited.  What an incredible way for them to love on Shanda and I.    

The girls and I had an amazing time eating, talking, relaxing, getting a massage within Grandover's Spa, giggling, opening goody bags, swimming, watching the Olympics, sleeping in and shopping.  I couldn't have enjoyed myself more.  If this is what being 30 brings, bring it on!

Special thanks to my adorable husband that was willing to hold down the fort and care for our little ones.  Also, thank you Jerry and, especially, Jan.  It is so evident that you want to love on your children in tangible and memorable ways.  I move into another week restored, encouraged, loved on, and relaxed.  

The Roommates Bond

Needless to say these two are doing just fine in the rooming together business.  Kalen has been "reading" his new Batman book to Brayden.  It is super cute to watch.  Tonight, I caught Kalen squishing Brayden and saying goodnight to him.  This squishing thing is something Scott does with all the kids.  Kalen is truly stepping up and fulfilling his big brother role well.  We are proud of both of them.

Baseball Fun

Tonight we went to the Durham Bulls baseball game.  As before, it was a fun outing for the Morrison family.  It was a gorgeous night.  The weather was perfect.  

Give and Receive

I have this wonderful neighbor I mentioned before.  Her name is Lan, she lives across the street. She is Vietnamese.  She turned sixty years old this year and is wise beyond her years.  Lan is very petite, but spunky.  She is quite chatty, but refreshing.  This morning she comes over with a bunch of fresh cinnamon basil in her hand from her garden.  She gave me the bunch of basil and we greeted each other.  She made sure to address all the children.  She then asks me if I had any nutmeg.  I told her I did and went to fetch it, as the kids hung out with her.  I handed her the tablespoon of nutmeg and we continued to chat for a good bit.  She needed the nutmeg to made an apple pie.  She has never made this American specialty.  

Lan told me about making fresh peach jam.  She has a small peach tree in her backyard and was telling me all about it.  Lan told me not to go far and she was going to go get me a jar of her homemade jam.  The kids scattered and I awaited her quick return.  She gave me a jar of her jam and told me not to laugh if it wasn't good.  She used brown sugar, instead of regular.  She only had brown sugar and she doesn't drive herself anywhere.  She stays home, as she says, "twenty-four hour a day."  

Within her culture, you don't ask and take something from someone else without giving to them.  I gave her a simple tablespoon of nutmeg and she gave me beautiful basil and fresh homemade peach jam.  It seems unfair, right?  Her custom is to bless those that bless them.  She told me that once.  I love that.  As an American, we can easily get caught up in the taking.  I love Lan's spirit of giving.  She was so delighted to love me and give to me.  Her gifts are always so sweet, natural and meaningful.  May we be like this sweet lady, eager to give.

Sea Creatures

We are a creature loving family.  Naturally, at the beach, we were hunting the whole week long for sea creatures and shells.  We were amazed one day when Madelyn went running to get the net.  She told me, "Mom, I found a turtle!"  I watched her grab the net and head toward the waves.  I really thought there was no way.  She was cute and all, but a sea turtle?  Really?  It turns out that she did spot one and she safely caught it in her net.  She brought it up for us to see.  In amazement we watched this tiny little baby sea turtle.  In the photo below, you see Maddie just after she found it and Kalen coming to bring her a bucket full of water for the sea turtle to rest safely in.  What a moment for the Morrison family.  

Just after this, Scott, Mads, Julian, and Kalen took the turtle out into the water.  It swam safely away.  

Madelyn holding a crab.

Kalen holding a starfish.  

We went up to the pier and saw a couple of people catch fish.

This is the unidentified fish that someone caught at the end of the pier.  Julian thought it might be a viper fish.  It had real sharp teeth and looked like an eel.

A nice fisherman and his daughters caught this little fish.  Julian and Kalen held it.

Sun & Fun At Folly Beach

All smiles, here are Maddie, Jules, Brady and Kalen.

Kalen was a wild man in the pool.  This is a picture of Scott throwing him up.  Notice Kalen making a silly face.  He was loving pool time.

Julian standing tall

We all look like drowned rats, but we were having a blast.

Hanging out with little B by the sea.  :)

Kalen was the first to be buried in the sand.  Everyone got in on the burial.

What could be more relaxing?  What a cool guy.

Madelyn, Jerry (Grandpa) and Brayden share a sweet moment in the pool.  

Grandpa and Nana with their four grandchildren.  

Shanda, Jerry and Jan with the kids

Jerry and Scott taking in a game of paddle ball.

The Morrison family gathered around the table many times for a good game of UNO.  We got the biggest kick out of Kalen.  He is a serious, I mean, seriously funny UNO player.  

Here we are enjoying a night out in Charleston.  We ate at Mellow Mushroom.  Yum!

Downtown Charleston

Nana took the kids to Talbots and treated them to some spiffy new clothes.  Madelyn was quite proud carrying this big shopping bag.  

Folly Beach

We're back from our annual trip to Folly Beach, South Carolina.  It is such an understatement to even say, "we had a great time."  We look forward to this trip all year long.  Jerry and Jan treat us to a week at the beach each year.  It is a wonderful time of relaxation, fun, and togetherness.

I have so many moments to share with you all.  I just uploaded almost 200 photos!  Don't worry, I won't post all of them, but I do want to take some time to sort through them.  

Here are five pictures of our family to get the ball rolling.  There will be more beach posts to come!

Easy Dill Pickles

Last night, Scott and I decided to make use of our over abundance of cucumbers.  We have a great recipe for making dill pickles.  It is relatively easy.  We made 12 beautiful jars of pickles.  

Daniel, we knew you'd be proud. :)

Easy Dill Pickles

* 4 dozen pickling cucumbers (about 3 inches in length) ~ we use bigger cucumbers and less of them

* 1 bunch of fresh dill

* 1 quart apple cider vinegar

* 8 cups water

* 1 cup pickling salt

* 12 to 16 garlic cloves, peeled 

Directions:

Wash the cucumbers and remove any stems.  Cover with cold water and refrigerator overnight or for several hours.

Soak jars in hot water for a few minutes.

Pack the cucumbers into pint jars as tightly as possible.  Poke in 2 springs of dill per jar.

Bring the vinegar, water, salt and garlic cloves to a boil.  Boil for 2 minutes.  Fish out the garlic cloves with a slotted spoon and put one in each jar (or to taste) while the brine cools slightly.  

Pour the hot brine into the jars and seal.  Makes 12 pints.