Happy Birthday, Scott

We celebrated Scott today. We celebrated with lots of his favorite foods and tons of family fun. His mom, dad and sister came to Durham for the day. We were so tickled to have them here and visit our new home. They had helped us move all the stuff here, but didn't see the finished product.

If the Morrison family is good at anything, we are good at spending time together. There were lots of games played, meals eaten, prayers said, kisses and hugs given, music played, and laughter bouncing off of every wall.

Scott told me his favorite meals and that is just what I cooked up today. Man, did we eat well. I think the King was pleased.

Just now he is taking a royal bath. All in all, I believe today was a huge success in his book.

I am so very thankful for Scott. His life is an amazing gift to all who know and love him.

Quote of the day

"If you would be loved, love and be lovable."

~Benjamin Franklin

Bikes

I don't know about you but I can almost remember exactly when bikes were given to me as a child. What a thrill it is to have that first look at it and then ride.

Our boys have been needing new bikes. Julian was outgrowing his and Kalen was testing out Madelyn's big bike almost daily. Madelyn is still good with her big girl purple bike with training wheels.

Scott found a good deal on a bike in Durham for Julian. He snatched it up and came home for the big surprise. Kalen would, in turn, get a new bike as well. Scott also picked up some bells for Jules and Kalen.

The kids took instantly to their bikes. Julian's new bike only has hand brakes, but he really got the whole thing quickly. He also has the manuel gear shift. What a thrill! Kalen is Mr. Speedy on his new big boy bike. Madelyn just took it all in. She is, of course, happy for her brothers.

The boys got their bikes two days ago. For the past two mornings, I go outside with my coffee and watch my boys ride their bikes before 8am.

We just returned from a huge family adventure. We ventured up the road to the American Tobacco Trail. All the kids rode their bikes and Scott and I walked with Brady in the jogging stroller. We went so far. I have not sweat like that in years. The kids did an amazing job.

Fishing

My mom fished a lot when she was growing up. My grandparents loved it and went to the beach just to fish. So, my mom was itching to get my kids to try. She and Annette bought a couple of small rods so they could have a go at it.

Early one morning, each of my older kids went out with Grandma to fish. Kalen and Julian were successful. Kalen caught a small white fish and Julian, later, caught a bigger fish. They just did a little surf fishing, but it meant a lot to my mom.

The kids were able to put their fish back in the water, so they could continue their little fish lives.

Kites

One of the evenings we were at the beach, the kids were able to fly kites. I was especially delighted to watch my children do this. There is something very freeing about flying a kite. I believe that it takes courage and independence.

They all did great and really enjoyed the experience.

The Aquarium

We were able to visit a North Carolina Aquarium which is near Emerald Isle. We saw tons of creatures. The kids loved it. Juilan's favorite part was seeing the otters. They were very lively. He also like the eel (creepy to me). Kalen liked the jellyfish. Brayden liked the turtles. Madelyn really enjoyed the sea turtle and the gift shop:) . My favorite was probably the lion fish, such an amazing fish.

There were several tanks filled with various fish. We were able to get real close to big and little fish. We did see sharks, horseshoe crabs, lobsters, an octopus, beautiful tropical fish, and many others.

Emerald Isle

Last week, my mom called and asked if we could come to the beach with her and Annette. They were already down there. Scott had classes to teach on Tuesday and Thursday, so I talked with him about going to the beach during this week. Of course, it would be hard to go without him but the beach was sure tempting. I knew Scott would enjoy some alone time as well.

We took off Monday. It took us only 3 hours and a half to get there. I was amazed that I live so close to the beach. I love the beach.

The kids had a ball. We all enjoyed being with Mom and Annette. It meant a lot to them that we would ( I should say, I would) pack us all up and come join them.

We stayed till this morning. I am sure glad to be back home with my Scottie. I missed him so much. Being without him was like I was holding my breath. We are not apart from each other much.

I am posting some pictures now and there will be more from our trip soon. I am trying to unpack and love on the family.

Limericks

While Anna and the kids are at the beach, I decided to post in her absence. The other day as the children were drawing I began writing some limericks. They liked them.

There once was a boy named Julian
Who loved to play the computer. Then
He'd sit and read
Until he'd need
To fill up his hungry tummy again.

Our daughter we like to call Maddie
She's quite a delightful young laddie.
Every day she will dance,
Hop, skip, or prance.
She gets her good looks from her daddy.

Kalen just loves to throw rocks.
He'd rather wear shoes than his Crocs.
So happy and proud
He lives life real loud
And loves to play Bugs in a Box.

Stay tuned for Brayden's...

He is . . .

. . . an unsung hero.
He is their daddy.
He is intentional.
He is thoughtful.
He is inspiring.
He is bold.
He is loving.
He is handsome.
He is positive.
He is adventurous.
He is different.
He is available.
He is caring.
He is silly.
He is a doer.
He is a thinker.
He is attractive.
He is encouraging.
He is a teacher.
He is funny.
He is sensitive.
He is musical.
He is fun loving.
He is intellectual.
He is athletic.
He is authentic.
He is their daddy.

Happy Father's Day to the most amazing father in the world! We adore you!

Morning out in Carrboro

This morning we went out to the Carrboro Farmer's Market. We have heard from many people (thanks Mr. Kruidenier) about it. I spoke with one of my dearest friends, Laurie, last night and she met us there with two of her three boys.

Little side note here . . . Laurie and I go way back. We met in college and we were both each other's maid of honor. She has moved several times, but we have remained very close. She was in town visiting with family, as her husband Chad has been in Mexico with missions.

We were very impressed by this farmer's market. It was so nice. There were tons of beautiful plants and flowers, as well as brightly colored vegetables. The boys bought themselves a few cucumbers again. We bought some fresh rainbow chard, beans, and lettuce.

We followed Laurie out to her family's farm. They have several acres in the country. It is country living on a grand scale. There are cows, dogs, a pond, big ranch home with porch, lots of tall trees, playground, and blackberry bushes.

Laurie's boys names are Owen, Griffin and baby Tate. They are all beautiful and full of life. It was so special to be with her and her children, as I am not able to very much. The last time we were together they visited us in Boone just before Tate was born.

The kids just played and played. We had a wonderful time. I am so thankful for her family. She is living a sweet life in Tennessee now. They are living for the Lord with joy and purpose.