8 Years and a Baptism



J turned 8 years old on September 21.  We had a small family party for him. At last minute he invited one of our neighbor boys over who is in J's class at school.  We had pizza for dinner then he opened presents then we had cake and ice cream.  He then changed into his new scout uniform and left for cub scouts.  It was a fun day.

J requested one eye monster cupcakes to bring into his class.   So this is what I came up with. The kids really liked it.

 Here is J's monster cake with 8 eyeballs.  It was fun, but I need more practice with dipping food in chocolate.

 On October 15 J was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was a really special day.  Nathan's parents flew out for it.  Nathan's cousin Annie and her husband drove down from MD for it.   Our good friend Jaci drove down from PA also.   J was so excited all day about it and really had fun seeing everyone there.  The best part was to hear his testimony right after he was baptized. 

   

 We love you J and so happy that you are in our family!!!

North Carolinas Outer Banks

At the end of September we met up with our good friend the Borens on the NC outer banks.  We rented a house that was right across the street from the ocean.  We arrived Saturday afternoon and left a week later.  We had so much fun and plan on doing it again next year!!!

 This is the view from our upper deck.

              Nathan and the girls in the water.  We spent a lot of time playing in the water and the sand. The kids couldn't get enough of it!
                     

 On one of our days there we went to the NC aquarium on Roanoke Island.  They had some fun animals to see. They also had a great interactive program for the kids about saving sea turtles.  The best part was the big shark tank.  We could have sat in there and watched for a long time.

This was A's first time to really get into the sand.  He LOVED it.

                                         E getting plowed over by a wave!!!!                       

We went up to Corolla NC where they have wild horsed that roam the beach.  We attempted driving our van on the beach, but we um got a little stuck.  After a lot of digging and some great help from some locals we were able to get back on the road.    Nathan and Corey and few of the kids went later in our friends SUV.  Nathan said it was really cool, but the horses didn't do anything. They just stood there.  Not really like what you think a wild horse would be like.

This is Nathan being buried in the sand by all the kids. They Loved it. Nathan was a good sport!

 Little A just loving playing with this dump truck in the sand and smiling at his Mom.

         The only picture I got of the 3 girls and their matching swimsuits.  They just wouldn't hold still :)

Our home for the week.  H was very sad to leave.  We all wish that we could have stayed longer, but we had a great time going.  Who is in for next year?