A visit with Renate

My friend from Germany came to visit us in September. She stayed about 2 weeks. I am obviously really behind on blogging. The kids were so excited about Renate coming to visit. I kept telling Jonah about my friend who was really far away. We had to borrow an air mattress. This was the most exciting part for the kids. They would jump on it like a trampoline. This was one of the first days that Renate was in North Carolina. The kids did not take any time to warm up to her. As you can see from the pictures.


They jumped again...

and again...

and again. They never tired of it. Even when I put it in the garage after she left, they were addicted to jumping on it.



One of our favorite parts of Renate's trip was discovering a store in Hickory. I was trying my best to think of something fun and unique to do before Renate came. I had heard about this great pottery store in Hickory called Bisque 'n Beads. We both fell in love immediately. We just couldn't decide what to do. It was all so COOL!! I have wanted to go back. I guess I need Renate to fly back so I can make the time to go.



The painting in quiet was so nice. There was no screaming, fighting, or "Mommy, please come wipe me!"


Our first little trip was to Cherokee. It was with my Dad, my nephew, Alex, Jonah and Renate. We drove around the town. We visited many of the quaint shops around.




We took a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. We had a great lunch on a deck next the river. It was a lunch of homemade soup/grilled cheese. Renate had her first bowl of beans and corn bread. She liked it pretty good. After Cherokee, we headed to Dillsboro.



They had a festival for the day. We enjoyed learning about handmade yarn. Then we watched real metal work done the old fashioned way. Alex tried on a handmade suit of real armor. Jonah and Alex both left with a nail that was formed because of being heated and hit with a hammer. We had to wait about 10 minutes for each nail to be formed.





Next was a few days in Boone, Blowing Rock and Deep Gap. We stayed with Melvin and Stefanie in their new beautiful home in Deep Gap. We spent one day in Blowing Rock. We went to Shops on the Parkway, then hit downtown Blowing Rock. We enjoyed the park for lunch. Then Renate and I enjoyed looking at beautiful pottery on Main Street. We couldn't turn down a chance to enjoy some Kilwan's ice cream.



The boys both enjoyed trying out their rock climbing skills.


Leah and Raylee enjoyed some sweet cousin time together.

This morning just left the kids with nothing but the greatest nap in a van!! Which gave Renate and I a chance to ride the parkway and enjoy God's incredible creation!!!












Then we were off for some local fun!! The Murray's Mill festival was the weekend that Renate was leaving. We enjoyed lots of fun: animal petting, bee watching...




Corn shucking...


watching the corn actually being milled...






We listened to a little gospel singing, watched candles being made and saw little boys making bird houses. I would love to make this weekend one we never miss again.

Overall, we had a blast! I can't wait for Renate to come and visit again so that I can enjoy North Carolina again. It's sad it takes someone to visit for me to enjoy our beautiful state.

Swimming in July

Here was a trip to Melvin and Oleka Cline's pool. We had a great time!!

What a cool dude!!!
Look at Leah go!! This must be why she refuses to let me put a noodle under her anymore.


Two PRETTY girls!!




What a blast!!

July 4th - Granna's Birthday

I know I am about a month late. But here are some shots from our typical 4th celebration.

This year started a little different with a little crossfit action. This was Ethan's attempt at the rings. Clint, Jason, and Melvin also had some fun with them. Too bad I didn't get any shots of that.



The Stewart home always has a lot of good conversation. This one was probably housing or economy related. There are always the topics of organic food, chemicals we use on our bodies, little girls not wearing makeup (that's for you Clint) and homeschooling. I think we managed to stay clear of the religious topics this time. Thank goodness!


Look at these hotties!! Eli has some good taste!


After we eat, there is usually a good game of Bocce. Jonah and Ethan joined us in this game. I think they even scored a point or two.

What a proud Pappy!! I think he always loves to have a baby in his arms!!


When the lights get dim outside, we wait for the bangs and the show!! The Stewarts live on the lake so many of those around try to outdo each other with their fireworks. We love to judge who has the best show. It usually lasts over an hour. What sweet great-grandmothers!! They snuggled up together.

Aunt Stefanie's lap seems to be the most popular every year! Last year she held both Jonah and Ethan!!!! Notice the surprised look on Jonah's face.

Lutheridge Camp

Here are just some of the fun things that go on at Lutheridge Camp!!This is Norah and I as we prepare for our CARE session. We didn't do this every night. Some nights we were Annie and Betsy, sisters from the south coming to teach campers about JESUS!!!

There were some days when we went fishing. WOW! The "Lake" was stocked with carp and other fish. It was catch and release so some were as big as 5 pounds.


Some days we went canoeing. I took Ethan in the canoe. Jason had Jonah and Leah chilled out with Norah.


Here is Norah's whole family: Norah, Chris, Jack and Luke. We spent one day off camp at the Children's Musuem in downtown Asheville.

Our kids spent every morning at kids camp. This was the big finale. The kids got to paint their counselors and then have a big pool party. We also spent a lot of time in Lutheridge's pool. It was a fun week!

Dukies, here we come!!!

We ALL love to play BALL!!The evenings at home have been such nice weather. Before and after dinner, we like to just hang out and play. Sometimes we all join in shooting some hoops. Jonah loves to show off his new tricks. He has gone from regular dribbling to some spin moves while he dribbles. Notice his tongue in his check.

This is the spin and dribble.

This is the dribble and hop on one foot.

Here is Jonah so excited that he can shoot it in the real goal!!!

Ethan has to join in the action. He just wants to slam DUNK!!!! I guess we have to teach him that you can't hang on the rim!!!

WAY to Go Ethan!!

Leah thinks she is SO BIG!!!

When the ball is almost as big as her!!!

One warm day in March, Jonah asked to get out Jason's starting blocks for the track athletes. He had to have the baton in his hand to run. Runners take your mark...

Get Set...


GO!!!!!

Next, was Ethan's turn. He didn't need the baton.

Jonah decided they needed to do a relay and hand off the baton.

This was right after the hand off. What a smooth hand off. They are ready for the Olympics.