Thursday, December 31, 2015

Shorely Blessed in 2015

On this last day of the year, as I reflect, I am grateful to be able to enjoy many days at JJ's family beach house in Oak Island. I have been coming here for 18 years and it is my favorite place to relax and unwind.



Though I have not counted up the number of days I have spent here this year, it's likely over 20. Since I have failed to blog about it this year, here is a recap of some beach moments.


Corinna's soccer team had a tournament in nearby Wilmington in May, so we took advantage of a long weekend here. JJ and Corinna camped at the KOA but the boys, Kay and I (plus Java) stayed at the Six Pack.


I was teaching PreK at the time and even took a day off of school on Monday while the others headed home.


Here are some pics from when we all came in July. JJ only came for a long weekend, as he does not enjoy the beach like I do.



Some of Drake's soccer buddies were here for the week with their families so we hung out with them for a few afternoons.





I was walking out to the beach one morning and saw this...


(It's a balloon)

I did not take these photos but got them off of the OKI Facebook page:






In August, Hayden and I returned by ourselves. The others had soccer camp. It was a nice getaway.



I tried some various beers, but still have not acquired a taste for it...


One of the highlights of that trip was seeing a rainbow over the ocean. What a spectacular sight!


I also returned to OKI for Thanksgiving while JJ and Drake hunted. The weather was glorious! 





And here I am once again at my happy place. It has been unseasonably warm. Shorts and tank tops to finish out the year, "shore" enough. 






In just a little while, I will ring in the new year. There is discussion of selling this place, as the owners are getting older and don't come down as often. For now, there is no for sale sign up, so I hope to make more memories here in 2016!


Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Holiday Happenings: Part 2

All three of our kids took on dramatic roles this Christmas season. Corinna played Scrooge's niece. Here are a few shots of the cast in action.













Hayden and Drake, along with others from the Tapestry group from church, presented "The Miracle of Jesus". Our worship center was transformed into the town of Bethlehem. The students and adults reinacted what life was like when Jesus was born. Let me take you there.












Both were wonderful evenings where students could showcase their talents and get the audiences in to the Christmas spirit. 

More highlights of 2015 coming soon...