Culinary Tour

When we were vacationing in Asheville Doug and I read an article in Our State magazine: "100 Foods You Must Eat in North Carolina's 100 Counties". We've explored several, if not "many", of the counties here already... I mean, let's face it, NC is rather small (compared to Texas) and it turns out you can get to all of the counties within four hours from Greensboro. We really like to eat and we really like to explore, so a new challenge/adventure began. Our first stop was on our way home from Asheville. We pulled over in McDowell County for some homemade Strawberry-Banana ice cream at Jack Frost Dairy Bar.... hmmm... closed Sundays and Mondays. I guess we'll head back there someday. Guilford County suggested the Jerusalem Market (wonderful find). Next we headed to Stokes County to have homemade Country Sausage Biscuits in Danbury, hike at Hanging Rock and discover the outdoor adventures this "Gateway to the Mountains" advertised. Oh, wait..... they are closed on Sunday's too. Well, we'll have to head back that way to go tubing anyway. We wised up and found an opportunity to adventure together on a Saturday. We thought surely, the BBQ pit stop in Statesville of Iredell County would be open. Nope!!! Wednesdays and Fridays only, HUH???? What was opened was the Ketchie Creek Bakery and Cafe in Mocksville, Davie County just 20 miles back toward home. Fantastic five flavor pound cake :) not to mention pretty good sandwiches particularly when you had your heart set on chicken BBQ.

End of Summer Catch-up - Liam

I already mentioned how HOT it has been and while visiting the coast is a favorite fall past time, tradition is hard to break. So... Liam and I took a day trip to Topsail Island, it's not Galveston but so similar and holds enough cherished memories with my family to merit the four hour drive to and from. We've noted all the rest stops from here to there, the Seafood markets, the coffee shops, the bakery and now have our favorite public beach access programed into the GPS system. Can you tell I have intentions of making this a regular occurrence? You will find us at public beach access #8 because this is the point along the drive that Liam announced "We're here" despite my attempts at turning into beach access #1 through 7. The day was BEAUTIFUL and I have missed that feeling of contentment, that feeling of being home and my dad. We built sandcastles, played baseball, jumped the waves, collected shells, ate lunch, napped, walked, watched pelicans, shrimp boats, and chased birds, and dug up clams. Not once did we get in the water! Oh, well. Swim lessons are progressing due to mom and dad's diligence and Liam one day will love the water as much as Ethan.... we hope :)
Liam has moved up a class at school and has officially begun his pre-school experience. With fabulous teachers, fantastic learning environment and LOTS of planned activities we are looking forward to the school year with our little learner!

End of Summer Catch-up - Ethan

August was HOT!! Ethan (obviously home safe from Africa :) started school and is happily cruising Greensboro with his new driver's license.... Yes, they actually gave him one. Just watch out for mailboxes. But we are so proud of his responsible actions and entrepreneurial spirit this summer. He is torn over a return trip to Africa, hard core soccer training or a new adventure for his last HS trip, Ireland, England, and Italy are all contenders. He's enrolled in some tough classes this Junior year and is hoping to scale back on the number of courses he takes his last year at Page. College visits are on the agenda and a lot of talk about what to study (Criminal Justice). He's been promoted to officer in JROTC and is very excited about his new role. Soccer season is upon us and while Ethan is learning a different style of humble competition, his school team is ranked 6th in the nation. This will be the last season with his club team as he has been playing one age level up. I think there is talk of two rosters this year?!
In Ethan's words.... "Africa was amazing!" His highlight was "playing soccer with the kids every day after they got out of school and seeing Project Caanan". The safari was "pretty cool because it was the animal's natural habitat and they weren't caged". He shyed away from the fact that the majority of the trip was "preaching" which he has limited experience at but realized within himself the type of Servant Leader he truly is. Compared to ASP Ethan says "Africa was a field trip....." an awesome one at that. His only wish was that his presence and work would have been more physical and in the future will seek out opportunities that he is able to give more in that capacity. Of anything, Ethan's compassion (which was strong already) for humanity was deepened. It has been so great to watch his relationship with people grow and hear him share about his response to the world, his presence in it, and his determination to fulfill God's purpose for him.