A Few Pictures from Christmas in North Carolina

People slide down the rock behind us for recreation (it's called "Sliding Rock").

At this ledge you can see South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.

The plaque at this rock that shows you where to look to see what state and the name of certain peaks.

View from the peak.

Tubing!

I was tired, but Sarah talked me into going down a few more times (I'm glad she did).

Christmas tree farm.

North Carolina Vacation, So Far

Sarah and I are having a blast! We're really enjoying the relaxing and being in the company of people we love and have been missing.

1. Paul and Diane drove us to the airport Tuesday afternoon.
2. Frodo took to flying like a champ, although the fact that we gave him some children's benadryl helped.
3. We arrived in Virginia on Tuesday night.
   
4. Greg and Katie picked us up. We goofed off with the Wii, talked, and watched Frodo chase their cats.
5. Wednesday morning Katie and Greg took us to IHOP to meet up with two of Sarah's college friends (Lynsey and Kristy).
   
6. Then Katie took us to the Outer Banks, N.C. after IHOP but we made two important stops on the way: picked up a gift for Gwyneth's baby shower and Sonic!
7. We then went to lunch at Mama Qwan's with Andy, Misha, Ty, Gail, Katie, and Brenda. It was really good!
   
8. One of my formed youth, Caroline, dropped by with some friends to have lunch at Mama Qwan's and she spotted me. So we were able to talk a little bit.
9. Later that night was the baby shower for Gwyneth, which Sarah went to. Us guys went over to Ramon's home and enjoyed some conversation, Wii, and some really good nachos.
10. Thursday we relaxed a lot. I took Sarah to lunch at Lafagota's; a local Mexican restaurant that Sarah LOVES!
    
11. Thursday night we had plans with the Williams family, a former youth family. They had spread the word I was coming and had other there as well. In all it was 14 people not including Sarah and I, which was a really cool way to get to spend time with everyone. We had BBQ which I have been craving!! It was wonderful to see everyone! Catching up was awesome!
12. Today (Friday) has been pretty laid back. One of my formed youth, Anthony, picked me up for lunch. We went to a newly opened restaurant The Slice. We caught up with all that's been happening and are hoping to be able to spend more time together before Sarah and I head back to Florida.
13. In just a little while we're getting together with the family for a family photo session and then dinner. Sarah has spent probably 2+ hours on getting ready. I know girls take a lot more time but I think my wife takes even longer than most (she disagrees of course).

North Carolina, Here We Come!

Tomorrow Paul and Diane are driving us to West Palm Beach International where we're flying to D.C. and then to Norfolk, Va to be picked up by Greg and Katie. Sarah and I are super excited about our trip.

A lot of plans have been made for the first few days we're going to be there, and we both can't wait! I know Sarah is incredibly excited about going to Gwyneth's baby shower. Nathan has put together a time for family photos, which will be really cool (he's a very talented photographer). We don't know when we're going to see everyone, didn't plan it all out, but hopefully we'll get to spend a lot of time with everyone because it's doubtful our finances will allow us to make trips like this often.

A big part of me really wants to spend time with my mom and dad, but they live about 9 hours from where we'll be staying. The good part is my mom will be visiting us in about a month, but I'll still be longing for time with my dad (who can't come because he's in college right now). We always have great conversations on the phone but it's not the same as being there face to face.

Missing You

To all of our friends and family back home, we miss you. This has been a very lonely and boring six months here because we have been without you. Up until a month or so ago we have had no friends our age. We love our church and the awesome people there, but I don't think that 60 and 70 year olds really would enjoy coming over and playing on the wii with us. So, Terry and I have had to entertain ourselves and each other, for the most part.

Being the big movie fans that we are, we have gone to the movies about once every week, sometimes more, sometimes skipping a week. Sadly, we have only been to the beach once...sigh. We went kayaking once on an amazing trip in the lagoon. We used to go to Walmart it seamed every other day for a long time; not so much anymore. We go out to eat some (yum! Panara salads!). And the rest of our off time we spend sitting on the couch on the computer, playing the wii, or watching the newest Netflix.

After we were here for a while I think that Terry could tell how lonely I was, and that is where Frodo fits in. Frodo is the best companion dog in the whole world! Much more fun than our other dog Lilly, sorry girl. He really came at a good time for me.

A few weeks ago we met a young couple that just started coming to our church, and we have hung out with them several times. Terry and I both see great potential in this new friendship, so we are very excited about them! It feels so nice to hang out with other young Christians!

We are flying up on the 15th for a week, bringing Frodo along, and I can't wait! We will be staying with family and hopefully visiting with many of our friends. We will get to see Tricia and Gwyneth. We moved to Florida the day after Gwyneth was born. Tricia was in a coma. I know that after a week back home (yes, the OBX is still my home, not Fl) with all of our family and friends I will not want to come back to Florida.

All of that just to say, I am missing you.

Sarah Elizabeth