From VA to LA

The drive between our parents homes is long without a trailer and spring break traffic, about 20 hours.  We split it into two days and enjoyed some time with friends in between.  

We did have close call.  Almost outside of Atlanta we all were thrown forward in the van.  I looked in the side mirror and saw the trailer rocking from side to side.  We had been hit.  Bruce kept the van straight while the trailer settled down and pulled to the side of the interstate.  The other car pulled off as well and she admitted she had fallen alseep and drifted into the back corner of the trailer.  There was no damage and everyone was ok.  Bruce encouraged her to take some time at the next exit to get coffee and calm down.  She was very apologetic and I think her bumping us could have saved her life.  If she hadn't bumped us she would have sailed off the road into the trees.  We know so many were praying for our travels and we cannot thank you enough.  God's protection was all over us.  

Once we got outside of Atlanta on I-20 on the second day traffic began to lighten up and it was a less stressful drive.  We are glad to be with Bruce's family now for two weeks.

Savage Neck Dunes

On the second cancelled school day the weather turned out to be AMAZING.  Marce suggested we go to the sand dunes in Eastville.  She assured me would be fun for the kids although I must admit I thought, "a sand dune is a sand dune."

We hiked the half a mile out to the beach from the parking area and immediately I saw all the driftwood.  It was gorgeous out there.  Not too much longer I saw the dunes.  They were amazing!!  I've never seen dunes so tall.  The kids wore themselves out climbing up and jumping, rolling, and sliding down.  It was the perfect way to spend our last day on the shore.

Eastern Shore Visit

We were so blessed to not only have a weekend where everyone was off and spending time together BUT two school days were canceled where the cousins could spend time together.  Of course, we visited the Corner Bakery (not once but TWICE) and the Island Creamery.  The adults were spoiled by having a quadruple date night at the Island House thanks to the older kids holding down the fort!

Askew family pics

 Possibly the windiest day EVER!! But thankful for the pics and the memories.

On the road

Our last week in Ocala was busy.  We had lots of visits and enjoyed dinner with friends. (So many are not pictured!!) Oakcrest Baptist generously came by and picked up everything we couldn't take for their yard sale which was a huge help.  We loaded the trailer with a few sentimental pieces of furniture and some boxes that we wanted to store.  The rest of our belongings that we hope to take with us to SE Asia were compiled into about 20 bags.  The kids finished up school and on Saturday we were able to pull out.  We are headed to Virginia for two weeks to visit with the Askew family.

Ms Kitty made the trip to VA and did much better than I expected.  

Braces are gone!!!

 Lillian was supposed to have her braces for 18 months. COVID slowed us down a bit but she was able to get them off before we left Ocala.

ELEVEN

 Elisha is ELEVEN!!  We celebrated on Saturday after the bb tournament. He took a few friends to Easy St to play video games, ride go-carts and climb the rock wall.  It was a fun night.  We celebrated again today by taking treats to school, Taco Tuesday at La Hacienda and opening gifts at home.  We love you!!!

Horseback Riding

Lillian has been wanting to take horseback riding lessons since we moved to Ocala 5 years ago.  She had multiple friends at BMS that rode horses and suggested she join them for camp last summer.  She loved every second and continued to ride every Monday after.  If you are looking for a great place to ride check out Grey Dawn Stables in Ocala.  Today she had her last lesson so went to watch and, of course, take pics.

Belleview Middle School Basketball

Lillian played 2 seasons of basketball at the YMCA and enjoyed it.  We encouraged her to try out for her school team and she made it!!  It was not easy, the girls practiced every morning before school at 7am.  It was  fun to watch them grow so much as a team.  Lillian grew in her skill ability and her courage on the court.  They ended the season as District Champs!! GO PANTHERS!!!