Charleston Explorers–Angel Oak

This summer the girls joined the Charleston Explorers Club.  Each time we visit a historic site, museum, or park listed in the program, we receive a stamp in our passports.  Our first stop of the summer: The Angel Oak.

The Angel Oak is a Live Oak tree, estimated to be 1,400 years old. Only in the very oldest of specimens do you find massive limbs resting on the ground, as do the limbs of the Angel Oak. It stands 65ft. high and provides a 17,000 square foot area of shade.

Summer Fun

Part of our summer fun is taking the girls to different events around town.  On this day, we hit a presentation at the library about animals that dig.  The girls enjoyed the show and then were able to pet the animals brought over from the aquarium.

Diving Divas

Check out SE and Olivia jumping in the pool. 

Bible Study Boys

Kiddos

Daddies

Kiddos and Daddies

Happy Birthday Buggy

Finally, the day has come!  Sarah Ellen has been counting down the days until her birthday and announcing it to anyone who would listen.  This little gal was excited to be five.  Her first present of the day came from her “best big sissy.”  Lily was excited to use her own money to buy Sarah Ellen’s present this year.

Next came Mommy and Daddy’s present – her very own kayak!
We were blessed with a beautiful day for her party at Spray Play.
Birthday hugs from Ava.

Oh, how I would love to hear this conversation.
After the party, SE’s best bud Parker joined us for dinner at Paisono’s and dessert at Menchies.
Then it was home to open more presents from Doncie, Poppy and Aunt Nette.  They came for the whole week to celebrate Buggy’s birthday with us. 
Sarah Ellen, just how did you get to be five so very fast.  You have grown from a toddler to a vivacious little girl in the blink of an eye.  From laughing to crying, you do everything with all your energy. 
Your favorite foods continue to be rice and pasta.  You are a carb girl just like your mamma.  You enjoy most fruits, yogurt, and of course desserts.  Your favorite TV shows are My Little Pony and Mickey Mouse.  Your favorite books are Little Critter books and Little Miss and Mr. books.  Polka Dots is still your lovey of choice and he is never very far from you.   You love to play legos, groovy girls, barbies, polly pockets and little people.  You also love all arts and crafts. 
You love your big sister and for the most part play really well with her.  Your BFF is Olivia and you continue to declare that you will be marrying Parker one day. 
You sing all day and seem to have a love for music.  Your little body can’t help but to move when you hear a beat.  You’ve got some good moves girl.
You still wake up with a rats nest in your hair every morning, but I think it may be getting a little better.   You are not too picky about your clothes and for that I am very thankful. 
Little buggy, you bring so much joy and laughter into our lives.   We love you with all hearts and thank God everyday for bringing you to us. 

Our Gift From Uganda

At church on Sunday, we were surprised with a visit from the Ugandan children’s choir Imani Milele.  The music from these gifted children was powerfully moving and filled with the Spirit.  Somehow the choir was in Charleston for the week but did not have housing.  They were able to stay in the church’s mission house for a few nights, but needed housing for two nights.  We jumped at the chance to host these amazing children.
We were blessed to have Gloria (15) and Olivia (17) stay with us for two nights.  We had a packed house already with Donna, Ernie, and Kinnett staying with us but made room for these sweet girls.  I think we all enjoyed getting to know them and spending time with them.  The first thing they asked me when I picked them up was if they could call me mom.  Well, of course you can.  So James was Dad and I was Mom!  They were kind, gracious, polite, gentle, loving and Spirit-filled young women.  They answered our endless questions about Uganda, their orphanage and their mission in America. 
Gloria was energetic and full of personality.  She wants to be a scientist and had a thirst for knowledge.  Olivia was more quiet and reserved, but when she got on stage, watch out!  This girl was born to perform.  There is no doubt that music is in her soul.  Gloria loved to read and spent 30 minutes looking through all our books.  I wish I could give her an endless library of her own.
 
I wish them the best in touring America and raising money and awareness for the children of Uganda.  We are indeed all God’s people.  His love is universal. 
I will always have a special place in my heart for my Ugandan daughters.

Our Visitors

We have two new friends that have taken up residence in our backyard – redtail hawks.  These magnificent birds have been hanging around helping us to control our squirrel population.   
Here they are hunting in the front yard.  Poor squirrels.

Sarah Ellen’s Dance Recital

Pure cuteness.  Sarah Ellen was more than ready for her dance recital.  I can’t say she was a big fan of dance this year, but having a recital at the end of the year sure made it worth it.