Uncle Kirk's Visit

It was our privilege to have Shan's uncle Kirk out to our house for a few days to golf and spend time with our family. We packed a lot into his time here. In fact he had to be torn away from a round at the National Golf Club to make his flight back home.

We love you Kirk!

Reading with the girls

Eating some Salmon for Marisa's birthday dinner.

Kirk and Shan at National Golf Club

Bass Fishing

Hilarious.

In 10 years, when Ryan wants to know why I blogged so many pictures of Emma and Madeline, and not very many of him when he was 7 1/2, all I'm going to do is show him these two pictures:

This is the face he insists upon every time there is a camera in the vicinity.

Woah. I have more, but I will spare you.

Shan is the Man

Shan has been training for an olympic triathalon for a few months now and Saturday was the big day. (It was also our 11th year anniversary, so I wonder if he did this to prove to himself that he still has "it," even after 11 years of marriage?) As for me, I haven't had "it" for a long time, but I will take credit for supporting his workout schedule, driving down to S.C. with the fam and getting stuck in a construction standstill on the freeway, waking three kids up in the wee hours of the morning, and keeping them mostly happy during a long day of very hot weather, including multiple trips to the port-a-potty with all of them (Madeline freaked out at that. She pretty much acted out how I feel when I have to use one of those things.), and all the while trying to keep them off the bike/run path, and be Shan's personal photographer! Phew. It makes me tired just to type it.

Back to Shan... Not only did he finish the race, he met his goal! I was totally amazed at all of the athletes. That is one tough course: 1 mile swim, 24 mile bike ride, and a 6 mile run.

The transition area

Shan had his own little cheering section. This is before the race started.

Start.

Swim.

Transition to bike.

Finishing the bike.

Starting the run.

Finish line and still smiling.

This is what we did while we waited in the hot South Carolina sun.

After the race was over, we all went for a swim in the lake to cool off.

I love this picture of Emma. She is so athletic. Maybe someday she will be a triathlete too.

SOLD

Pine Haven is officially under contract. Emma and I cried. We will always love this home no matter where life takes us. It was the perfect fit for us and we loved it every day. If you have never visited the Pinehurst area, you have two months to visit us and see it for yourself! Shan will gladly take you golfing and I will gladly cook for you.

Easter Sunday

The azaleas are out in full bloom right now, which makes this time of year such a plus! LOVE it. So sad to leave it. At least I get to take these cuties with me.

Easter Celebrations

On Saturday, we had an easter egg hunt at the church.

The Easter baskets were already packed up so I decided to craft some with the kids. We used sand buckets and sticky foam to make spring pictures.

Easter Bunny droppings. He left them all over the house!

Birds' Nest cupcakes

All Together

We were able to take a quick family picture while Bryce was here. (Nevermind that we were late for church, I was setting the picture up, pushing the timer, and running into place. Yes, I was sweaty.)