The Big Change

I did want to make a formal announcement here on our family blog about the major change in our lives. Most of you have been aware that I have resigned my position as Minister of Music and Education at First Baptist Stanley, NC in order to take a position at a new church. Please pray for us in these coming weeks, as we'll begin some major transitions in our lives: a longer commute for a temporary time, deciding on Nathan's childcare, selling our house (as well as the tedious process of getting it ready for sale!), not to mention the many things that go along with plugging into a new church family. We are excited about where God is leading us, and there is great potential for us to be used and great opportunity for us to learn and continue to grow in Him.

As for where we're going, we're keeping that under our hats for a little while longer, but we'll be sharing that in the weeks to come as we get more acclimated to our new family schedule. Thanks to all who have been praying for us in this time of change in our lives, and we covet your prayer even further in the weeks ahead.

As for the picture below, I purchased a gently used leather chair for my soon to be new office, but the cats had to have their turn investigating this interesting new oddity.

Softimus Prime says...

Softimus Prime reminds everybody to buckle up!!

Softimus is our new plush version of Optimus Prime that I picked up for Nathan (on sale last week). Now Nathan has a companion for his other Transformers plush - Slumblebee!!!

Strange Yardfellows

Our doggie, Princess, has always been a cat lover (for the most part). Having had access to our three cats on occassions, and having been brought up as a puppy with some companion neighborhood cats at our last residence, she is not aggravated by them much at all. Still, it has been amusing to notice over the past few weeks that our neighbor's cats have really struck up a friendship with Princess, leaping into our backyard, and even sneaking under our house with her. (Prinny has discovered a broken vent and now crawls under the house at night).

This picture says it all . . .

After a busy final full day the beach and pool, Nathan, who never randomly falls asleep (except on long car rides), conked out on the couch nestled between several pillows he had placed as a fort around himself. I thought to myself, this picture really says it all!!! We're bushed, but all in all it was a great week.

The Need for Speed (Park)

The only major activity we could muster interest from Nathan about was going to Nascar Speedpark here in Myrtle. So, that's what we spent most of our day doing. We all got one day unlimited rides passes (which was a good investment for me, but probably not as good an investment for Sharon and Nathan.) Still, we had a blast overall. Nathan got to ride in a go cart all by himself for the first time (didn't go so well, but still - a first). We also got to play miniature golf there, games, and they also had several kiddie rides. Afterwards, we went next door to the Nascar Sports Grille for a late lunch and got to watch the Gatorade Pre-Daytona 500 races on the TVs there. That was fun. Here's some pics from today's excursion.

The Birth of Turtleley Turtle

Tonight during our visit to "Broadway at the Beach" we took Nathan to the Build-a-Bear Workshop to give him the opportunity for him to build something. The little guy had his heart set on building a duck, but alas they didn't have one available (but had everything else - I mean come on, if you have a dino and about 15 other things, how come no duck near Easter???) Anyway, I knew he had a little interest in turtles (probably from watching them on the Mario game), so I pointed one out to him, and he chose it. He went through all of the creation steps, and especially loved the bath part (he liked that so much he went back and gave him a second bath). He dubbed his creation "Turtleley-Turtle." Also, he chose a Spider-man outfit for him to wear. Here are a few pics from that experience.

Yamato

Tonight, at Sharon's request, the family decided to dine at Yamato Japanese Steakhouse at "Broadway at the Beach." We weren't sure how Nathan would fully react to all of the "table show" that goes along with it, but he really loved it. He liked the fire displays and actually ate quite a lot of his food, plus used some kid-friendly chopsticks. Sharon reminded me tonight that the last time we took Nathan to something like this, he was still on baby food.

A little jaunt on the beach

Here's some pics from our brief jaunt on the beach this afternoon. The last pic is a shot of the resort where we're staying.

Hi From the Beach

Here we are at Myrtle Beach! We actually decided that since there were threats of thunderstorms coming in the next few days, we might better got out and play a bit today, even though it was overcast. The temps have been around 60, which isn't too bad for February. I'll post a few more pics this afternoon.

New Toys for the Boys

On our first full day at the beach, we did what anyone would do - go to Walmart. As incentive for Nathan to be good this week, we let him get a couple of small Transformers. And appparantly for the same motivation for Daddy, Mommy let Daddy buy one too. Here we are showing off our new toys.

New Jammies

Thought I would post this pic with Nathan showing off his new Transformer Pajamas. I secretly wish they made these in adult sizes for me, but please don't tell anyone. Just too cool. :)