Josh's Birthday

I recently found out that from where we live in Wake Forest, it's only about a two hour drive to the nearest beach!!  So, for Josh's birthday, I thought it would be fun to surprise him with a little day trip to Wrightsville Beach.  Even though the weather wasn't cooperating, we headed down to the coast and had a great time!

We ate lunch at this great restaurant on the pier that had the most amazing views of the beach.  The kids were SO excited...Here they are with their hush puppies, which were also quite exciting to them :)

Josh enjoying his fried shrimp po-boy.

On the beach :)

In case you can't tell from the picture, those are the kids names in the sand.

Kate's new suit has a little rhinestone anchor on the side.  She's proud of her bling, and wanted a picture of it.

Nothing like some wide, open space for running!  Kate and Carter are really big into playing chase right now, so this was great fun for them!  Check out the deserted beach...we had the whole beach to ourselves!!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!  We had such a good time, even though it was spitting rain the entire time.  A rainy day at the beach is still a day at the beach!!

Kate's Graduation

I really can't believe how fast time flies by!  Kate graduated from preschool at Wake Cross Roads this week! It seems like just yesterday she was starting as a three year old at FBC Sugar Hill...

Now she's so grown up and ready for Kindergarten!

Kate with her teachers, Mrs. Claire and Mrs. Rebekah.  Can't say enough about how well they loved and taught Kate this year.  What a wonderful experience!

The processional

Looks like Kate may follow in her daddy's footsteps.  We have a little worship leader on our hands!!

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Got her diploma!

Team Reed

Kate LOVES Mrs. Rebekah!  We're really going to miss her.

Her buddies Emma and Charlotte

Cake and punch reception afterwards

I think the cake was the highlight of the evening for Carter :)

My birthday/Mother's Day 2009

Stephanie hosted a birthday brunch for me...what a fun excuse to get together and enjoy some delicious food!  What a blessing to have such dear friends up here.  It is so great doing life with these women who challenge me and love me so well!  From l. to r. Catherine; Laney and Hollie Carson; Rachael Davis holding Hudson; me and Carter; Stephanie; Sayde and Page Craft.

Kate's class hosted a Mother's Day Tea last Wednesday for all the mommies.  They all told 5 things they loved about their mom.  Kate said: 1) I love that she takes care of me. 2) She loves me. 3) She makes chocolate chip muffins. 4) She has pretty toenails. 5) She cares for me when I'm sick.  I love those glimpses into my little girl's mind :)

Mimi came up to spend the week with us as my birthday fell on Mother's Day this year :)  Here's one attempt to get a picture with everyone looking at the camera and smiling...as you can see, that didn't work out!  Makes those pictures where it does work all the sweeter.

Checking out the lawnmowers at Lowes.  This is definitely a highlight for my kids.  Every time we go there or Home Depot, this is what they ask to do.

Planting flowers

My cousin Amy lives in Durham and drove over to spend Saturday with us.  Daria also flew in that day to be here for Mother's Day and my birthday.  We had lots of fun hanging out!

The seminary hosted a dinner last Saturday for the international students.  We went and got to enjoy many different foods and a sweet time of fellowship.

Hudson multi-tasking.  He wants to crawl somewhere, but doesn't want to leave his ball, so he pops it in his mouth and takes off.  Hilarious.

North Wake did a child dedication service on Mother's Day.  We dedicated Hudson, which was a sweet time and such a special way to celebrate Mother's Day.  And it was such a treat to be able to have Mom and Daria there with us!  Not the greatest picture, but Team Reed is on the right :)  I have Hudson, and Josh has Carter, and Kate is in front of Josh but you can't see her in this picture.

Happy Mother's Day

We surprised Mom and Daria by taking them over to Durham that afternoon to go to the Duke Gardens.  It's 55 acres of beauty and is recognized as one of the premier public gardens in the country.

*Kate took this picture for us.  We may have a future photographer on our hands.  Check out her creative angling of the shot :)

On Monday we went to the Tea Room.  They have a big trunk full of hats and gloves and necklaces that you can dress up in.  Kate had the best time picking out her attire, trying on multiple combinations until she found just the right one.

What a blessing it was to celebrate my birthday by celebrating Mother's Day!  Being a mommy is one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.