Here is the last part of our summer vacation.
THE BEACH.
This year was by far the best time we have had at the beach... no naps to work around, everyone could swim, and the fish were biting nonstop. Scott and Daniel pretty much fished the entire time while the girls played in the surf, and Samuel jumped the waves. Scott taught Daniel how to use a cast net and catch minnows for bait. Daniel and Samuel also learned a trick or two trying to catch sand fiddlers. Me, Well... I actually enjoyed just sitting in the warm sun watching all the excitement. Each day we would spend at least four hours without any complaints of hunger or wanting to go in. The kids had to be coaxed back to the house by promising some type of treat.
Samuel would beg the girls to bury him in the sand... laughing the entire time!
Wallace, NC.
We went to see Grandma Wait and spent the afternoon in Wallace. At 90 years old, she is an amazing woman and can remember all of our kids names. Grandma can also tell some funny stories which keep you begging for more. One of my favorite stories is about her sister Mary. They never really got along. Well, Grandma was always playing tricks on her and one day she decided it would be funny if she filled her bloomers with mashed sweet potatoes. Needless to say... Grandma is still laughing about that one.
This small town is where Scott spent his middle school and high school years. It is a cute little town and the "downtown" is still a happening place with many businesses. He had many jobs growing up like... mowing grass, blueberry picking, hog farming, working in Wallace Drug Store, AND my favorite is bagging groceries at the Piggly Wiggly otherwise known as the Hoggly Woggly. Whenever the missionaries come to the town of Wallace they always leave with a t-shirt that says "Stickin' with the Pig."
Papa has a pier leading out to the sound. And at the end of the pier they have a crab trap... perfect to catch Blue Crab! There are enough crab that climb into the pot for a great meal... and boy, are they delicious!
Stephanie and her daughter Mallory came to spend the day with us on the beach. It was great catching up on many things that I had missed out on. Stephanie is one of the best storytellers ever. She can always remember every detail to good gossip! I miss ya girl and hope your year at school goes well... those kids will just love you!
Cleaning his first fish by himself... it was immediately put in the oven with a little old bay and voila, mmmm tasty!
Robert and Grandma are so cute together. They are always having a good time. And it is always exciting to spend time with them which is never enough. I really wish we could pack those two in our suitcases and bring them to Phoenix and live with us!
Everyone loves Grandma Smith... when we arrived at her house some young men, probably 12-14 yrs, were just leaving. They had stopped by just to say hello. She makes everyone feel like her own children/grandchildren. Her neighbors tell her how just amazing and beautiful she keeps her yard. Grandma is always keeping busy... whether it is yard work, gardening, making curtains, fixing dinners for others, or just having others over to visit, she is not one to sit still. Thank you grandma for being the person that you are! WE all love you and miss you so much!
WE always look forward to having her cook for us. Why? She prepares the best food ever... most everything right out of her garden. Southern style green beans, 1 enormous sliced tomato, cucumbers soaked in vinegar, turkey served over rice and smothered in gravy, fried okra (Scott's favorite), homemade mac and cheese, and for dessert strawberry shortcake.... MMMMM delicious!
I'm really not sure how many pictures we have of our kids sleeping but every one just makes us laugh. Notice Minnie Mouse in Samuel's lap. Well, the story is... Samuel could take one stuffed animal that had a tag with us on our trip. He picked some of his favorite animals and I exchanged them all for Minnie. Reason being... I really did care if we lost one of his favorites... but Minnie, we could leave her anywhere and it wouldn't matter AND I was actually hoping she wouldn't come back with us. Needless to say, she made it back to Phoenix.
Scott and I were able to visit Jim, Diane, Linden, and Jenny AND Courtney at their beautiful home in West Jefferson. They fixed us an amazing meal and the company was just perfect! WE miss y'all so much and were so glad that we were able to see ya!
