"Like a Lighthouse"

One of James' favorite songs is an old EFY song by Michael Webb called "Like a Lighthouse." He started liking lighthouses, last year, from a storybook. And after that, I started singing him a shortened version of Michael Webb's song. This year, we told James that when Daddy was done with school in June, we would go see a lighthouse on a beach. We kept our promise, and it was well worth the trip!!!! Here is James in front of the Bodie Island, NC lighthouse.

Since this particular lighthouse is closed for climbing, all James could do was look up into the top of the structure. We didn't have time to see all of the lighthouses on NC's outer banks, but we plan on doing so in the future!

Family picture with the lighthouse--much taller than we!

We spent the rest of our time on the beach. James loved the ocean waves . He spent all of his time chasing them and running up and down on the beach.

Our precious little boy watching the waves in wonder!

Family, Friends, and Surprises

Here are some quick glimpses of the people we've been able to see these past couple of months!


The fun all started when we got to go up to VA to our niece Jolie Fox's baptism on April 11th. Here is Larry and James with his two brothers Erik (left) and Brett (right) with two of Brett's kids-- Jolie and Genna.
James literally wanted to get baptized after he saw Jolie's baptism! He has to wait 6 more years!

Mindy's family came down to visit after Easter. Here is James with Aunt Amanda at the park.

Mindy's brother (Uncle Jacob) had a blast with James. Here are the two of them at the swings. We had a great time visiting with Jacob before he moved out to UT to become an engineer at Hill Airforce Base. We sure miss you, Jacob, but we are so happy for you!

In May, we were so excited that Mindy's brother (Uncle Matthew) and sister-in-law (Aunt Tamara) came through North Carolina on their cross country trip to visit both sides of the family. We had a great time getting caught up and hanging out together! We are so excited for Matt who just graduated with his Masters of Accounting, and Tamara who has one more year to go! How cool that they are both accountants and Larry and I are both teachers!

The big "surprise" happened one day the end of April! As I was making dinner, I heard the doorbell ring. I went to answer it and there stood Cam Black--a long-time friend from my mission in London, Ontario, Canada! He was baptized by the sister missionaries right before I was transferred to London. Cam is still faithful in the gospel, and he had so many great stories to share! I am sooooo glad that he came! I miss the people I knew in Canada, and to hear the "eh" was just like music to my ears!

Here is James's "surprise" face--as he pauses from tiptoeing through the tulips in our downtown!

What a perfect spring we've had!

We love strawberries!

This year, we had the opportunity to go strawberry picking! James loved it!

Here we are at the strawberry farm. It was very muddy- due to all the rain!

James helped me make strawberry freezer jam (the little jars stacked on the table). He was a great masher and stirrer! Then, I attempted to try a family recipe for strawberry rhubarb pie since that's Larry's favorite kind of pie! It turned out pretty well!