VBS 2010

Whew!  It's been a rough week.  This week Thomas took part in Vacation Bible School at Colonial Baptist Church.  Colonial is a big ole' baptist church down the road from where we live and is also where he will be starting preschool in the fall of this year.  I've been so excited about him doing VBS and praying that he would do okay and have some fun with the other kids.  I think this has been more of a learning experience... not sure about the fun part.

I'll start by saying that Monday morning drop-off was a nightmare.  I made the horrible mistake of walking into the classroom with him, instead of handing him over to the teacher at the door.  I thought maybe I could fool him by getting him interested in something, reading a book with him, doing a puzzle, etc.  I would never sneak out without saying goodbye, but I thought if he got interested in something it would go smoother.  First mistake.  He is no fool.  He knew exactly what was going on as soon as we got out of the car, much less walking in the door of that classroom.  He was crying and literally climbing up my body the ENTIRE time I tried to "play" with him.  Needless to say, we both cried our eyes out.  He cried most of the class (they had to call me to make sure I was okay with letting him cry) and I tried to hold it together until I could get to the bathroom to gather myself enough to walk to the car, where I fell completely apart.  I called Shawn for the "I just want you to listen to me cry and tell me everything will be OK" pep-talk.  That's Monday!

Tuesday, he was sad most of the class but they said he did better.  I got no phone calls and I thought, "by George, I think we've done it!"  No such luck.  Wednesday, I was called to come pick him up an hour into class.  He was inconsolable.  So, I volunteered my time that morning in the two-year old VBS class at Colonial.  I calmed Thomas down and once he realized I was staying, he did fine.  He even walked in line with the rest of his class to the assembly and back.  So, this morning (Thursday) I was nervous again.  Well, he did fine.  They said he was sad the whole time, again, but he made it with only one complete breakdown.  I got some cleaning done and went to pick him up at noon.  He seemed to be in a great mood, so even though he was "sad", I'm hoping he enjoyed himself a little bit.

What does tomorrow hold for us?  Will I have to pick him up early?  Part of me wanted to (and wants to tomorrow) just wait in the hallway or the car, but, I make myself walk out the door, out of the church, crank the car and leave.  He can do it!!! ...right?!

FRIDAY UPDATE:  He did great!!!!!  He cried for 20 minutes when I dropped him off and then actually played, did his craft, sang, etc!  The teacher was just as excited to tell me as I was to hear it!!!  Way to go Thomas!!!!!!!!!!  Mama is happy!  Too bad this is the last day of VBS.....

A Wedding at The Grove Park

My cousin, Keyes, recently married his sweetheart, Carly, in Asheville, NC at the Grove Park Inn.  We were able to attend and celebrate this great occasion with them.  We spent a lot of our childhood with Keyes and his brother, Taylor.  We went to there house after school, we trick or treated with them at Halloween, we went to the pool with them.  We got lots of time to play because mom and her sister (their mom) spent countless hours with their feet propped on their knees, chit-chatting in the driveway.  Every once in a while they would say "time to go, come get in the car".  We did...until they got to talking again, then back to playing we went.

I've mentioned before that I don't have a great memory so this might not be totally accurate, but it's the way I remember it.  I don't remember a time when Keyes wasn't with Carly.  They must be elementary school sweethearts or something....at least middle school sweethearts!!  Anyway, they are wonderful together and we had a blast celebrating their wedding.

The Grove Park is a beautiful place and the outdoor ceremony with the mountains in the background was just gorgeous.  I don't even know who the officiant was, but he performed a great service and even got choked up at times, which I love.  I love when an officiant gets emotional.  Then you know they mean it.  Not that they don't mean it other times, but if it tugs at their heart, it's probably something to listen to and take to heart!

Shawn and I really enjoyed having an adult-only weekend away.  Thomas got to stay for the whole weekend at Papa & Oopsy's house, so he enjoyed himself as well!

Weddings are always so nice because you get to spend time with family.  There was much conversation to be had and catching up to be done.

Papa and Whitney


Gaga and Shawn  (BTW, I LOVE how much my man loves my Gaga!)


The sunset over the mountains.  What a great photo opportunity.


Wait! Did I have anything in my teeth??!!

OIB 2010

I'm getting caught up on some blog posts and wanted to include some pictures from our annual Memorial Day trip to Ocean Isle Beach, NC.  This was the 7th year (I think...) that we've gone on this trip with our friends.  This year there were 12 adults and 4 children!  Seemed amazing when we thought back to the first year when there were 7 adults (I think...) and no children.  Next year we will have at least 6 children, when you include the Langdale twins, who will be arriving later this year.  Woo hoo!!!

Our weekend included lots of fellowship, food, music, bird hunting and the beach!

The ladies of OIB :)


Can't forget the walk to The OIB Creamery


This bird and his little bird friends were out to get us the whole weekend. Many of us were dive-bombed. Some of us were spared.


Stan was on the hunt. (Notice the big scary butterfly net that was going to capture said birds.)


Group picture


The boys


A family picture (notice the mohawk??!!)