Aeden's Sixth Birthday Party

Really nice party that seemed to be much enjoyed by all.

Nana's Pool

Aeden, August, Willow and Mia at Nana's pool

Backyard Bear

Random visitor showed up today. It appears he had been investigating the
neighbor's trash (or at least that's my best guess given the way it was
strewn across the road).

Trip to Outer Banks

We spent 3 days (Sunday - Tuesday) on the Outerbanks in a house at Avon with a friend and family. The kids loved having the additional folk to interact with and it was great having the company. The house was really nice, the weather somewhat cooperative, and mosquitos were gracious hosts - rushing to greet us with every arrival and depature ;-).

Tuesday turned out to be the nicest day weatherwise and we went paddling at Haulover point in the morning and spent a fair bit of time on the beach. Aeden loved tackling the waves, but the surf was a bit daunting for August. Aeden even got to catch a wave and ride in on the bodyboard.

We did a couple site seeing trips, one to the Hatteras light house, which Aeden and I climbed and one to the the Elizabeth II and a demonstration colony (which Mark and Linda came along as well). I really liked the colony - suits of armour, lots of demonstration of crafts and Aeden even got to see how a penny nail was made.

The trek home was better than expected. The kids behaved, especially considering the 9 hour ride in the car. Overall a great trip and we're really glad things worked out to make it down there. The get away was much needed.

Paddling in the sound.

<<P1000108.JPG>> The family out of a paddle in the sound.

Visit to the Elizabeth II and Roanoke Colony

<<P1000075.JPG>> He <<P1000080.JPG>> re <<P1000081.JPG>> a
<<P1000085.JPG>> re <<P1000087.JPG>> s <<P1000102.JPG>> ev
<<P1000106.JPG>> eral of the picture to the Elizabeth and the Roanoke
Colony. Aeden and August really enjoyed the sword and armor.

Regards,

Jeff

On the beach at Avon, NC

Aeden and August enjoy the surf and sand...

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

<<P1000047.JPG>> Th <<P1000049.JPG>> e <<P1000050.JPG>> fa
<<P1000052.JPG>> mi <<P1000054.JPG>> ly <<P1000055.JPG>> v
<<P1000062.JPG>> is <<P1000066.JPG>> it <<P1000071.JPG>> ed the Hatteras
Light House, overlooking diamond shoals. Aeden and I climbed to the
top. Here are the pictures

Raleigh Museum of Natural History

<<P1000017.JPG>> Tr <<P1000018.JPG>> ip <<P1000020.JPG>> to the state
capital and museums.

Look what I found lying in the road

Found this guy lying in the road just up from our house. I'm sending the pics off to Ed's brother, Mac, for forensics - his doctorate in zo0logy and multiple snake bites make him the closest thing I have to an expert. I'll post the findings, but that head looks pretty triangular to me. He's only 8", but check out thee spread on this guy - I'd hate to meet up with him at 6'. Cathy's placing her bets on a copperhead.