Bee Joyful

 The third weekend in April, is when we headed out to camp at Shinleaf campground on Falls Lake. It was beautiful, even after the rain entered the picture late Saturday night. We had two large group sites, and the boat put-in right next to one. We also had our 4 kayaks to explore the lake and mess around in. It was so warm and sunny on Saturday, but by midnight the rain rolled on in. Great memories made and relationships built this weekend. We didn't know these folks in the picture below  but they helped me back the trailer out. Rick hadn't arrived yet, and when we got there, I told him on the phone that  it was going to be tight to back this baby out! I had no idea that it would be me having to back it out! I think I am ready for my CDL license!  We had a total of 7 families with us. Three families came for the day activities and 4 stayed for the tenting part.  Steak and beans on the cookstove! Not bad!  Batteries being put into our pum...

This is a longer post with more pictures. But hey, a picture tells 1000 words and that is what you want to see anyway! Here is Addison at the awards ceremony. He achieved the rank of Orange Belt. No small accomplishment. I achieved the rank of  yellow at one time and had to study so hard to memorize forms. I personally don't know how he does it!  Friday afternoon, we headed up to Wake Forest. Addison took a 3 hour class on robotics. So while he was at his class, we enjoyed ice cream!  This was the same ice cream that we used to get when Grampy and Grammy Meehan came to visit.  The place near us closed down but now we know where to get that Cotton Candy Hershey ice cream! So, Grammy and Grampy,  next time you come visit we will have some ice cream ready for you!  Here is Addison at his class. (He is just looking at these pictures realizing what we were doing while he was in class.) He had a great time there. Great teacher and class.  ...

We have had 6 swarms in a matter of one month. Very frustrating. But I guess, the bee population is in major decline, which seriously threatens the food supply, so it is actually a good thing. Yup. Testing for orange belt! Addison was very ready to test. He puts 100% into all he does. It is so fun to watch him. Doing his form for yellow to advance to orange. I would be so nervous with all these people watching. He's got the kick! Don't mess with Adder! Coloring Easter eggs is a tradition that is so fun! The candy is fun too! I am afraid I ate all of the Twix!  There is a baby bird in this nest. It fell out of the kayak. So, Addison, Alex and Atley rescued the nest and put it in an empty beehive, with the top open slightly. We did see the mommy approaching it and I think she went in. This is the beehive with the baby bird nest in it. For the past 3 years we have celebrated Easter with a Seder meal. This year our friend from church, M...