Jon - Spring Soccer at SWU 2024

 

Teasing Peach Blossoms

Our peach tree has the most beautiful blossoms every year, but we have yet to have a peach harvest. Either we get a late freeze that destroys the fruit or some kind of insect makes the peaches go bad. Whatever the cause, these beautiful blossoms never reach their full potential. Maybe this will be our year!

First game of the season!

 Jon had his first game of the Spring season tonight at Southern Wesleyan and played most of the game! He has a new Coach and he gave Jon the opportunity to play offense again. I know Jon was happy! They won 6-0. We all went and cheered him on.

Refocus

 Yesterday in the mountains I was so excited to be taking pictures of all of the flowers and foliage that was around that I completely missed something that was right next to one of the flowers. I was looking back at my photos today and saw that little guy just sitting there. His camouflage was so good that I almost missed him in the photo. I can't believe I was right there above him taking a picture and didn't even see him. Luis mentioned that he never noticed half of the flowers that I took pictures of on the trail while he was hiking. I missed things even though I was very focused on small details. It's a good reminder that we all need to refocus once in awhile.

Springtime in the mountains of North Carolina

There is something magical about Springtime. New life emerges. Buds on the trees, little flowers poking their heads up out of the ground. Rebirth. Our family was able to take a little hiatus from our daily routines and enjoy the beauty that is only about an hour north of us. We don't have many opportunities when the five of us are all able to get together. Life gets so busy and the "kids" are no longer kids anymore. 

As we were riding back, I asked each of them what their favorite part of the trip was. Josh liked just relaxing in the spacious cabin where we stayed. He has worked so hard these past four years at school. Currently has a 3.8 GPA, graduating with honors in the Exercise Science Program and as President of the Spanish National Honor Society. Intramural champions in several sports. Made some lifelong friends along the way. He needed this down time to just refresh and get ready for that final push to graduation. 

Lily loved having the "princess" master room on the second floor all to herself. The adjoining bathroom had a jacuzzi tub which she thoroughly enjoyed. Luis always calls her "princesita" so it was fitting that she got some royal treatment while we were away. Lily loves her friends and sports, but she also really loves her alone time.  She has always been someone who was able to entertain herself, and enjoy time away from everyone. Sometimes too much activity overwhelms her, so this break what just right for her.

Jonathan said the hike to the waterfall was his favorite part. We visited Pearson Falls which was only 10 minutes from our cabin. It was cloudy and overcast as it had rained that morning, but we found enough break in the clouds to take advantage of a short hike.

Luis liked walking through the small quaint town of Saluda, North Carolina. Armed with video in hand, he chronicled all of the little shops and restaurants that lined the two-block town. He also loved the hike to the falls. 

As for me, my heart is full from just having a time when all five of us could be together. It was nice just to enjoy each other's company and relax in the beautiful surroundings. I wasn't able physically to hike all the way to the waterfall, which was hard. I miss being able to do all the things I love and hope that one day I will be able to do again. I was able to stroll along the lower trail and find some Springtime beauty that I captured with my camera. Photography has always been one of my favorite hobbies. Hope you enjoy what I saw along the way.

School Days

 

Luis says it is those Parra genes...I beg to differ 😂. Either way, those grades are phenomenal!