What's happening in 2017

It's March already...where has the time gone!? Soccer is in full swing again, and the kids are more than half way through their school year. Josh turned 15 and had a bunch of friends over for a huge game of capture the flag and other outdoor games. It poured rain, but they didn't let that stop their fun! He also was the only freshman to make the Varsity soccer team. He is a starter and has already scored three goals this season. Jonathan's team took second place at a tournament in Atlanta which was a fun trip! Lily is a trooper as soccer season is in full swing. There are a couple other boys on Jonathan's team that also have sisters that get "dragged" to all the games so they make the best of it! Here's some pictures of what we have been doing...

Belton-Honea Path Bears-Go Josh!

Josh (#9) can fly!

Jonathan and Coach Clint

Concorde Fire Tournament in Atlanta-Second place!

That's a Wrap! (A look back at 2016)

Well, this year is almost gone, and it's been a busy one! (Makes me tired just thinking about all we have done!) Here's how we ended the year...

Freedom Center Kids - Light of Christmas (Jonathan and Lily)

A Christmas Carol - Jamaican Style (Jonathan is one of the bullies)

This year, I changed jobs within the state, Luis left his state job (and then came back again!), the kids changed soccer clubs (and are loving it!) Josh started High School and Jonathan started middle school, and are both doing very well. 

Lily joined a tumbling, jazz and pom class too.

I have gone on a couple field trips with Lily and Jonathan (and lived to tell about them!)

The Children's Museum of the Upstate in Greenville

 Josh's soccer team won two tournaments (one being a state cup!) 

and Jonathan's team won the Charleston Shoot Out tournament in Mount Pleasant, SC. 

Jonathan also began playing the oboe in band, and is doing well for his first year! 

Tomorrow Luis and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary. 

How can that even be possible that we have been married for 20 years?! 

(And haven't killed each other yet! HAHA) 

All in all, it's been a good year! God is good! 

Looking forward to 2017 and all that it has in store.

A Day in the Mountains

This past week, the kids had Monday and Tuesday off from school, so I took those days off from work too. Luis was able to take Monday off as well. So, I told everyone that we would go on a road trip, but it would be a surprise. My family is always up for a road trip (especially when the word "surprise" is involved). So we were on the road at 9:30am. They had lots of guesses where we were heading..."NY to see Nani?" Nope. "To the beach"? Nope. And the driving continued. My oldest was watching the GPS so I could see his wheels turning, trying to figure out what could be 1 1/2 hours from our house? Finally we pulled into our first destination and this is what we saw:

This is Symmes Chapel, nestled on the side of Caesar's Head Mountain in Cleveland, South Carolina. I first visited here by myself when I was inspecting the nearby YMCA Camp Greenville, who owns the little chapel, Luis and the kids walked through the front door, not knowing what they were about to experience. Everyone inside was silent, captivated by the beauty and handiwork of God. The pictures do not do it justice!

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People often rent this for weddings. The camp uses it for chapel services during the summer. It is easy to feel the presence of the Lord when you are in a place like this. And the scripture on the beam above the cross was right up my "Sound of Music" alley!

Beyond the cross is North Carolina, for a far as the eye can see. We were there at the peak of the autumn leaves, which was equally breathtaking!

Of course, the photographer in me had to snap a few shots while we were there. Lily was being silly!

After awhile, we left this oh so pretty place and headed for our next surprise. We headed to Caesar's Head State Park for an afternoon of hiking and exploring. Luis and the boys did most of the hiking...Lily and I stuck to exploring!

Lily found the biggest leaves we have ever seen! She was planning to mail one to Nani, but the next day it was dried out and all in pieces (sorry Nani!).

Such a beautiful day-can't wait for our next adventure!

Soccer life

Nice follow up shot and goal by Jonathan!

Josh's last regular season game. Had one goal this game, one assist and several more attempts.

Summer 2016

Well the summer is almost over. It was a pretty boring summer for the kids with both Luis and I working, but we managed to sneak in a few fun family times. Before we know it, school will be in session, soccer will be in full gear, and the dog days of summer will be only a faint memory. Here's some pics from our adventures.

Jon dancing on the beach at Hunting Island at our annual 4th of July beach trip

Josh was MVP and Daniel received the coaches award. Josh played JV as a 7th grader and an 8th grader.

Upstate Soccer Classic Champs

Belton-Honea Path (BHP) had a great season!!

Josh and Luis are playing together on an Adult Soccer League this summer.