Through Wendy's Window

Friday, August 26, 2011

Spending Time With My Dad

Noah and I recently returned to Ohio with my Dad. We enjoyed our visit in South Carolina and began the trek home with Dad so we could attend his family reunion together. The first day home we spent running between the high school and middle school--football practice, doctor appointment, more football practice, middle school schedule pick-up and high school schedule pick-up. Friday we dined with Dad's aunt and uncle (both 92 years old) as well as his cousin and her husband.

After the Central HS football scrimmage Saturday morning, we took Dad to Schmidt's in German Village.

We thoroughly enjoyed our German dining experience in historic German Village. Good food, good beer (according to Trey and Dad) and good times!

Friday, August 19, 2011

The Crazy Crab

Our last night in South Carolina--thoroughly enjoying seafood at The Crazy Crab!

Hunting Island, SC

August 2011

We had a beautiful day on Hunting Island. We enjoyed a picnic lunch beside the lighthouse and then took a long, leisurely walk on the beach, toes in the sand and surf. The ocean has caused much beach erosion to the island. As a result of the erosion, many fallen palm trees line the edge of the beach and the lighthouse had to be relocated farther inland to protect it from the seas. Protected turtle nests dot the beach and the number of shells to collect was endless. Thanks Mom and Dad for a special day at the beach.

Spending time with Family

There's a bonus to visiting my parents--my aunts and uncle live in Sun City too. Upon retiring, they agreed they would all reside in the same location. After so many years of living far apart from one another they desired to finally be near each other during retirement. I love that their dream became a reality!

Chugga-Chugga Choo Choo

For as long as I can remember, my Dad has held a keen interest in anything and everything trains. As a child, I remember visiting train bridges, train depots, train shows, train layouts, train museums and numerous hobby stores. Dad's an avid member of the Sun City Model Railroad Club. Currently, the club is in the process of redoing their expansive layout. Below are pictures of completed areas as well as work in progress. Truly, it's amazing to see the attention to detail and to recognize how many hours and hours these gentlemen have labored on something they all enjoy so much. I'm happy my Dad knows some wonderful people that share his passion for trains--it's definitely a hobby that brings him much joy and it's easy to become absorbed in his excitement.

Noah posed at the train room door

Dad explaining to Noah the area he's contributing to the layout

Dad's bridge and "mountain" that he's busy constructing

Thanks Dad for sharing one of your true passions with us. It truly is an amazing space that you and your friends have created!

May River Cruise

Church of the Cross
Bluffton, SC

Captain Wayne and our private "yacht"

Enjoying the May River--searching for dolphins

There were SO many dolphins!
One came right up beside the boat--they're such graceful and amazing creatures!

Oyster beds add stark contrast to the lush green and blue

The infamous sand bar hangout.
One man sells food and beverage from his pontoon boat...I want that job!

My parents and sister enjoying the relaxing boat ride on the May River

I just love pelicans.

Mom and her baby--if you look closely you'll see a tiny little fin against the larger fin.

The May River cruise gang

Noah and I enjoying our time at sea

Heading South...Slowly

Waiting in Charlotte, NC hour after hour after hour for our next flight to Jacksonville, FL. What an adventure! Noah and I were extremely grateful that we were in the terminal and not sitting on a plane for hours, like some unfortunate passengers! While the airport remained closed due to storms, we had lunch, people-watched and played games. Never once did Noah complain OR play his DS! We were ecstatic when they finally announced boarding for our flight. Little did we know that although we were sitting on the plane it didn't mean we were leaving...sigh. We sat for almost another 1 1/2 hours waiting for fuel (um, slightly important) and food services. At long last, the plane finally moved from the gate and we were 8th for take-off; not bad considering the airport had been closed for HOURS! Upon landing roughly in FL, we stopped on the tarmac, waiting again as a recent lightning strike on the field had caused another delay. My parents were wonderful and waited the entire day in Jacksonville for our arrival. Once with them, we retrieved our soggy, damp luggage and began our 2 hour drive to Hilton Head. We arrived around 10pm--5 1/2 hours later than anticipated, but we were safe and happy! After watching the news, we learned that Charlotte had horrible flooding while we sat in the airport. Noah now likes to claim that we survived the Charlotte flood of 2011--oh good heavens!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Noah's First Concert

Arriving at the Ohio State Fair and taking in all the sights, sounds and smells

The boys at the Ohio State Fair prior to the concert

By sheer coincidence, both boys' first concerts--David Crowder Band! Trey took Alexander to see David Crowder Band at a small venue on the University of Cincinnati campus several years ago. And tonight, we see David Crowder Band again as a family.

The band members are all from Texas and attended Baylor University. It's been rumored that this is their final tour. After seeing them in concert twice, it'll be a shame not to see them again. Their concert is good, clean, Christian fun!