15 Apr - Standup Paddle Boarding

On the way home from Christmas in SC I purchased a used Standup Paddle Board (SUP) on the assumption that I would like the sport.  I declared that I loved it.  I then bought Kim one and declared she would love it as well.  It was a stretch since she hadn't even tried it.  We managed to get the boards out on nearby Julington Creek and she gave it up a thumbs up.  Shew!  

The kids fit nicely on the front of the boards and I've only dunked Andy once.  Of course he rides with Kim now.  Memory like an elephant on that boy. 

14 Apr - Celebrating Zach's Birthday

The Little Guy turns six!  

Cupcakes at school

Little gathering at the neighborhood park with work and school friends

Angry Birds theme this year

  

The Big Boy's cake

  And then home to open family presents.  Zach gets pretty excited anytime there is a pile of presents.  Brings out his exceptional inner rhythm.

Zach has become quite the naturalist since moving to Florida.  He is a serious student of the Florida Field Guide and loves to go on nature walks to check off as much fauna, especially birds, as he can.  He needed some new gear.

5-8 Apr: Easter Weekend

Aunt Jackie got engaged recently and ventured back to Greenville to shop wedding dresses and the like.  Kim was to join on Friday.  She and the boys headed to Chapin Thursday morning.  I finished up some things at work and followed that afternoon.  On Friday I hung with the boys, Grandmother and Granddaddy on the lake while Kim was participating in the Upstate shopping fest.  Kim came back Friday night for the Good Friday service at St. Francis.  

  Helping Granddaddy launch the boat

 Catching lots of fish.  Yep, I'm rockin' my high school cross-country jacket.

  Next day we all went to Greenville for the rest of the weekend.  The whole clan was there.  We attended service at St. Peter's and came home to a huge Easter Egg and scavenger hunt for the boys. 

  Easter morning

After the Easter festivities Zach got an early birthday party birthday and then everyone (except me, I had to go home) ate a huge Easter spread.

02 Apr - The Cast Comes Off

Cast came off with no issues.  Took another X-ray and doc said everything was good to go.  Just no playgrounds or bikes for another three weeks.  As soon as it was off, Zach was pretty unhappy since his arm was really stiff and he actually asked for it back on. 

19-30 Mar: Command Leadership School, Newport, RI

 

After finishing up a month in Pensacola for Aviation Commanding Officer Training I reported to Newport, RI for two weeks of Command Leadership School.  Best part is Kim got to attend her own course for the second week.  

 We met up with two old Auburn friends and as usual, met tons of other fantastic people.  It was restaurant week in Newport and we made the most of great socializing opportunities.  I had fantastic weather the week I was alone, but Kim was greeted with temps down in the 20s and lots of wind.  Newport is a special place for us from our time here a few years ago and it was great to be back.

On campus in Newport with the landmark Claiborne Pell Bridge and Narragansett Bay in the background. 

22 Mar - Andy's First Front Tooth

 

It was so ready to come out

03 Mar - Andy's First Catch

Out at one of the neighborhood "water features" (rentention ponds) with the boys new Spiderman fishing rods.  About 5 seconds after throwing in a couple kernels of corn Andy hauled up this small largemouth bass - his first catch.  

Shortly after the catch we were attacked by completely rabid no-see-ums and had to boogey.  Too bad.