Jared and the Appalachian Trail

Congrats are going out to Jared and his boy scout troop. The boys left Friday night and headed to the Appalachian Trail for a backpacking and hiking trip. They hiked approximately 14 miles on Saturday and 6 on Sunday before heading home. Saturday night, they pitched a tent and camped along the trail. Each boy was responsible for carrying all their own gear including their sleeping bags, food, clothes, and water. Unfortunately, Jared didn't take his camera so we don't have any pictures.

Job well done Jared; we are proud of you!

Cousins

Xander and Sara finally were able to meet their newest cousin, Peyton Dawn Letteer. Once Sara held Peyton she became quite possessive; if I was holding Peyton; she would tell me "no mommy I hold her she's my baby." We all headed to David's parents house for lunch. It was a great time for Xander and Sara to meet Peyton as well as visit with their other cousins Amber, and Elizabeth; as well as Grandpa and Grandma Letteer, Uncle Andrew and Aunt Amber. Unfortunately, Jared wasn't able to be there as he was off hiking the Appalachin Trail with his Boy Scout Troop.

Dan Nichols Park/Labor Day

Since David and I were both off from work and all three kids had no school we took the opportunity to have a great day together as a family. Numerous people have told us about a great park about an hour away called Dan Nichols Park in Salisbury that we have wanted to check out. We had been told that there was a number of activities for all ages and it was fairly inexpensive; and right these people were. We are always looking for places that can accomdate a 2 yr old as well as a 10 yr old and 13 yr old. The boys were grumbling on the way, thinking they wouldn't have a good time thinking it would just be for Sara; until they saw all that was there.

We got there just as it opened which happened to be perfect, since it was Labor Day it got busy fast but we beat the crowds on most of the activities. At this park there is a carousel, petting barn, a small zoo, a little train ride, minature golf, gem mining, a splash pad, a paddle boats. David and I convinced Jared and Xander that they had to ride the carousel and train with us so all 5 of us could be together; then afterwards they could go to play minature golf while David and I took Sara to the zoo. The reluctantly agreed but in the end admitted to having a good time on both the train and carousel, shh don't tell them I let their secrets out :). It worked out just perfect that by the time Sara was done in the zoo and the play area the boys had finished their round of minature golf. Having allergies to animals I headed to the Gem Mining with the boys while David and Sara went to the petting barn; zoos are tolerable, petting areas- not so much. Sara and David ended up meeting us at the Gem Mining and Sara too had fun mining. The boys found some great treasures. We didn't make the splash pad or paddle boating; we'll definitely being going back; especially since we did all that for a total of $25.00; for a family of five and so many activities.





After we left the park and had lunch at Wendy's we headed to the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC; which was only about 15 minutes away. All three kids were all excited to see the train and ride on.

It was a great day spent as a family making wonderful memories. Looking forward to the next day trip adventure!

Sara's 1st Day of Preschool

A milestone has happened in our house today, Sara started preschool. She will be attending two days a week at Calvary Church. She has some of the sweetest teachers. There are 13 other children in her class. Only part of the class goes at a time this week to help them transition, next week all 14 children will be together. I am so excited about the program she will be attending; at two years old she will have music class, Spanish class, Science Lab, as well as daily she will have art time, play time indoors and out, Bible, and many other fun activities.

She looked like such a big girl walking into class carrying her monogramed lunch box (Thanks Kelly, Scott, and Ella for a great birthday present!).

Jared is a Teenager

Well my oldest has made it to the age of a teenager. Lord please help David and I as parents; I don't know that we are ready for this; haha! To celebrate he wanted to go to one of his favorite type of restaurants; a Japanese Steak house, so that is what we did. He also enjoyed yummy ice cream cake from Carvel, a kid after my own heart.

Happy 13th Jared. We love you very much and are proud of the young man that you are becoming. You are now in your second year of middle school, 7th grade. I can not believe how fast you are growing up. You keep reminding dad and I that you will be able to get your drivers license in 3 years. You are still taking the trumpet (i'd like to hear you practice more), and are participating in Boy Scouts. (You actually gave up a white water rafting trip to stay home and celebrate with your family, I'm sure that won't last too many more years!) You have such a sincere heart. You may test the waters; but we know you are only trying to find your independence however, don't forget sometimes there are natural and/or logical consequences. You are a blessing and daddy and I are proud to call you our son and are thankful that God entrusted us to care for you.

Happy 13th Birthday Jared!

Peyton Dawn Letteer

Congratulations Andrew and Amber Letteer on the birth of Peyton Dawn Letteer. She was born at 12:52 pm weighing 8 lbs 4oz and 21 inches. Welcome to the family Peyton; your uncle David, aunt Kim, Jared, Xander and Sara love you!

A Knight with his Princess

The Family Ministry at our church hosted a night called "A Knight with His Princess."; which was a father-daughter dance. David and Sara attended and had such a good time. They watched the new Veggie Tales movie: Sweetpea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart; which teaches them about beauty is what's on the inside. They also danced the night away, ate snacks, and had some great time together.