Homeward Bound

Our week + here at the island has been glorious. The weather cooperated most days. We spent our time divided between the beach and the pool. The girls love both. Kristen favors the pool more, but will play in the waves and build castles.
We spent Saturday with Beach Grandpa & Ruth. They put in a beautiful pool and deck with a hot tub. I felt quite comfortable there with them. Kassi and Savannah came over as well. We grilled burgers for dinner and had the most delectable brownies ever!!
Sunday Dean and Donna treated us to dinner at Max's Pizza. Of course Rachel's favorite thing was the french fries even though the pizza was de-lish. Danielle ate a little bit of everything as usual. Max's Pizza reminded me of Leonardo's in Franklin.
We have some gorgeous pictures of the ocean and the girls. As always the girls made "beach friends" to spend time with. I'm already looking forward to next year!
We made our annual visit to the Karen Beasley Turtle Rehabilitation Center. We love the sea turtles. We saw loggerheads, Kemp's Ridley, and green turtles. We all got new t shirts and a bumper sticker for our new van. Jean Beasley said she can't wait until Rachel is old enough to volunteer at the hospital. I think I would love to spend some time there myself. I thought it would be a good fund raiser for them if I wrapped hair while people waited. We'll see what happens.
We haven't seen the bridge turn yet this trip. Maybe it will before we leave today. I'm going to try leaving around 7-ish hoping the girls will sleep for most of the trip. I'm going to get some super power shots of caffeine!!!!
We haven't heard much from Terry this week. I don't know what to expect when we get back. He might have moved out or maybe changed his mind altogether.
Til Later-<'////><>

Topsail Island

We left on Sunday, 7/6, and drove 14 hours to right around Raleigh. I decided to stop because the girls were tired, and my neck hurt from driving. We drove the rest of the way on Monday. It felt so good to be on the island once again. It is very different without Mary. I miss her so very much. This was her favorite place on earth. I know she has much better places now, but that doesn't take away the longing.
Our first day here was filled at first with thunder and lightening. Of course as it always does on the beach, it cleared, and we headed for the ocean. Even Steph likes the water! We crashed early only to get back up at 8 and head to the pool by 9:30. Danielle treated everyone to one of her tantrums, so I brought her and Steph back by 10:00! After she calmed herself, we retreated to the ocean. Rachel and Kristen love to jump the waves. Stephanie likes to cover herself with sand. Danielle stays close to shore but likes the water.
We went to Food Lion tonight for groceries. It was quite an adventure, but at least we now have food! Mary always did the shopping before. I knew then how much I appreciated it, but now it seems so much more valuable.
I hope to post each day. If all goes okay, I'll try for the evening.
More later!
God is Good!! All the Time!!!
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P.S. Terry says he will be gone when we return. He also says his paycheck will not go into our account after July. If this is the case, I'll have to get a good lawyer. I don't think he realizes how much support he will have to pay. It will be a real awakening.