The Beautiful Outer Banks of the Atlantic, North Carolina

Top: An exact replica of the Wright Brothers' flying machine. It is at the Wright Brothers National Park Exhibit in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Bottom : A beautiful red sunrise in Stedman.

Right: The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the Outer Banks of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina with Arevia

I took the trip of a lifetime when I got to go visit my 'second mom', Arevia Pearce. She lives in Stedman, North Carolina. Her daughter (and my lifelong friend) Sharon and Sharon's husband Arthur live there too! Arthur, Sharon and Arevia took me all around, including the Outer Banks of the Atlantic Coast. The Outer Banks is the most interesting of land forms. It is a very long strip of land running along the Atlantic Coast. There are homes and businesses along the Outer Banks. That's where Rodanthe is! You know, from the book and movie, "Nights in Rodanthe"? So, on the East of the OB, is the Atlantic. On the West of the OB, is the Sound. Then the mainland. This type of spot (the wind and the sand) make it a perfect place for potential motorized flyers to get off the ground. So, Orville and Wilbur hung out on the OB, and that is where the first flight took place; right there at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina! The only thing that bothered me about the visit, was that I wished my family were there to experience it!

Summer Fun at the Mesa County Fair 2009

We love the Fair!!! The kids and I have been attending the Fair for 3 years now. It just doesn't seem like summer until we have hung out at the Fair for a full week, day in and day out; morning, noon, and night! Each year the kids have grown and learned and become so much better at raising market lambs. They have quite a great group of friends who hang out or just pop in for a day. What makes me so proud is that Philip and Grace always give some of their profits to a charity of their choice, usually Shriners Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. I hope you enjoy this shot of our fun Midway rides and the beautiful Colorado sky!

Grace took this picture this summer. She entered this picture as her best photo for the Mesa County/4-H Fair. Isn't this a gorgeous shot? The aqua-colored water, the yellow-green bushes, and the reflection of the mountains behind. In her 4-H photography project book, she took Grand Champion!! Then, on to State to take 4th place! We are so proud of her endeavors!

Philip Wins 8th Grade Math Award

Philip was in the high school algebra class for his 8th grade year. He did very well. As he told his teacher, "Math is my thing." She agreed and gave him the math award at the ceremony entitled "Students of Distinction" in May of 2009. It was a huge honor. His hard work is paying off!

Grace has done a phenomenal job learning to play the flute. I played the flute for three years of high school. I just love the flute too. Grace made her own decision to learn this tricky instrument. She entered the local solo/ensemble competition in February. She and her partner earned a Superior rating, the highest rating possible. We are very proud of her. I hope you enjoy the duet and please comment on it!

Fun, Fun, Fun! in the Mexican Sun!

We and our dear family friends, the Raleys, went with us south of the border on Spring Break. We had a fabulous time. We were able to stay in Arizona, going to and from Puerto Penasco, Mexico. We stayed in Chandler, Arizona with my sister Bert and her husband John. The highlights of our trip included seeing and hearing our mariachi band while we were eating at one of our favorite restaurants, eating lots of delicious Mexican food and seafood, swimming, sunbathing and sand castle-building on the beach, kicking back and relaxing, and also playing board games and card games together. Oh, and we mustn't forget shopping! We got jewelry, t-shirts and seashells at the market.