Spring Break 2013

Oh yes, we got some beach time.......

It was so beautiful!

But first......

dear Aunt Louise was in the hospital ~ not doing well.

We stopped to see her as we went down to the beach ~

and actually came back to Raleigh during the week to see

her one more time.

Little did we know when we headed down for Spring Break ~

that we would be saying goodbye to her. 

We enjoyed our time with her so much.  Sang to her.

Talked to her.  Prayed for her. 

Sweet, sweet ....tough time. 

As we drove away that last time ~

we REALLY took in the beautiful sky ~

the beauty that God has given us here on this earth ~

and the joy of Louise in our life. 

We then drove through Fayetteville to see the neighborhood

that Alden and Ken are developing. 

And enjoyed seeing Alden's home church ~



We met up with Kim and Heather at Myrtle Beach ~

and had SO much fun!!!!!!



It was quite chilly that first weekend ~



But we enjoyed each other......and the area.

Some March Madness ~ oh yeah!

We girls did some exploring ~
 



Aren't they SO cute!!!!!

And found some REALLY cute stores.

SOOOOOOOOOOO southern right???? 

 This is one of our favorite restaurants in MB and

it became Kim and Heather's too!!!!!

We did get the girls on the beach a bit ~

Oh how we l.o.v.e the beach off-season!!!!!!
Less people, jeans and sweatshirts........



Kim and Heather had never been to Zaxby's ~ thus we HAD to go!!!!  :)



I got to spend some good time with my dear friend ~ Pat! 

Loved seeing some other dear friends ~ The Hoopers and Tammy!

and of course.....eat at the Shack!

What would a trip to NMB be without that!!!!

We fell in love....okay, I did.....with this sweet little duck.

We named her Myrtle!

Then.....we got some GOOD beach time. 

Warmer temps.

 Sooooo very thankful this man FINALLY got some rest ~

no better place to do it. 

The white sand of NMB ~

Friday/Saturday was Louise's viewing and service ~

The night of the funeral ~ Alden, Steve and I headed BACK to

the beach. 

Enjoyed the sunset ~

reminisced about Louise....and Cecil.

Found this beautiful shell heart on the beach.....

and added Louise's name. 

It was as if God was saying ~ "she is with ME ~

and Cecil.....and happy as can be". 

A very special moment for us.



The next morning ~ Easter ~ Alden and I went down to the beach for a sunrise service.

So good to sing worship songs, be with other believers, and hear a great message.

Azalea's were just beginning to bloom.

Not the Spring Break we expected ~

but a very special one indeed.

Thank you God for time.

For people.

For the beach.

For the many blessings you give us on this earth ~

AND most of all for YOU....

who gives our life purpose and HOPE for the future.