Highlights from North Carolina

By this point in our Stateside time, the kids didn't know if we were coming or going but they enjoyed every minute of it. They were very excited to go to North Carolina to see Grandma, PaPaw and Uncle Greg. We left Texas right before Christmas so we were able to celebrate Christmas with Eric's family on Christmas day. 

The kids were thrilled to see all the presents waiting for them when we arrived! They couldn't believe that we got to do Christmas twice. :) Here is Emma and Owen posing with Grandma's tree.

Honestly, trying to get two kids to smile and actually look at the camera at the same time is a feat! This is our family's Christmas photo.

Owen absolutely loves his PaPaw! He follows him everywhere!

Emma wanted us to take a picture of her new PINK boots! She is our little princess and loves anything PINK and SPARKLY! 

Owen posing with one of his favorite toys.

This snow storm was the thickest we have ever seen! The kids LOVED playing in it and sledding down the hill beside Grandma and PaPaw's house.

Emma kept telling us that she wasn't cold...aka, "I don't want to go inside yet."

Emma and Uncle Greg sledding down the hill for the ump-teenth time!

Owen wasn't so sure about the sledding!

Emma wanted to build a Thai snowman.

Our family spoke at a Mission's Conference in Charleston, SC in February. On our day off, we all went to the beach to walk around. Emma and Owen enjoyed running around and looking for shells. Their pockets were stuffed full of little treasures.

During our time in North Carolina, we came to Freedom Park in Charlotte numerous times. The kids LOVED this park. There was so much to see and do that their experience was different every time we went. These pictures are just the part with the lake and ducks.

Owen didn't catch on that the bread was for the ducks. He was upset that we were throwing the bread away. He ate every piece he got his hands on.

Blowing Rock has been one of our favorite getaways while in the States. Emma and Owen love exploring the outdoors! These are a few pictures of our hike around Bass Lake.

Emma was really excited to have her own Easter basket from Grandma.

This is our feeble attempt to take Easter pictures of our kids. If Owen wasn't screaming, Emma wasn't looking at the camera. She kept trying to get him to look at us and he did NOT want her to touch him. All of the other pictures had "screaming" faces.  :)

We tried the family picture after the "kids only" attempt....this was the first group picture and after this the kids revolted!!

Except for this one kiss from Grandma.

Our sweet princess turned 4 years old in April and she wanted a butterfly party. These are the butterfly cupcakes I made for her.

These pink polka dot goggles might just have been the most loved gift!

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea!

After Emma's birthday we left for what has become the second phase to our Stateside time. We were actually supposed to return to Thailand the end of April but the Lord had different plans....