Ms. Kim's Horses

This weekend, we had a wonderful opportunity to visit a friend at her home. Kim Gregg, one of the wonderful women I get to work with at Carolinas Hospital, owns several horses on her family property and had given us an open invitation. I decided to call her and we scheduled a visit. It was AWESOME!!!!!!! Little did I know, it would turn into a full afternoon of horses, riding Gator 4-wheelers, food and fun! Kim was a wonderful hostess, as well as her very kind and welcoming family.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the entire family and extended family as well. They all live in close proximity and get together most every weekend for "Sunday Funday". They're just those kind of wonderful people. Since I'm big and pregnant, Matt was kind enough to do the demonstration of riding a horse, to encourage Elijah a bit.

A real live horse! :)

Cowboy Matt

Matt rode off into the woods and since it seemed he would be gone for a bit, Kim's daughter (she has twin 15yr old girls) Carolyn, took us on a Gator ride. Elijah and I sat in the front seat together with Carolyn and we rode off for a fun tour of the trails. Elijah LOVED it. He even took some time to drive himself afterwards.

Elijah driving the gator and loving it!

After awhile, Elijah agreed to get on a horse for a ride. See, Elijah has a stick horse, which actually used to by mine when I was a child. One of his favorite things to do is to ride the stick horse while carrying Daddy's phone listening to the Lone Ranger theme song. It's hilarious! Anyhow, we knew he would love to see a real horse and maybe even go for a big horse ride. He did!

The video is on Matt's phone, so I'll have to try to add it later, but Elijah really enjoyed his time with the horses and we greatly appreciate the entire Gregg Family for making us feel so welcome in their home and farm. 

Just a few random shots

Summer is in full swing here and we've been having so much fun. Elijah has also been growing by leaps and bounds. At his last doctors appointment, they noted he had grown 2 inches in the past 6 months! Still approximately 30lbs, but growing like a weed and running everywhere he goes! It's difficult to snap great photos, but here a few great shots. Enjoy.

Elijah going super high in his awesome swing from the Palka Family, on his new swing set!!!

Vacuuming his truck on a random morning. 

Elijah and Mommy, 36 weeks pregnant. 

Oh, you know, just your usual Saturday morning, trying to use the potty with coaching from Daddy and an iPad for entertainment. 

Our big happy boy.  

One word, handsome. 

Nucor Lunch Date with Daddy and Friends

Today, our amazing Nucor family threw a Baby Shower Luncheon for us! We feel absolutely blessed and honestly humbled to be a part of such a closely knit family.

So, I picked Elijah up from school a bit early and we headed over to Nucor to "see Daddy". We were greeted at the gate by Matt and he escorted us right up to the front door, since at this point, with my sciatic pain, I'm not walking well. Elijah was scooped out of the car and despite his initial shyness, he warmed up to people quickly.

Elijah making friends over the radio with Joe Fronzoglio

Nucor's next summer intern, in charge of communication, with a side in safety

Elijah opening a very special gift, just for him, from Kathy Palmer. She is over the HR department and has been a cornerstone in our overall extremely positive experience with Nucor. 

Who doesn't love BALLOONS!!!!!

A rare picture of Elijah and Daddy (in one of his work uniforms) :)

Georgetown, SC Vacation

It seems that I somehow missed the entire month of April, but maybe Matt has pictures to recap the fun. In May, we went on a family vacation to Georgetown, SC, about 2hrs from our home. My mom flew in a day early to help with packing the car and entertaining Elijah on the ride down. The next day, Uncle Juju, Trink, my dad, his eldest sister, Karen, and Matt all joined at various times. It was a really wonderful and enjoyable week at the "Debi-doo".

Baby brother being utilized as an armrest. We're 34 weeks and counting down. 

My modest baby-bump-suit. My Aunt Karen and I were deep in discussion about the woes of pregnancy. She carried twins!

Aunt Karen and my Daddy. She helped raise and mold my father into the man he is today, though her stories were quite enlightening :) She was an absolute joy to be around and we all wished she could have stayed longer than 2 days. 

Our handsome little wild man

Dinner date

Fun in historic Georgetown

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Uncle Juju digging a very deep hole on the beach. 

And....Elijah. In the 3 foot deep hole!

Aunt Trinka stuck in the hole. At least that was more entertaining for Elijah. 

Hmmm....the similarities are uncanny.