Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Dedicated to the original seven

As I mentioned in the earlier post, Andrew lived in Va. Beach for two years while Randy was getting his Master's Degree from Regent University. When we left my brother's house, we drove around for Andrew to show us where they lived, went to school, played, etc. It was really neat and yes, tear-invoking for me. (Big surprise for me, huh?! ha) I have heard many wonderful, yet heart-wrenching stories from the Clendenin Va. Beach days. To be visiting these places, while Andrew and I are in a similar stage of life; was pretty emotional. I know Andrew, and I think I can speak for Lauren as well; had many great memories of friends and beach time here. I also know how difficult life was for Randy and Suzanne at the time though; with finances, school, work, five children, away from "home", etc...

Randy literally went to school during the day, studied in the early evening, and then worked the graveyard shift at the Founders Inn at night. Suzanne had all five children, all day long, and essentially all night by herself. I love to hear how God poured out his love on them in a variety of ways during this time. Thanks for pushing through those tough but great years! Thankfully we live much closer to family; but your perseverance has been encouraging to me during the last year and a half! I love you "original seven!" I hope you enjoy memory lane through these pictures!


Regent University


CBN


Founders Inn (comparable to The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill)


Back of Founders Inn








The house they rented


Andrew, Lauren, and Lydia's Elementary school


Va. Beach required them to ride the school bus. Not Andrew's favorite childhood memory! ha




Kempsville Rd.


Sand Bridge beach... Many ALL day beach trips were spent here














Riding on the Currituck Ferry on the way home









Monday, November 29, 2010

Continued pics....

The rest of Thanksgiving pictures.... (they are in reverse order, sorry!)


Goodbyes are never fun




Trying to get pictures of four children is laughable! Gracelyn and Lily were napping.








Mom and two of her "babies"


He is still on of my favorite men in all the world


I think Lauralei got the short end of the stick in this picture! ha


Great picture of Grappy and Graeme


Some of the "Smoak" Family


Our Grappy and Granddaddy


Sweet boy!


My cuties!


Ethan, the model! ha


Chris and Gracelyn


Playing with Liliana


Ceilidh (and I) LOVED jumping on the trampoline with her cousins!








The original five Clendenin children


Isn't this kid beautiful?!


The Collins Family


Ceilidh and Zion making oreo turkeys


ZZ's post-dinner craft for the children


Paul helping Graeme make his oreo turkey


Zion made Ceilidh a head dress as well!


Jack's first Thanksgiving


Phoenix's first Thanksgiving


Zion drew a turkey on the back of his vest


Graeme loves Pops!


Ryan and Sus


Another beautiful sister(in-law)


The Thomas'


Pretty Cait


Suzanne, aka: Paula Deen (this woman can cook!)