Growing up Thor: July 2009

This past week has truly been bittersweet. I'll try to be short in my writing, and pick the best photos (there are so many!). Last Tuesday, Thor and I set off for Elkin, NC, to spend a few days with my dad while my mom is in China on a mission trip with my aunt. While she can't contact us directly, the leader of the group is updating a blog to keep family informed of what's going on. She'll be back a week from tomorrow. If you're interested in reading click here.

Garet, Thor and I arrived in Elkin late Tuesday night. The next morning around 6am, Thor and I were sad to see Garet leave for Greenville. Unfortunately, he couldn't miss work and school. As great as it was to see grandparents, great-grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, we missed Garet the whole time we were apart. Wednesday, Thor and I walked downtown to show our support and love to a great solider who lost his life in Afghanistan about a week ago. It was incredibly moving to see the sidewalks full of people who were there to honor his life. Please keep his wife and family in your prayers, along with the other soldiers who are still over there. If you would like to read about Mark visit the memorial website here.

Wednesday afternoon and Thursday, Thor was able to spend time with his Uncle Matt. Matt filled up a little pool for Thor to play in. He had a GREAT time! Thursday evening, Thor, my dad, and I left for Knoxville, TN. Thor was such a great traveler and slept almost the entire way. Friday was spent having a picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains and then later walking around Gatlinburg with his great-grandparents and grandfather. The little man was so tired by the end of the day. Saturday evening we went over to my aunt and uncle's house for a cookout. He had a great time being passed from person to person, playing with the dogs, and exploring a new place. It was sad to leave Knoxville on Sunday but Thor was ready to see his daddy (as was I!). We made it back to Elkin by 5pm, in time for croquet and a cookout celebrating my dad's birthday. Garet had been in Elkin since Saturday and was anxious to see his little man when we arrived. We woke up early Monday morning and drove back to Greenville with enough time to hang out with Julie, Brandon and Matthew before they moved back to Yadkinville for good.