My day as a Shockey

A's face painting after
the big race

This morning we woke up early, jumped in the car and headed to Stone Mountain Park to participate in the Children's Miracle Network walk sponsored by K's work.  The kids had fun and ran a significant portion of the "walk" and were also excited to get their faces painted during the after-festivities.  We then jumped back in the car and returned to Fayetteville for soccer matches.  Both kids had games and it was really special to have the opportunity to see them play and cheer them on.  I even got to watch L score a goal.  A also played well, although he was obviously a wee bit tired from his exuberant running of the 5k :-).  In any case Unc Shawn was very proud and hopes to get to see the play again in the future.  Afterward, we met Cyndal and Josh (who I haven't seen for several years) for excellent tacos downtown and then retired to the house to catch up.  A great visit, but far too short as tomorrow I make the drive back to DE.  I'll have to do it again soon.

L dribbling on the sideline

The beach of my youth

Back from Spain Saturday pm and Sunday morning I made the drive from Delaware to Edisto Beach, SC (yes I'm crazy) to join Mom and Aunt Joyce and Uncle Bill for some beach time.  Edisto is the beach we would go to every year when I was a kid, but I haven't been back in probably 10 years (since I lived in Charleston).  Everything seems so familiar, some names have changed but its still the same quiet family beach.  I've always liked the fact that Edisto has resisted the commercialization and hotels that characterize so many other beaches.  Almost everyone on Edisto is staying in a house which keeps the beaches from ever getting too crowded.  This time of year, its even quieter, and easy to find a near-vacant stretch of sand to call your own any time of the day.  Its been a good stay catching up with family, grabbing a meal at the Old Post Office, doing some fishing, and even a little super-muddy shrimping.

Yes, the flash was that bright . . . Thanks Joyce.  ;-)

Earlier today, I made the drive to my home town, Aiken, to see the rest of the family.  It was good to see everyone if even for a brief time this evening.  I even got time to grab a few rounds at the Aiken Brewing Company with Pat, and take a nice walk around downtown.  Aiken is definitely evolving and changing, but it still manages to keep the same character that makes it a great place.  I hope it can continue to hold on to its identity.

Tomorrow I will drive to Fayetteville, GA to visit Jes and family.  I can't wait!