Weekend in Concord

We went to Concord to spend some time with Derek's parents since he had some time off. We were able to see some friends and visit all our favorite spots that we miss. I hit Concord Mills at least twice! We went to Burlington on Friday to visit Derek's Aunt and Uncle. My friend Chrystal had blogged about a park there that her daughter likes and Derek remembered the train and the merry go round as a kid, so we tried it out. On our first attemp it was closed, but opened up again at 5:00 so we went back on our way home. It is a very nice park and the best part is the rides are only $.75!
This was on our first visit when the rides were not running - Aubrey still loves to swing. Not sure why she wanted to use the baby swing, but she did and when she gets something in her mind, well...the baby swing it was. You have to pick your battles, especially with her, she gives me so many to choose from!
Riding the little boats
Aubrey anxiously waiting for her turn on the merry go round


Driving a Jeep- for some reason they wanted to be in the back instead of the front.
We all took a ride on the train!
A flying ride


Aubrey sharing her daily peanut butter crackers with Papa
This is a very rare site in our family. Not Derek playing a game with the kids, but doing so on a Sunday morning! What a rare and sweet opportunity. We also were able to attend church together, which only happens about 3 times a year. Derek always leaves before us on Sundays. We attending an up and coming church in Charlotte named Elevation. We enjoy checking out other churches and hopefully taking back some good ideas to implement at Parkview. You know the music is going to be loud when ear plugs are offered at the door. The music was good, but a bit too loud for my preference. However, I am very fortunate to have the best worship leader in the world lead me in worship almost every other week out of the year - I think I have gotten a little spoiled. One thing I really admire about Derek is his ability to see the positive in things. As I was sharing my dislike of the music he said, "Well, it seems to work for them and that is all that really matters." How right he is. The message was awesome though and we enjoyed just sitting back and participating and not being responsible for anything for a weekend. Thanks to Darren for coming back and leading the worship at Parkview so we could get away.

Ethan is particiapting in Upward Basketball Camp all week and I am trying to catch up on things around the house and work, as we head out again next week to go back to MI. We are some busy people this summer - at least the kids can not complain about being bored!