A celebrity in our midst....

This past weekend, we were SO lucky! The Wilmington and Kinston stakes flew Dan out to do a fireside/concert for their youth. So of course we drove down to see him, and it was just a wonderful little spring kickoff-trip for us as a family, we've been cooped up and haven't really been anywhere since January when we went to Utah. We also lucked out with the weather, it was simply beautiful. Dan was awesome, he's so fun to have around and the kids adore him. I also got to sing a duet with him which was really a great experience. Dan sang it perfectly of course, and I could have done better with a rehearsal, but it was still fun. The following Sunday was stake conference. I had to direct the choir for the Saturday night adult session, so of course I had Danny come and sing with the tenors. I was sitting up there on the stand enjoying the talks but feeling so full of regret because here I have this amazing voice sitting there and no one here in Raleigh was getting to hear him. Then the one of our stake leaders starts talking about his favorite hymn, "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." Well, that was all the inspiration I needed, I had heard Danny sing this before at a funeral and it was totally glorious, so after some quick note passing, I arranged to change the closing hymn and have Danny open it, totally a cappella. He did great and the Spirit was so strong. So thanks Dan for coming. We're going to try and get the Raleigh stake to bring him out again, only this time since I'll be acting as his "agent" I will make sure they throw in at least another ticket for Amy to come along, if not the rest of the kids. We need to have some serious cousin time! Can you believe the color of this sky? It's so blue and georgeous.

Here's Samuel with a seashell.

As normal for me, these are out of order. It takes about 2 hours exactly to drive to Wilmington to Raleigh. The kids were having loads of fun as you see.

Here's a rare moment where the boys are having fun and getting along, so I captured it!

Yay me.

Samuel and Lucy enjoying the drive.

Here's Lucy's name in the sand. And yes, I forgot the swimsuits in case you are wondering. Oh, we also left Lizzy with Grandma, back in Raleigh. So I didn't forget both swimsuits AND a kid.

Here's the dolphin Danny made in the sand.

Here's Danny. Lucy's running with wild abandon.

Boys on beach. I think this would make a great painting...

(hint hint to those family members who paint).