Mormon Helping Hands

1 week after the tornado in Snow Hill, our LDS stake was able to provide some help in the clean-up. The Church delivered a semi full of food (enough to feed 300 people 1 meal a day for 2 weeks) and disaster clean-up supplies (like chainsaws and generators) for the community. 200 members came out to clean up debris. Seeing such destruction is sad and humbling. Finding item such as children's toys and wedding photos brings the emotionality of the situation to the surface.

This home has been moved completely off it's foundation.

What's left of a row of businesses. There is a truck stuck INSIDE the building.

The power of the wind was evident all around us. This floodlight post was bent in half.

It was images like this that were the hardest thing for me to see.

We cleaned an area where one of the oldest homes in the county stood. Green county had secured hundreds of thousands of dollars to restore it. The home was completely destroyed.

Homes from across the street were also blown off their foundations and across to the other side.

Paul working the wheelbarrow.

It was a privilege to serve the community and take a small part in the clean-up process. Easing burdens on Easter weekend is a perfect way to remember the Savior and his love for us.

North Carolina becomes Tornado Alley

On April 16th, 2011 tornados raked across North Carolina. Here in Greenville area we were under a tornado warning for several hours. A strong tornado passed close by in Snow Hill and Farmville. Many people lost their homes and businesses. Here is a video from Snow Hill.

Officially Spoiled

Amelia doesn't have to do much to get the royal treatment around here, and Grandpa Thayn just made it easier with her very own bike trailer! It didn't take long for this sweet pea to discover that being towed around in a private carriage is definitely the way to travel. Do you think they make helmets that small??

"To the ice cream shop, Jeeves!"

Waving to her loyal subjects.

Daffodil Forest

Early spring in Winterville would be wasted without a short drive down Old Tar Road to the daffodil forest. Filled with thousands of blooming daffodils, it is a must see!!

(Thought I would try my hand at travel guide writing, now I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking!)

Oatmeal Picasso

Amelia inherited her daddy's artistic talent. You have to love a girl who isn't afraid to get messy!

Attack of the GIANT Caterpillar

Ashley...Take a trip to Charleston vicariously.

In an attempt to escape the cool winter temps, we drove south to Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah Georgia. The effort was futile, however, as we only had one day of sun. We still had a blast seeing the sights while we dodged the rain puddles and froze our tushies off.

After arriving in Charleston, the first stop was the USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft carrier.

We enjoyed weaving through the underbelly of this massive ship, that is until Amelia decided she wanted to help daddy take pictures with his new digital camera he got for Christmas. In her excitement she knocked it right out of his hands and it fell through the metal catwalk and down into the depths of the ship. Amelia seemed very pleased with herself. She has no idea how much backed allowance she owes us! Although a few smiles and a little sweet babbling should do the trick for Paul to erase this off her record. Luckily we had another camera to use.

We also had the chance to climb inside this submarine. I am pretty sure I would go crazy soon after submerging. It was very cramped. Paul also came to the conclusion that he would not be hired by the Navy. He is much to tall.

Our next stop was Fort Sumter. We had chilly ferry ride over to the man-made island where the fort stands. On the ride we were able to see a pod of dolphins swimming along. I tell you, dolphins are not easy to photograph.

After a frigid first day, we were happy to wake up to clear skies and warm air the next morning. We took advantage of the warmth and spent the day walking around downtown Charleston.

We visited the history museum and the aquarium (p.s.-- unless you've never seen an aquarium before, it's not worth the admission fee).

Like most of our winter excursions, we really wish we could see Charleston in the spring or summer, but we loved the city nonetheless.

Our next stop was Savannah, Georgia. This is definitely a city to visit in the spring, but it still had a Southern charm that cant be beat.

From cobblestone streets on the river front, to quirky art galleries, to moss-covered trees in manicured squares, Savannah did not disappoint. It didn't hurt to sit down to a meal at Paula Deen's famous Lady and Son's restaurant. I think we ate a weeks worth of calories, but the food was delicious. For you westerners, let me tell you that there is such a thing as delicious grits.

Well we came away from our trip south with an appreciation for architecture, soul food, and dolphins. Hopefully some day we can go back when the air is thick and the flowers are blooming.