"Extra"-ordinary Day!

I know most would say, "Michael, Why do you not just call it an extrordinary day?" Well, because, this day was EXTRA special!

We had the pleasure to worship this morning at our church, have lunch with family, watch our home team win their football game, and spend time with friends. Yet, with all of this excitement, the most extra special part was in the evening with just us, we watched Megan & Jacob play.

Jacob is improving on his ability to balance and take a few steps at a time. It is so cool to see him grow.

Megan also did something special that brought tears to my (Michael) eyes. Rebecca has been working with Megan to recite John 3:16. Well, tonight Megan said it all by herself. I wept with overwhelming joy, because there are times when it seems to all make sense.

Rebecca & I get to learn and celebrate Jacob's steps as a little boy wobbling towards us. We also rejoice over Megan's steps as a "big" girl towards an understanding that Jesus came to save the World.

I am so proud of my wife and all of her hard work in teaching Megan these words. We pray, and ask for your prayers, that these words will permiate into her little heart early in her life so she will recognize that Jesus loves her so much and wants her to know Him.

As a husband, I am proud. As a father, I am proud. As a child of God, I am amazed.

Annual Cherry Family Maggie Valley Trip

After much anticipation we finally got to Maggie Valley! We always have such a great time while we are there. We did the usual rounds of visiting The Mast General store, the Main street festival (the kettle corn was even better this year), the apple stand, Joey's Pancake house (omigosh, so good!!!), Granny's Chicken Palace (Jacob got to join in this year, last year I was on meds to keep him in the oven a bit longer), a winding drive through the mountains, a hike to a gorgeous waterfall, etc. Mom and Dad (Grandma & Grandpa Cherry); Christi, Jeremy, Kaitlyn, and Zachary; Sarah; Michael, Megan, Jacob and I were all there. Andy was there in spirit:) WE MISSED YOU ANDY!

Again it was wonderful!

Megan is so good with Jacob, she want to show him everything and really enjoys playing with him.

Jacob thought he was going to enjoy a few dandelions... he was wrong!

Megan is used to posing for mommy to take her picture. She was running up these stairs to go on a hike and obligingly sat for me to take this picture. She was quick to get back to her mission as soon as I was done.

We spent a while at this stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We were so high up that we were standing in the clouds at some points. They would roll right past us and around us. It was very cool! We stopped at almost every other "Scenic overlook" on our way. Michael and I were in awe of God's creation, it was fun getting to share it with the kids, and each other.