Sam and the Ballgame

My best friend came in from Arkansas last week to spend about a week and a half with us. I tried to welcome her to North Carolina by allowing her to experience every facet of Carolinian lifestyle. We took her to Southeastern, to a Mudcats game and to the beach, to name a few.

I haven't felt so American as I did the day we went to a ball game. It was fantastic to hear the Star spangled Banner sung and eat dogs while watching a game. Man, I love America.

We took a short jaunt over to the beach on Tuesday. It took about two and a half hours and Sam did great during the trip, as usual. We went to Carolina Beach, but I think we regretted our decision later in the day. It turns out there is a big recreational facility near Kure Beach, right next to the Aquarium. We got to the Aquarium at 4:56 and it closed at 5pm, so they wouldn't let us in. We sent Julie in to beg and beg, but she just wasn't convincing enough.

So, we figure the next time we take a trip to the beach, we'll go to the Aquarium first, then hang out on the beach by the recreational facility (complete with restrooms and showers!). If anyone wants to take a day-trip out there, give me a call and I'll give you more details.

I love Sam's new swim trunks. They are camouflaged and long. I decided since we were in the ocean it was fine for him to go "commando." He did great. He fell asleep on the beach and we tucked him underneath a towel that was laying on the cooler. He slept for about an hour before Julie screamed out in fear from a teeny tiny jumping spider that happened to want a piece of her.

Here's a funny photo of Sam. I think he might have been looking at Julie, wondering what she was screaming at. I love the spiddle coming from his mouth. He cut a tooth the day after this was taken.

We ate at a great seafood restaurant for dinner and finally got home around 10pm.

Julie left on Thursday and I already miss her. I have really enjoyed being showered with love from all my friends and family here. We're having some friends over for a Carolina Treat cookout too. Bill and I stopped by a local produce stand after Bill's hike this morning and picked up fresh okra, corn, asparagus and zucchini. I weighed myself yesterday and it seems all of these culinary delights are really catching up with me! I've gained about four pounds since arriving in America.

Still, I do LOVE America!

Here are a few more pics that I think you'll enjoy. We went hiking at Umstead State Park one day. Isn't it amazing how much Bill and Sam look alike (although Sam is somewhat of a small person).

And here are Sam and me hanging out at the beach.

And here is the whole Klear-gang on Sunday morning. Julie takes such great photos!

Here is Julie and me the same morning at our house. Isn't Julie beautiful?

Fishing Trip

During the last week, Bill took a fishing trip with my twin brother Adam. By the way, I'd like to say "Happy Birthday, Adam" - it was his 31st yesterday. It was the first one we'd spent together in 11 years. I was thrilled to celebrate with him.

Well, Bill and Adam and another friend, Brandon, took off early on Tuesday morning to spend four days fishing in the Outerbanks. They stayed at a place called Calico Jack's.

This is Cape Lookout.

And here the three of them are together.




They caught bluefish, stingray, shark, and one Spanish Mackeral. By the looks of things, they had a fantastic time.

Action shots:





Check out the new depth finder. Adam was so proud. I bet it helped them land some big ones!



Here's Bill's first catch. He thought it might be his only one, so he had a photo taken.



But, he DID catch more. Here are some bluefish he caught. Pretty nice!






I hear Adam can really clean fish!




While they were busy catching our birthday dinner, Kendall and I stayed home with Sam. Kendall started a new job this week, so I made it my mission to fill her full of good food at the end of the day. I think I was successful.

Sam is creeping now. I can't believe how mobile he is. It is always a surprise when I leave the room for a moment and come back to find him under the coffee table. He loves making me laugh too. His little personality is really starting to come out.

Check out this photo of Sam being held up to a painting of my great uncle, Bubba. He died when he was six years old of Polio. My Great Uncle Jack keeps saying he can't wait to see Sam when he's six years old, so he can compare them then. I think they look really similar, but Bill just doesn't see it.

Let me know what you think!

South Carolina

Okay, this isn't from our trip to South Carolina, but I forgot to post it when it happened. Is this disgusting or what? Sam was sick during the month of April. I've never seen anything like it.



We went to South Carolina last week for some speaking engagements. While we were there, we got to celebrate my birthday (June 2) with Bill's aunt's birthdays (both June 6). We went to Pine Island and had a great time.




Here is Sam with his Mamaw Taylor. She made him laugh like I can make him laugh. I was greatly impressed.