A week at the beach

We spent last week on a wonderful vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We stayed at this beautiful resort right on the water. This year we took a day trip 2 hours south to Charleston. We had a quick lunch at the famous Hyman's Seafood restaurant and had homemade ice cream in the general store downstairs. Then we took a carriage tour of the historic district and saw all those amazing houses and gardens.







Now Charleston is definitely a charming town, but it is HOT! And according to the locals it hadn't even gotten as hot as it was going to get yet. Honestly, we were melting. I think the humidity was about 117% which I guess is why the gardens are so lovely. It's one huge greenhouse down there. After walking from the Market we found a great fountain at the Waterfront Park which we couldn't resist.







Then it was back to the beach for the rest of the week.









Christoph and I were able to successfully pull off a surprise we'd been planning since January and had Garrett join us for the second half of the week. Needless to say, Elise was shocked when Garrett swam up behind her in the pool, popped out of the water, and said "Hi!" She almost fainted. Literally. It was great to have him with us.









Garrett brought along just a few hats....

Of course putt-putt golf is always part of our vacation at the beach.





At the end Elise and Garrett tied for first place, much to Elise's delight. Not that they're competitive or anything. (Ha!)

Eating steamed crabs is another tradition for us, but nobody in Myrtle Beach knows how to do real Maryland steamed blue crabs. Last year we found a Phillips down there so that has become a favorite place for us.





We spent the last two days of vacation at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Since practically every single ride involves water, I didn't bring my camera to the park. Christoph, the girls, and Garrett tried valiantly to get me to go on Apollo's Chariot and Alpengeist with them but to no avail. (The Griffon was closed due to "Technical Difficulties." Yipes!) Even Evelyn went on Apollo's Chariot. Twice! I think I did pretty well on Big Bad Wolf and Loch Ness Monster. Maybe next year....

I miss it already.

Secret Psyche

Evelyn made Invitationals for the swim team. Each year the kids pick names for their "Secret Psyche" and and secretly give each other gifts during the week preceding the final meet. Evelyn's Secret Pysche left notes on our driveway and really fun gifts for her almost daily.

She loved coming home to new surprises....

....and more notes on the driveway!

At the Invitational Meet her Secret Psyche was revealed! Thanks for making her week so much fun, Corinne!

Preparing to swim



She swam 25 meter freestyle and butterfly. Here she is about to swim the first leg in the final 150 meter freestyle relay as Kendall cheers her on.

Well done Ev!

The poster and sunglasses were more gifts from Corinne that Ev found waiting for her at the pool the morning of the meet.



Spending the summer at swim practices and meets with you Glabs has been a wonderful highlight for our family. You're the greatest!! We love you!

CLC Youth Missions Trip 2008

Please keep this group in your prayers this week as they head down to serve at Rancho 3M Christian Orphanage and School in Guadalupe, Mexico.



Have a great time, girls. I miss you already!

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:58

A summer spent swimming

I think Evelyn has found her favorite thing to do - swim. Kim encouraged me to sign Evelyn up for swim team this summer and it's been a great source of delight for her. She is more than willing to get up early for practice every morning no matter how cold the water is. As long as she's in it, she's happy.








Evelyn was thrilled at a recent meet when both Elise and Garrett came to cheer her on.

Christiana and Evelyn: joined at the hip. You almost never see one without the other.

All the Glab girls are fantastic swimmers, but I particularly enjoy watching Kendall swim. She's a powerhouse swimmer.

Corinne cheering Kendall on.

Kendall at the end of a race, completely spent. She went on to win the 50 m breastroke.

Janelle and Kendall have played on a summer league basketball team together, but Kendall missed their last game to swim at the meet. Janelle came by after her game to root for her buddy (and her little sister.)

Ev, I love watching you work so hard at swimming. I love getting up early and heading to the pool with you while your sisters are still sleeping. And I love watching you compete at swim meets with such diligence.

(Thanks for taking our picture, Christiana.)

Kids and summer

A healthy heritage - hopefully

I spent Father's Day lounging on the couch watching the U.S. Open with my wonderful husband and my dad. My dad is a golfer. He loves golf and he is one of the healthiest people I know. He has survived physical trials like severe and debilitating childhood asthma, being thrown to the street from a Rumble Seat after WWII, and cancer, to name just a few. He began jogging over 60 years ago. He continues to walk/run daily. My dad lives on the 5th floor of an apartment building. Recently he lamented to me, "You know, I often take the stairs up to my apartment. Of course I take the stairs two at a time. Sometimes I get winded when I reach my floor." Just last week my dad competed in a golf tournament at Laytonsville Golf Course in 85 degree heat. He told me, "I found I could only finish 9 holes. I was astounded how tired I was after only 9 holes! This 'age' thing is really getting in my way."

My dad turns 86 years old in August. Unbelievable. I love you, Dad.

Class of 2008

I got to attend Reid's graduation yesterday and the memory is one that will no doubt stay with me forever. Reid was the sole graduate of his class. It was standing room only and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Be sure to read Drew's eloquent description of the amazing staff at Longview School.

He was honored during the ceremony by his teachers, most of whom were close to tears at the prospect of having to see him go after teaching him for so many years. Reid was literally surrounded by adoring fans and doting teachers throughout the reception afterwards.

Congratulations, Reid! You continue to amaze and humble me.