Hop, hop, hoppity HOP!

Contrary to this photo, we Brinsons had a wonderful Easter! This photo was our attempt at a capturing sibling love, but clearly, we failed miserably. Thank goodness art doesn't imitate reality, as Amelia and Noah really do get along famously.

Much to Amelia's delight, the Easter Bunny remembered she'd be at her GG's house for the holiday. She was very concerned that she wouldn't get an Easter basket. GG, aka "Easter Bunny", surprised the kids with the most wonderful collection of holiday treats. Amelia and Noah were thrilled!

Lee and I even received special treats, thus reinforcing our belief in the bunny. The bunny also brought me a delightful bonus gift... a wonderful Sunday afternoon nap - thanks GG!

We all had a fantastic weekend in Salisbury. Yet again, Burt and Gayle took exceptional care of our family, fed us like kings, and gifted us with special treats. We are very lucky!

Salisbury Final Four Fun

While Lee was rootin' on the Heels in San Antonio (aka "working"), the kids and I were doing the same in Salisbury... but, we were having way more fun!

Burt and Gayle took fabulous care of us while Lee was away. As much as we were looking forward to having him come home, it was hard to leave their beautiful new home.

Amelia loved sneaking up to Grandad's loft area to hang-out with him, eating bag after bag of Cheerios. Her other favorite place was GG's sunroom.

We ate delicious meals, explored Salisbury, played around the house, and visited with friends. One afternoon, Anne Phillips came to play and share dinner. She's the granddaughter of Burt and Gayle's good friends, the Crawfords. The girls had a grand time playing princess, dancing, and enjoying yummy ice cream cake for dessert.

Somehow we survived the Tar Heel loss. Probably because we had GG and Grandad to distract us. Amelia is hoping that Dad goes on a trip again real soon, so she can head back to Salisbury for an extended stay. We all can't wait to go back!

Visiting with Scott

Great news... Scott's home for a quick visit! Last April, two weeks after Amelia was born (3/14/05), Scott (Lee's brother) was deployed to Afghanistan for the second time. (This is his third tour in almost as many years - two in Afghanistan; one in Iraq.) He is to serve one year overseas, but has come home for a brief two-week leave. There was no sweeter site than to lay eyes on him at Charlotte airport last Saturday (10/15/05). Amelia and I joined Burt and Gayle (Lee and Scott's mom & dad) to greet him and start the celebration.

(PHOTO: Welcome home Uncle Scott! Charlotte, NC - 10/15/05 - JKB)

The good folks at Delta gave Burt and Gayle a pass to get through security and they were able to meet Scott at the gate. Delta knows how to win the heart of a soldier's mom! Amelia and I waited in baggage claim, happily playing on the floor. Upon seeing Scott come down the escalator, Amelia let out a big giggle - she's knows a good thing when she sees it! The sweetest part was watching the reactions of other travelers. It's hard to miss a handsome soldier traveling in his BDU's. Add in a baby - who everyone thought was Scott's daughter - and everyone will notice. Scott received many "thanks for what you're doing over there" comments from folks as we headed to the car.

Soon we were off to Salisbury. Scott was craving a shower, Outback, and some well deserved sleep. He was also excited about setting up his new computer - ordered online while over in Afghanistan, imagine that. We've been able to spend lots of time with him during his leave - down in North Myrtle Beach for Cousin Hilary's wedding (recap post coming soon!) and for three Carolina Hurricane's games here in Raleigh.

It will be hard to say good-bye on Halloween when Scott heads back overseas. We're proud of the job he's doing and are grateful folks like him are serving our country. We look forward to his homecoming early next year (2006), when his tour is finally over.

(PHOTO: Let the fun begin! Salisbury, NC - 10/15/05 - JKB)