A great father prioritizes being there

Ron Cain, Papa, keeps up to date on technology and the activities of the Cain Clan. At 68 he is still working at Carestream Health, as the oldest man in the office, and appreciated for his knowledge, patience, wisdom, and endurance. And where do we think he developed all of those great qualities? Being the father to six active kids surely required endurance and adaptability not mentioning perserverance and creativity in providing for our big family. Plus how much patience did he need to be in the house with five daughters, who went through teenhood in multiples. Did he ever regret leaving behind activities like hunting, fishing, and golfing enjoyed by other men because they required time and money away from the family? Did he regret leaving behind his days of sports cars for the station wagons, vans, and minivans
required for a big family? His answer is no because when he became a father that became his first priority. Though quiet in his manner, and prone to impromptu naps, Dad's first priority has always been the needs of his family and being there to support their growing and accomplishments. As displayed in the last pictures, he continues in his dedication as a Dad.

People ask him when he is going to retire, and he just chuckles. People also can't believe how old he is. There must be a link. For him the fountain of youth is being a great dad.

Birthday Math, 24 and 3 make Aunt Sheryl and Alex

Our birthday celebration for Sheryl and Alex was

a little short on Cain Clan attendees but big in good food and a fun time. There was a big difference between Sheryl's and Alex'reaction to lighted birthday candles. But I bet several of us can remember Sheryl having similar reaction at 3 years old. Alex definitely has some of her shy qualities or we could assume he might be trying telepathic candle blowing. He also became a little confused on the to and from idea with the birthday bags, and tried giving the bags to the givers. However, he soon found the correction and loved all his gifts, particularly the toys, the dinosaur train and Elmo from Aunt Sheryl and Mike, the specaial drinking cup and toys from Aunt Nat and Mike, the Thomas Train umbrella and back pack and leggo blocks from Nana and Papa and his Thomas Train set from Zach. His two wheel bike from Zach was defective and will be replaced soon. Holly liked all the new clothes he received. Sheryl received grown up stuff, funny cards, gift cards, clothes, a rug, and some grown up treats, nuts and yogurt treats and a wind chime.

Amidst all the birthday gift flurry Papa was in the background trying to make a skype connection with Zach so he could talk with Alex. But, the new headset and mike were defective. Holly made the connection with her cell phone and Alex did, for the first time, not shy away but talked with Zach for several minutes.

We missed all those who could not be here with us and are all excited that we will be getting together in late July when Lauren and Sean come home. Can we all believe that Sheryl is 24? Alex is 3? And time marches on to more birthdays and more reasons to be thankful.

Ahh, Vacation

     Ahh, vacation. Just what we needed. We spent a week at Emerald, Isle beach in NC.  We stayed in a condo complex only just a short walk from the beach and right next door to the pool. With two small kids it was so nice  to be close to both the pool and the beach.
     The weather was great, warm and sunny the whole week. The kids spent at least half the day in the water. We all built sand castles, hunted for shells and waded in the warm water. We also got to see Carl's family as they live about 40 minutes from the beach.
     On Wednesday we took the kids to the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium. North Carolina has 3 state aquariums and we've been to two. I highly recommend them. We spent half the day at Pine Knoll Shores. The kids got to touch sting rays, horseshoe crabs, turtles and starfish. One of the shows featured a question answer session with a diver as he was in the giant floor to ceiling tank with a sunken ship replica and tons of giant fish including sharks. Grace got to ask a question about sharks to the diver in the tank.
     One of the great things about NC is the sea food. We ate at a place called the Crab Shack. The seafood came right off the boats that were docked behind the restaurant. Marshall is going to be the kid in the family that hates seafood. He would only eat french fries.
     On Thursday Grandma and Grandpa took the kids swimming at Aunt Becky's house which gave Carl and I the day together. We spent some time at the beach and then had relaxing time back at the condo. Later, Carl's family stopped at one of the many fish mongers and bought fresh shrimp, scallops and grouper. We had a giant seafood fest (don't worry, Marshall had Chef Boyardee and was very happy.)
    There were other things to do but Carl and I observed that the kids were perfectly happy digging in the sand or swimming in the pool. One of the nice things about have a 2 and six year old is it doesn't take much to keep them occupied and happy.

Grace used this sifter to look for small shells in the surf

Giant turtle outside of the aquarium

Don't worry, we didn't really get eaten by this shark.

Fishing boats behind the restaurant

Carl's parents got the kids a really cool sandcastle building set.

Marshall's got surprised by a wave.

    After putting the kids to bed Carl and I would sit in the rocking chairs on the balcony and listen to the waves. I never got tired of that. Coastal, NC has always been one of my favorite places.
   

We love the Beach!

Just a few pics from our vacation.  I'll write more and post more pictures when we get back home.

Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium

After a seafood dinner at the Crab Shack. 

Beach was pretty empty.

Kids had a blast!