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Let's be dangerous D

It snowed only once this winter early in December while Nanny & Gramps were away in New Zealand, and little C took advantage of the fresh snow in their backyard to build his own Stormy. Weeks later at Christmas, when they weren’t chasing butterflies and guiding sailboats at the Durham life and science museum, Carson and his cousin Lilia were singing the lyrics and dancing to ‘Zero’ by Imagine Dragons. Little West was taking laps around the staircase and taking turns on the keyboard piano. Carson and Lil got to see the Canes/Whalers play, and she watched Carsy win a hockey championship, in his first game back since surgery! Carsy also fit in a fun ski trip near Blowing Rock with n+g, and Great Wolf Lodge with dad, where he cheered on a Patriots superbowl! Other visitors at the hotel would call him ‘the goat’. Recently, Carson played in his first ever Raleigh Speed travel roller hockey 10U tournament in McDonough, Georgia! After the 7 hour drive listening to tunes like the Spiderman song ‘Elevate’ and ‘Shank Hill’ by Shovels & Rope, he managed 6 goals in 4 games including a breakaway goal in the semifinal game off a ‘bomber’ play, helping his team win 3rd place out of 8. His goals were top shelf snipes, and he looked really dangerous all tournament. That reminds me, he teases me when I tell him to buckle his seatbelt in the car, saying ‘no, let’s be dangerous D’. It was a great trip that gave him time to hangout and bond with his teammate buddies and play in the pool at the hotel. We also took advantage of the trip to visit Atlanta, saw the dolphin show at the aquarium and designed his own dough at Blue Moon Pizza. Back home in NC, Carson took part in a First in Fitness county-wide competition, and finished 4th in pull-ups (16) for his grade level! So proud to watch you compete buddy!

You're a Natural

It's been too long! Almost six months have flown by, starting off with Carson's 9th birthday at XL Sports, where he played floor hockey and busted a pinata with Nolan, Samantha, Evan and all of his buddies. Next it was time for his second ever roller hockey tournament, and this time his Dragons won the championship! Carson looked like a natural out there and won 'Top Goal Scorer' plus a gold medal to take home, and also played a game as goalie that ended in a 3-3 tie. Little buddy passed his EOG exams and finished up third grade no sweat! In the short break between grades, dad and C took a Carnival Cruise from Charleston to the Bahamas! According to Carson, it was like 'a whole new world' on the ship, and he would ask to see the nightly talent show in the Blue Sapphire lounge. C also enjoyed having our picture taken repeatedly by the on-ship photographers, and also ordering Arnold Palmers, and 'hot chocolate, hot, with whipped cream, hot, with chocolate' whenever dad got a coffee. The beaches on Princess Cays and Nassau were incredible, and Carson loved snorkeling and floating on a raft we rented. Before the summer was over, we managed to escape to Portland/Seaside,Oregon to see his cousins Lilia & West. The kids had a blast running miles on the sand and playing hide and seek at the condo. Back at home, Nolan joined Carson for a Bulls' game where spotted dancing the hype, floss and orange justice between plays. Carson also has increased his love for music, especially the Imagine Dragons variety like 'Natural', and looks forward to one day seeing the band live. Now 51 inches tall and 56 pounds this fall, Carson and dad fit in a trip to Universal Studios (E.T.!!!) and Volcano Bay, right before Halloween!, and surgery :( . Carson was 'Dash' of the Incredibles and laughed when one neighbor gave out pencils instead of candy. He's recovering like a pro, loves playing xbox NHL (put the biscuit in the basket!) and looking forward to getting back on his skates and seeing Lil/West at Christmas.