August 28, 2021 "Big catch"

Rayden was so good his first week of school that we decided to take him on a little adventure. "Uncle G" (Gerome Heath) wanted to take Rayden fishing on his boat. We left Friday after school to spend the night at a hotel (which Rayden loves more than anything). We got up real early the next morning to go fishing in the Pamlico Sound. It was such a beautiful day. Rayden was super excited when he got a huge bite on his little Zebco rod. He fought that fish for quite a while. Michael talked him through it and held the line a little so the fish wouldn't pull the rod out of Rayden's hands. They went from one side of the boat to the other trying very hard not to lose the fish. Uncle G got the net. He was so excited I thought he was going to fall in! After measuring, weighing and picture taking it was official. Rayden caught his first Red Drum, a 22" keeper. Later that day, I got in on the action and caught a 27" Red Drum. What a day! 

August 23, 2021 "First day of Kindergarten"

Ready for a Great Kindergarten Year! 

Although we had to begin the school year wearing masks, Rayden was very excited to finally get back in the building. Last year we made M&M cookies for staff members on the first day of school so he thought that was something we needed to do every year. He said it was "First day of school homework!" This year we made Ooey Gooey Bars. 

 

July 24, 2021 "18th Annual Chickensnake Blackfish Tournament"

Rayden was nominated to be the recipient of the 18th Annual Chickensnake Blackfish Tournament. I was surprised because I had never heard of this before and it is right here in our community. We were honored to accept the nomination. 

The tournament began at 8am with 69 teams signing up! Everyone left at 9am to begin fishing for blackfish. We were told that Rayden was the first recipient to be able to attend and actually fish in the tournament. Even though Rayden, Papa, and I tried very hard, we were unable to catch anything. Michael and Uncle G caught 5 fish. Weigh in began at 5pm. They set up a chair for Rayden to watch all the fish being weighed in. He was amazed at how big some of the fish were. 

Everyone enjoyed a chicken or BBQ dinner, followed by tons of raffle prizes and door prizes. Rayden enjoyed pulling out every raffle ticket. He was soon awarded a new, red fishing pole and minnow bucket before they called Michael and myself to the front. When they presented us with a super large check for $23,358 I almost fainted! They said this was the largest tournament they have ever had with the most money raised as well. 

Justin Williams and Ethan Barefoot did a fabulous job heading up the tournament. There were so many passionate volunteers working behind the scenes as well. They even decorated everything with Rayden's favorite color, red. Words cannot express how touched we were by everyone's generosity and compassion. Rayden has been through so much in his little life already, and it is priceless to see him smile. 

Justin Williams brought the benefit check to our house September 21. It was actually MORE than they originally said! $24,685.00. AMAZING!!!!