Family Beach Trip 2015: Duck, NC

We had a blast this September on our first-ever combined family beach trip to Duck, NC. Hoping to make it an annual tradition.

We were so excited to make these pictures dressed in white on the ocean. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate (although I don't regret using the good weather days at the beginning of the trip to enjoy the beach!) There's always next year! The photo failure was almost ironic after I went to such lengths to make sure the kids matched because I forgot the suitcases with Archie's and Grace's clothes! (Packing fail.) Thankfully, friends and family helped out.

Archie was not shortchanged on birthday celebrations this year. Yet another eighth birthday party at the beach!

Good friends:

We love grandparents! 

And siblings!

And having fun!

 

Our excursion to Jockey's Ridge let us see nature at its finest and give thanks to our Creator.

Happy 70th Birthday, Grandma!

Grandma was certainly surprised when we arrived in town a day early to throw her a party. She didn't know we were there until she walked in the door. Many thanks to Jada for hosting and all Grandma's wonderful friends who came out to make the day really special. 

Grandma and her favorite little buddy

Grandma and her other buddies

Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day 2015 + Grant's Life at 14 mo.

Happy Cow Day! Hope you enjoyed some good chicken.

     This was our family's first Cow Appreciation Day in several years that didn't have perfect attendance. Archie had one of his cyclic vomiting syndrome cycles, so it was just Daddy, Grace and Grant. Grant thoroughly enjoyed his second Cow Appreciation Day and devoured most of his kids' meal.

   
     Speaking of Grant, he is a thriving 14.5 month old. He is a big babbler and is learning to use the words Mama, Dada, Ah-chee (Archie), and eat (sounds something like EEAAATUH). I think the eat word is my favorite. It just sounds so primal.
     There's not much this boy loves better than a good meal, and his full-figured frame certainly shows it. Seriously, is there anything cuter than a pudgy baby? He is actually quite well-proportioned as his height is off-the-charts.
     He is a speed crawler but still not into walking. He has learned to climb furniture (and stand on it) so I think I am officially in for trouble.
     His favorite hobby is swimming in the pool (or bathtub). He is rather fearless in water. If I put one hand on the wall, he will reach out his other hand, grab the wall, and hang on by himself. A little water in the face is no big deal. He even goes under sometimes! He's learning to float on his back but is still not quite sure about that one.
     We're just happy because he's Grant and because he's FINALLY figured out sleeping through the night.

Happy Father's Day 2015

I am a blessed lady to have spent the day with both my husband and father-in-law. They are two special fathers in my life! Wish I could have been with my Dad, too! Happy Father's Day going out to Tennessee!

Myrtle Beach 2015: Grant's First Beach Trip

Grant LOVES the beach! When we first went out this morning, there was a long two-inch puddle by a sand bar. He loved it! Later, when the tide came in and the water was deeper, he still loved it! I think I'll have an early swimmer!

Grace loves it, too - especially digging holes. She also loves the mini lazy river at our hotel.

If you're wondering why Archie isn't in our family picture, he's at his first sleep-away camp in North Carolina. He started having fun as soon as we arrived, and we anticipate that continuing all week. Here he is at the putt-putt course. He has a buddy from Maryland with him.

Happy Birthday, Daddy! You Are Speshiel!

The kids went all out for Hunter's birthday today. They taped little letters and surprises to the front door. Best of all, Grace decorated the driveway. "You are speshel to me Daddy" Best of all, she told me she had to write that instead of "Happy Birthday" because she didn't know how to spell Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Resurrection Day: From Our Family to Yours!

Pumpkins in the Pumpkin Patch

One of my favorite things about fall (which is not one of my favorite seasons) is our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. I love taking my three little pumpkins on a hayride and taking their pictures (even if the picture taking is not their favorite part)! What a great day!