FAMILY PICTURES

OUR TRIP TO THE OUTERBANKS

We just got back from our 2nd trip (this summer) down to the Outerbanks. Awhile ago, Jason asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I had told him I wanted to go back to the beach. When I said it, I never thought he would actually take me up on it. It ended up that we weren't able to go for my birthday, but going down on our anniversary is the next best thing. We had such a good time! It may have been a short vacation, but it was definitely needed. The weather was perfect and the water was warm! Just what we asked for. Sorry for all the pictures! We took so many, it was hard to choose which ones to post.

Our first day, we hung out at the beach and the pool all day. While we were at the beach, Gavin put sand in his mouth for the first time. He first leaned over and licked it and then put several fist fulls in his mouth. He didn't start crying until I cleaned out his mouth. I guess he liked the taste of it. In the evening we went to the sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge. While Owen was busy running up and over the dunes and not even breaking a sweat, Jason and I were desperately trying to catch our breathe while we tried to keep up with him. I never realized how big the dunes are! I think our first mistake was chasing after Owen.

For our 2nd day, in the morning we went down to Ocracoke. We took a 40 minute ferry and on the way, we saw about 10 dolphins in the water. I've never seen dolphins before, so it was really neat to watch them play in the water. Later in the afternoon, we went back to the beach and played and watched the sunset. Perfect way to celebrate our anniversary.

Our last day in the Outerbanks, we stopped by the stores that Jason has some of his jewelry in and then went up to Corolla to see Currituck Lighthouse. We had a picnic out on the lawn and then decided to climb the lighthouse, which we've never done before. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but once we got half way up I had to hand Gavin to Jason. Man that kid is heavy! The view was awesome! You could see just how close the sound and the ocean were. It was sad when we got on the road to go home, but like my father-in-law always says, "You have leave to be able to come back again!" I can't wait until next year!

PLAYING OUTSIDE

Yesterday the weather was PERFECT! Low 70's with a nice breeze. I'm so glad I had the day off. After I put Gavin down for a nap, I let Owen play outside. He had so much fun blowing bubbles and playing in the dirt. I even got a picture of him smiling! Whoa!

I AM THANKFUL FOR CLOTHES

For Sunbeams on Sunday, the lesson was I am thankful for food and clothes. One of the activities I had for the kids to do, we didn't have enough time for so I sent the kids home with it. This morning Owen was bouncing off the walls, so I suggested he do the activity from Sunday. I had already cut out the people and the clothes, all the kids had to do was glue the clothes onto the man and woman. Anything that involves painting, coloring, gluing or cutting Owen is happy as a clam with. So I handed Owen the glue and the cut outs and he was in Heaven. He got a little goofy dressing the woman. He said he wanted to see her shoulders. Whatever I'm not gonna worry about it!

Gavin wanted to see what was going on.

A DAY AT THE RIO

Today I promised Owen I would take him to the Rio to ride the train. They have this little train that takes you around the pond. Owen loved it! Afterwards, Owen kept asking if he could have another turn, but I convinced him to let the other kids have a turn instead. That just means next week we'll have to do it again.  

When we were done with the train, I pulled out Owen's scooter and we went around the pond. It was fun, we fed the ducks and for the most part Owen did well riding his scooter around when he wasn't almost running people over with it. I thought back to this time last year when I was 8 months pregnant and tried to take Owen to the Rio to walk. "Tried" is a good word to describe that horrible experience. I think I spent more time sitting than walking. I don't know what I was thinking!

He looks so annoyed at me. I think he just wanted me to stop taking pictures so he could ride his scooter. 

Bribing him with chocolate finally got him to smile at the camera... sorta!

At the end of a great day, I put the kids in the tub together. We started doing this about a month ago and I've been meaning to take a camera with me, but I always forget. Luckily, Jason was close by and was able to get mine for me. The kids have so much fun splashing each other and playing with bath toys. 

I wish I could be a kid again. Life is so easy when your little!