OBX 2008

Owen's footprint in the sand

We just got back from spending a week in the Outerbanks! This year was probably the best so far! It's so hard to come home and get back to reality. Every year we go down and every year since Owen has been born, we have had a different experience with him. When Owen was 16 months old, he was fearless. He crawled as fast as he could to the ocean, we literally were running after him to stop him and for what ever reason, he loved eating the sand! The following year Owen was 2 and wouldn't even touch the sand with his toes! He screamed and hollered to get off the beach and the pool wasn't any better for him. However, by the end of that week, he finally got comfortable enough at the pool to play on the steps.

This year has been a completely new and exciting experience for little Owen. He loved jumping off the side of the pool into whoever would react fast enough to catch him. He played motor boat with his dad & uncle. And we even got him to practice doggy paddling (with a lifevest on). Almost everyday, I had to bribe him just to get out of the pool. And he loved the beach just as much as the pool. Everyday, he begged us to take him to the beach to build sand castles and play in the water. The only problem with that was we were on the sound side and the beach was a long enough distance away that I refused to walk to it being 7 months pregnant and feeling like a giant whale. So we would drive and I have never hated sand as much as I do NOW! I didn't know how hard sand is to get out of a car. I now have a clear understanding why my husband would rather pay someone to try to get it out instead of attempt it himself. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! At least it was with the vaccum I used.

All fussiness aside, we have made some beautiful memories for our family and I can't wait to go back next year and do it again. Here are a bunch of pictures of our trip. Enjoy!

It feels like summer!

Where did spring go? I heard on WTOP that by Friday, the temperature will climb into the mid 90's. Are you kidding me! Can we please have a few more 70 & 80 degree days before we get into the 90's! It's only the beginning of June! I'm pregnant and refuse to turn on my AC (for now) because my utilities are already expensive enough. I would love to have a summer with the temperature at 72 all season long. I guess I'll keep dreaming! Time to break out the swimming suits!

Today we went to the Rio and even though it was hot outside, we had a nice breeze by the water. Owen loved walking around the pond, feeding the ducks and geese and climbing on the rocks. After 2 hours I had to insist that it was time to go. He was not happy with me. Luckily I had a "Special Treat" in the car waiting for him. I use juice or chocolate milk as his "Special Treat" to lure him to listen to me. It's funny because it's not like I don't give him these things on a regular basis, but I guess by calling it a special treat it entices him.

Here are some photos of our family. The first set is of my mom and her fiance visiting us from Florida last week. The next set of pictures are of Owen earlier today. Hope ya'll enjoy them. Keep cool, I think this summer is going to be a doozie.

It's a Baby!

I went to the specialists my OB recommended yesterday and they used a high resolution sonogram. It was really cool. We got to see details of the baby that I never saw with Owen. The technician asked if I wanted to know what we were having, but by the time I had an answer she said, too late the baby moved! Oh well, maybe next time. Here's a cool profile shot. Sorry if the picture doesn't look that clear, I had to first copy it to cross out some personal info and then scan it, but you get the idea that it's a baby.

Vacation in Asheville

We went to Asheville, NC for our vacation last week. We had so much fun! We went to Biltmore Estates to see "the BIG house" as Owen says and to get to tour the grounds. It was gorgeous with all the flowers in bloom. We went on hikes and had little adventures which Owen loved.

The beginning of the week, every morning Owen would ask if today was going to be the day we go back home and then by the end of the week, he was telling us he wasn't going home. Owen definitely keeps things interesting! Here are some pictures of our trip. Enjoy!

-The Kemp's

Owen is growing up too fast!

Tomorrow my baby will turn 3 years old!!!!!! I can't believe how fast the time has gone and how much he's changed. He went from being a very calm and quiet baby to an energetic and NOT so quiet little boy. He loves to play and have fun. His newest thing to say to me is "you want to play this game with me" and typically it's something involving make believe animals. Owen loves to go to church. Every morning, as I'm getting ready he asks me if we can go to church today and then later he'll tell me he WANTS to go to church! I love it! Theses are pictures we took of Owen last week at Seneca Park. Jason was able to get off work early, so the 3 of us hopped in the car and set off on our little adventure. Sorry for all the pictures of Owen with his tongue hanging out like a dog, he likes to twirl his tongue and lately we've been catching it on film.