I turn (older than) 7...

I believe we've officially moved my birthday to September 4 - which is fine with me - I'm happy to be sandwiched in between two of my favorite boys. Andy planned a fun day for me which included a picnic at a new winery nearby - Stone Tower. It was gorgeous and the weather was showing off which made it even better. We also had a great dinner of braised short ribs and chocolate cake from Wegmans. A very happy birthday to me! 

Adam turns 7....

Why does seven seem so much older than six!? I'm not sure but let me tell you, it's rocking my world a bit. 

Adam turned seven the day we drove home from the Outer Banks. I knew he was going to feel a little bummed about spending much of his birthday in the car so we had a little surprise for him in the morning - a card and gift to open in the car! Inside - the new "Angry Birds" movie, which he had yet to see - and due to a tropical storm and traffic got to watch roughly 4 times on the drive home. :) He also got his first pumpkin scone of the season to enjoy for breakfast. 

Once we got home he was excited to see that the house was ready to celebrate! I had hung our "Happy Birthday" sign before we left and the presents were all purchased and wrapped ahead of time as well. For an extra bit of birthday flair, Aunt Kathleen was kind enough to drop off some awesome balloons - including a huge Darth Vader one - I think he was content just from that! 

Of course more surprises were on the way, including a chocolate chip pancake dinner - per the birthday boy's request. Then it was gifts which included a Star Wars blanket, a Star Wars thermos, and a Kylo Rren light saber - do you sense a theme!? 

Happy birthday Adam!! 

Grandma turns 70!

Sorry Mom, it's not really a secret is it!? :) 

While we were at the Outer Banks we got to celebrate Grandma's big 7-0! What better place to spend it than at the beach with all of her grandchildren!? 

There was sunshine, pool time, Dairy Queen ice cream (who needs cake?!), handmade cards, and lots of photos snapped. 

It was just the beginning of the celebration for my mom - aka Grandma - and let me tell you, she deserves it! 

Love you so much Mom! XOXO

Adam (and the rest of us!) go to OBX...

After being apart from Adam for a week we were so excited to be headed towards the Outer Banks for our beach trip and for part two of Adam's beach extravaganza! We decided to rent a house this year rather than taking our trusty and beloved camper. With Harper a house just allows more flexibility for nap time - especially when it comes with a pool! The house also came with a few other extras - a Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt and cousin! Woohoo! Helpers abound! 

We left a day early so we could cut our journey in half and also so we could visit Greg, Erica, Blake, Parker & Roxie at their new home in Edonton, NC. We had a wonderful visit with them and we just love their new home and town. Harper especially loved all the toys - and the girls of course. :) We can't wait to visit them again soon. 

After a great night with friends we were OBX (and Adam!) bound! We certainly packed just as much as we possibly could - and then some. Groceries were purchased, lunch was had, and finally it was time to check-in to our home "Carolina Daydream." It was a great house - plenty big, awesome pool, huge backyard and some gorgeous views of the sunsets over the sound at night. Adam will tell you his favorite part was the elevator - that was one of Grandpa's favorite parts too! ha! It actually did come in quite handy during un-packing and packing! 

Once we were all settled in to our house we spent the week having a blast enjoying the pool, relaxing in the water, kayaking, throwing the ball for the dogs in the backyard, going for walks, going for golf cart rides, eating ice cream, playing cards, eating some awesome food, visiting with friends (did I mention we got a bonus visit in with Greg, Erica, Blake & Parker?!) and just taking time to enjoy the last week of summer before school. 

We even got an end of week surprise with a tropical storm that blew through - needless to say that led to an eventful night of packing up all our stuff (remember we packed all of our belongings - ha!) which then led to some late night pool swimming for the whole family - wet clothes and all - and then an eventful drive home. What's vacation without a little adventure and a memorable send off? 

Until next time OBX! XO