And she loved the beach...

When I started this blog and named it Liddy Cakes I knew someday I'd have to write this post and that it would break my heart in two - but that's the price of love. On Monday, June 17 we had to say see you later (we don't do goodbyes in our house) to our sweet Liddy girl. We knew she wasn't doing so well and had hoped a trip to one of her favorite places - Rodanthe - would breathe new life into her - but rather she made it clear to us that instead this would be the place she'd stay forever. 

Even though you know the inevitability of having a dog you can never really prepare yourself for how it will actually feel when everything you are doing is for the last time - laying with them, holding them, smelling them, kissing them - it's torture and it's beautiful and it's a gift all at the same time. 

We made sure everyone had their time with her - including Sadie whom we knew could sense something was not right. It's not my place to say how anyone else in the family was feeling - but I will say it was a bonding experience like none other - so silver linings here and there. 

I'll never forget those last moments with her - tears flowing yet trying to be as strong as I could be for her - telling her how much we loved her - what an amazing dog she was - how much I'd miss her laying on my legs while I'd nap - apologizing for all the things I was sure we'd done wrong - knowing very well she would never have accused us of anything but giving her the best life possible. 

Liddy was truly a lover - she loved her doggie friends (Wasaki, Casper, Keegan, Snowflake, Jeter, Layla, Zibby, Holly to name a few), and while she was unsure of Adam when we brought him home - she sure did learn to love him and I know she sensed something was wrong while we waited for Harper to come home as she was constantly by my side and she greeted him with warmth and love when we finally did.

There wasn't anyone who would come to our house that didn't end up with a Liddy girl on their lap. She welcomed everyone with a bark (thanks Chappies!! sigh) and once you sat down - there she was. She was probably happiest with her head on someones lap - and I'm eternally grateful that a majority of the time - it was my lap she was on. 

Her greatest gift to us was passing on to Sadie all the wonderful things about herself. She taught Sadie boundaries, how to be loving and sweet (and to never bite!), and we all took so much comfort knowing that the best of Liddy would live on in our sweet Sadie lady. 

We'll remember her always when we come across the things that brought Liddy joy - like swimming, running, boating, chasing tennis balls, Liddy Cakes, peanut butter, Wintergreen, Lake Anna, Myrtle Beach, being a Virginia Tech tailgater of the game, wine (yes, we'd let her lick out of our glasses), Doggie Happy Hours, bananas, and on and on - a joyful pup she was. 

No one loves you the way a dog does. The happiest greeting you'd receive when you'd arrive home regardless of being gone for 2 weeks or 3 hours came from Liddy. She made her love for our family known every moment of the day...and of course we know she loved the beach....

(Liddy filled past blog posts found here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here...so thankful for this forum which serves as a memory keeper for our family - Liddy lives on in our hearts and on this blog) 

OBX 2019 Edition...Part II...

There's nothing like making the drive to the beach - everyone is excited and all the landmarks that help us count down to our arrival are greeted with such enthusiasm - there's the North Carolina border, the huge farmer's market, the bridge to over the inter coastal (where we always pray there is little wind!), the first ocean sighting as we enter Kitty Hawk, the turn to head out to Rodanthe, the bridge over Oregon Inlet (brand new & huge!), and then finally after a long stretch of just water on either side of us - we see the town of Rodanthe and a few miles later the entrance to Camp Hatteras. 

We scored a great site on the same side as last year - my numerous phone calls asking for the side should anything open up seemed to have paid off - and as soon as we got everything set up it was time to let the beach know we had arrived. 

Uncle Mark came down a day early and stayed in the camper with us. We enjoyed getting to introduce him to Camp Hatteras and to the gorgeous sunsets on the sound side. I look forward to those all year. 

The next day was Father's Day - not a terrible spot to celebrate - and we spent the day hanging out on the beach, swimming in the pool, and enjoying a crab and steamed shrimp dinner - just what Andy wanted. 

Unfortunately our beach week was about to take an unfortunate turn...

OBX 2019 Edition...Part I...

Well here we were again - packing up for our annual trip to the Outer Banks. Camper - check! Golf cart - check! Bikes - check! Boogie boards - check! Fire pit - check! Every. Other. Thing. Imaginable - check! I always laugh thinking what our neighbors must think of us as we spend two days loading everything up - but that's the camping life I suppose - want to be prepared for everything.

As per usual we did a pit stop two night stay at the Williamsburg KOA. We had our favorite site this time. We read, swam, enjoyed campfires, and of course lots of time spent at the jumping pillow and park. 

Adam and I ventured off to Busch Gardens on the Friday and had a great time riding all the rides - many multiple times due to small lines - and it was just a great Adam and Mom day. 

From there it was time to pack back up and head to the beach! 

Last day of 4th grade...

Adam had an exceptional year in 4th grade. I thought 3rd grade was a bit stepping stone but 4th seemed even bigger. His teacher was amazing - Mr. Tiwanna or Mr. T. He has a unique background in that he was originally a medical doctor and through the teaching he would have to do in that role he realized that was truly where his passion was. He truly treated the students like adults - mature conversations where he would relate what they were learning to current events taking place. I really appreciated that aspect of his teaching and I know it made an impact on Adam as well. 

4th grade, as it was when I was in it, is where you learn Virginia history. Adam had his highly anticipated field trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg earlier in the year and then they visited Richmond in the spring. So lucky to have such a great school that provides these hands on experiences for our children. 

In an end of year parent teacher conference that Mr. T requested to hold one on one with us he shared how much he enjoyed having Adam in his class. Told us that Adam was for sure a leader in the classroom - also very funny. He said he was really impressed by how well Adam learned and remembered the material and said he could honestly see him being a doctor someday (if he wants to of course!) Never hurts to hear such nice things about your child - of course he did also say he needs to work on his writing skills - so maybe I need to get him to do some guest posts on here - we'll see. 

So another fabulous school year was in the books for Adam! My goodness how much he grows and matures with each year. 

First day                                                Last day

Oh - and did we mention he applied for and got selected to be a patrol next year!? He was thrilled...and so were we. 

Bravo Adam - you make us so proud!