Life's a Beach!

We took our annual trip to Emerald Isle during track out for a relaxing week at the beach. The weather was beautiful with temperatures in the low 80s and sunshine every day but one. The girls enjoyed jumping in the ocean, searching for seashells, splashing in the pool, and looking at the starry sky at night. We even had the opportunity to have my previous boss and his wife over for dinner. They were vacationing the same week, about 4 miles away. It was great catching up...it had been 4 years since I last saw them

Here are some highlights from our trip. Thanks again to Grampy and Grammy for a wonderful week!

All Aboard!

After three weeks at home, Kate and Mark tracked back in for another 9 weeks of school. While home we enjoyed several fun and memorable family adventures! Our first adventure took us to Blowing Rock, NC to the Tweetsie Railroad, an amusement-type park with rides, shows, and a real coal locomotive. The girls had a blast! Lauren wasn't fond of the mock Wild West reenactments on the train ride, but eventually she joined in on the fun and rode several kid rides with Kate.

Here are just a few photos from our day. Enjoy!

Preschool Bound

Today was Lauren's first official day of preschool. She and I attended her orientation on Tuesday, in which we met her two teachers and the other girls in the class. Before leaving for school, we took Lauren's picture sporting her new pink backpack. Kate wanted to take one of Lauren and I as well.

Upon arriving at school, we hung Lauren's backpack in her cubby. She then quickly headed off to the toys to start playing. I snapped one last picture and pulled her away from the toys long enough to give her a kiss goodbye.

On the way to school Lauren was very curious as to what I was going to do all morning with both of them in school. She keeps telling me, "When you go home, Mommy, there won't be any kids in the house." That's right, Lauren. But don't worry, Mommy will miss both of you while you're gone.

Birthday Party...Take 1

For some reason, the past two years have lent themselves to two parties for Kate celebrating her special day. We have the family party and then a "friend" party as well. Our family celebration was the Friday prior to her birthday. With 20+ people, we definitely had a full house.

A month ago, I thought I was going to get off the hook in terms of the cake. Kate decided she wanted a simple heart-shaped cake. I couldn't believe my ears! After Ariel last year and Tinkerbell the year before, this was going to be a "piece of cake." But, that changed when she decided she'd rather have a Barbie cake. To some the cake may look as though Barbie is jumping out of the frosted creation. Yet, it is supposed to be the bottom of her dress. Have any of you realized how tall Barbies are lately?! Nonetheless, Kate thought the cake was beautiful...which in a mother's eyes, is all that matters.


Kate received wonderful gifts and plenty of activities to keep us busy when she tracks out this week. Thanks to everyone that made her birthday so special.