Outer Banks

Last weekend we took a little family trip to the Outer Banks. At first it was looking like it was going to be raining all weekend, but the sun ending up coming out Saturday and was beautiful most of the day. Apart from a few typical tantrums from Riser, we had a great time! 

We stayed in a little motel right on the beach that a lot of friends in our neighborhood recommended. It is nothing fancy but it was clean, family friendly, and affordable - all we needed!

It was very convenient to be right on the beach.

There were also plenty of places to eat within walking distance. We went to Jack Browns for some burgers the first night.

Our hotel had a little playground (complete with pirate ship) that the kids loved.

There was also a pool which we used a lot.

Dry and snuggling up after swimming in the rain on Friday.

Saturday morning was also supposed to be super rainy so we took the kids to the NC Aquarium of Roanoke Island. Riser couldn't believe all the fish he was seeing.

His two favorite animals are monkeys and turtles.

We all got to touch sea urchins for the first time which was pretty cool.

After the aquarium the sun was out so we went out on the beach. Riser didn't last long before it was clear he needed a nap so I stayed and built sand castles with Bonnie while Eric stayed with Riser.

After the beach we played in the pool for a bit then actually met up with a family from our neighborhood who happened to be staying nearby.

We went out for pizza for dinner and got ice cream after. 

We took an evening walk on the beach which the kids loved, and it was so beautiful out. 

The kids got to stay up super late playing on the playground with other kids, and they slept in great the next day. 

On our last morning we played a little more on the playground, took one last walk on the beach and drove back home. We are definitely deep into the terrible twos with Riser, which still makes stuff like this hard sometimes, but overall it was a really great trip!  

Blueberry picking

Recently we ventured to College Run Farms to go blueberry picking. It's always a fun excuse to ride the ferry and get some delicious ice cream! It was an incredibly hot day but we had a great time and made a yummy blueberry cobbler afterward.

4th of July

We were excited to make a trip up to Grandma and Dave's house for 4th of July this year again! We got there the evening of the 3rd and stayed through the 6th. As soon as we got there mom took them out to the garden to help her pick cucumbers. 

On the 4th, Dave had a delicious brisket ready by lunchtime! We decided to do a big late lunch while the kids were napping.

Mom made a trifle that everyone loved.

Picking lavender. 

We got some rain on and off throughout the day but were still able to get in the pool a little bit.

We had our little parade around the pool and then the guys shot off some fireworks after the kids went to bed. 

Morning snuggles with Grandma.

Dave put the guys to work moving some heavy boxes.

We took the kids to the playground one morning - perfectly shady for such a hot day.

The day after the 4th we spent almost the entire day in the pool, it was the perfect weather for it. Uncle Eric was giving Bonnie some lessons and she was doing so many new things! She got over her fear of jumping in the water (even jumping into the deep end a few times), she started being able to come up for a breath while swimming so she could go farther, floating on her back, and diving down deeper for toys. 

She also loved being catapulted off of Uncle Eric's shoulders.

Riser either loved the water and would stay in for a long time, or wanted nothing to do with it (much like his personality so far with most things - all or nothing). 

Thankfully if he wasn't into the pool, he was very happy to be wrapped in a 'bankie' (towel) and watch from the shade. 

We had such a fun time and can't wait to be back with the whole crew in August!