On the move!

Samantha is officially on the move....and once she started, she has not slowed down! It is amazing to see how quickly she has mastered crawling. She was a little rocky in the beginning, but now there is NO stopping her. And if she really wants something or to get to somewhere (like any open door) she kicks it into turbo drive. She is such a cutie these days. Her personality is really beginning to shine through. Her little giggles and shrieks of joy just bring smiles to all of our faces.

Preschool!

It's hard for me to believe that my little man has started pre-school. Yesterday was his first official day, and it was a huge success!! He was so excited. He picked out his clothes, got his back pack ready, and requested "pikey (mohawk) hair." I dropped Samantha off at my cousin Karen's house so that we could have a special morning. We talked the entire way to school, and he went right in like a big boy. When I said that I was leaving, Bobby's response was "okay mommy!" I was so proud of my little man. Can't wait to see how the rest of the week goes.
Ready to go

So excited he was running to the front door

I think it's this way



Putting his name in the basket

Making himself right at home

Hugh Taft Island

As a child we used to go to Hugh Taft Island to play, enjoy the beach, and we always had a wonderful time. It makes me so happy to be able to take my own kids now to the same place to enjoy the same things. And I love that other than the changes that mother nature has made to the island....it is exactly the same. Bobby loved being able to run around, on "an adventure", hunting for crocodiles and swimming in the "hot baths" (tide pools). I can't wait for next summer when I can take both the little ones!

Last Days of Summer

We have thoroughly enjoyed this summer. So much of our time has been spent in Wilmington, and I feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful place to visit and stay whenever we want to. We have enjoyed numerous trips to the beach and last time we even went to the park. On our most recent visit to my parents, Bobby told me that "This is our home too", referring to my parents house. It makes me so happy to think that he is as comfortable there as he is in his own house.

Bowling

On a rather warm day in Wilmington, GG and I took the kids bowling. I wasn't sure how Bobby would do, but he truly seemed to enjoy himself. He didn't quite have enough power behind his throws, so sometimes he lost interest before the ball even made it down to the pins, but we had a good time. It is definitely something that we will do again. And sadly, although I won, it wasn't by all that much!

More Beach Time

The latest week at Wrightsville Beach was with the Long side of the family. Almost all of the cousins were there for the week, and we spent ALL day every day at the Hanover Seaside Club. Some nights Sam and Bobby stayed and swam until after 9pm!! I couldn't believe that we had such a swimmer on our hands. And although Samantha and I went home earlier, she was an absolute little trooper for the entire week. It was truly a joy to watch all the boys (they are all boys except for Samantha) play and enjoy their time together. GG and Poppy spent most of the week with us too, so that was a wonderful treat for everyone. We also went to the aquarium one day because it rained. And once again, Bobby, Andrew, Cooper and Samantha had a great time. And to watch all the boys dote on Samantha is wonderful. I look forward to many years and summers together by the sea!

Bathing Beauty


The boys fished for and caught fish, shrimp and crabs
Bobby
Andrew, master fisherman


An attempt to get all the cousins together, minus Samantha

And everyone enjoying the water

Pool Time

This summer we joined a local pool, so the time that we haven't been at the beach (which has been most of the summer), we are trying to enjoy some time in the pool. With 90+ degree days, it's one of the few things that is enjoyable to do outside. Bobby started the summer somewhat afraid of the water and is now jumping in by himself, swimming with his floatie and going off the diving board. I am truly amazed at the progress that he has made. Samantha enjoys the water too...but I don't have any pics of her because I am usually the only one there with the kids and haven't mastered how to get a picture of her:)

At the Porter's Neck Country Club....thanks Tuula and Jennifer

Getting ready
And he's off

Swimming to the side


He was so proud of himself and I can honestly say that I was really proud of him too!!