Hoots do Emerald Isle

I'm a few weeks late, but didn't want our trip to the beach (and subsequent trips to the lake) to go unnoticed.  Our annual Hoots family beach trip was a roaring success. The weather cooperated and so did two of our children. Ha! Actually, Avery was fairly agreeable, which is more than you can ask for with her.

She hates the beach the first day, but quickly changed her mind. There is something so satisfying about watching your kids playing with abandon on the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we weren't at the beach, we were at the pool. Avery and Ari are so very cute together.

 

 

 

 

All that playing requires some snoozing, which dad is only too happy to do with his little girl.

 

We also took a trip to the aquarium. 

 

 

 

A trip with these kids is never a vacation, but it's always fun!

 

 

 

Grandma does NC

As has become a summer tradition, Grandma came to visit while Eric disappeared for two weeks of basketball camp. She told me that she barely remembers the flight home, and then she slept for two days straight.  That sure sounds lovely.

I'm sure Averys pre-6am wake ups had something to do with that. I was kind enough to deliver Avery to my mom a few mornings while I went back to sleep, or tried to. It can be hard to sleep when you hear "mamamamamamama" coming from downstairs. My mom got to see first hand just how much Avery loves her mom. She loves grandma too, but mom better be around too. She didn't even let Grandma get her out of the car seat. Thanks Avery, for the job security.

The boys had fun with Grandma and took advantage of her willingness to do fun and messy and wet things with them. 

 

 

Grandma got to see the boys perform for the end of their VBS week. Jackson was so stinking cute when he saw us in the crowd.

 

We took a fun overnight trip to Greensboro, since Brady was scheduled for the Wes Miller Basketball Camp. With the exception of Avery, who sleeps even worse than usual in a pack n play, it was great fun.

 

 

Grandma claims she would have liked to stay longer, but this picture says otherwise.

 

We hope she'll come back!