AB week with the Jones Family

After the lake, we headed to the beach for the week with our dear friends, Marcus and Lilly.  They were at their family's beach house with their 2 kids, and their cousins, who also have 2 kids.  Although the children were much older than Emma, they did a really good job playing together and looking after her.

Our first day there, we didn't get there until 1:30pm.  So we got settled in and the guys took the kids to the pool nearby, and the girls went shopping.  We got cleaned up for dinner and ate at El Zarappe...which was either AMAZING or I was just so hungry that it didn't matter.  Either way, it was a blast!  After dinner, we headed to the beach for a walk.

The next morning, the guys went fishing and took the 2 boys with them.  Lilly and I walked 4 miles (in the blazing heat), and then headed down to the beach.   

Emma did really good, but she is fearless and I have to really watch her and be with her non-stop. 

That night, we got a babysitter and the adults went into Beaufort to eat at Blue Moon...which was delicious - probably a new favorite.  I didn't take any pictures:(

Wednesday, Lilly and I walked our 4 miles in the morning, and then we took the kids out on the boat.  Here we are, all girls (and Brent driving) to the marina where to get on the boat.

Emma must be in an intense conversation here...

I took a selfie because the boat is my happy place.  I will take a boat ride and island hopping any day!

Emma kept yelling "faster, faster" and totally was annoyed by the no wake zones.

We stopped at Carrot Island (near Beaufort) to go exploring and playing in the water.  This is much better for Emma because the waves are not rough and she can play and swim without being washed away at sea:)

We stopped in Beaufort on the way back to get some ice cream.  My heart melts looking at these sweet children holding hands:)

Emma requested strawberry ice cream with sprinkles and a cherry!

Wednesday night, we had another babysitter and headed to City Kitchen to eat.  It was also delicious, and the view was amazing as well.

Here is crazy Beth photobombing our sweet couple pic...I just had the best time laughing with her:)

The whole crew...what a blessing to be able to enjoy the week with these sweet friends!

Thursday was out last day there (Boo!) so we headed to the beach that morning.  We planned to stay there most of the day and come home that night.  Unfortunately, both Brent and I had to work Friday.

We tried for a family pic....FAIL.

This sweet girl loved being outside....but quickly gets tired of the sand (she kept tugging at her suit), and frustrated because she can't get into the water like she can at the pool or lake.  Regardless, she had a blast!!!!

We packed up that afternoon, and headed to Beaufort to walk around, hit some shops, and grab a drink and some appetizers on the waterfront before driving home.  We left there about 6pm, very reluctantly.  The drive home was boring and sad, and to we hit some really bad storms on the last leg of the trip.  It was lightning all around us the whole last 45 minutes and monsooning.  It didn't make unpacking very much fun:(  We are missing the beach and our friends something fierce today....and can't wait until next time!

Lake weekend

We have been BUSY this past week!!  Last weekend, we packed up and headed to the lake for the first ski tournament of the season.  We were so fortunate to stay in a friend's camper on site, and loved it.  Emma literally spent ALL DAY in the water.  She did not want to get out, ever.  

I was worried the weather would be too hot, but it was actually really pleasant most of the weekend.

After the tournament, we ate BBQ (cooked on-site) and had a few refreshing beverages:)

Emma would run around all night if I let her.

She also did great on the blow up bed beside us...and had some giggles with Grandpa.

 We woke up Sunday to an absolutely gorgeous day.  It was a bit breezy (not good for skiing, but awesome for spectating!).  I spent some of the morning judging from the tower.

 I just love this place...

And I got to spend some time with my dad on Father's Day:)

I, regrettably, didn't take enough pictures.  I had the best weekend with my family, and left feeling really blessed to have all of them in my life.  I am very thankful for my mom and Brent, who spent the weekend supporting me and my dad.

Sunday morning, I was asked to do the devotion for a little church service that we always do.  I was sooo nervous, but honored to be able to share with my ski family.  I decided to speak on being childlike (Matthew 18:2-4)  I thought that was appropriate for Father's day.  Children are so dependent, so easily entertained, so loving and trusting.  As adults, we don't want to rely on anyone, we don't ask for help, and we take simple things for granted.  I know Christ wants us to be more like children in our humility and dependence on him.  I am learning a lot being a parent, and it's amazing how much I am striving to be more like Emma some days:)

We got home around 7:30 Sunday night...just enough time for a quick packing change to head to the beach early Monday morning!

Someone stop me...

Y'all....I can't seem to stop making these necklaces...I need serious help! 

 

I started making the tassel ones, and love them!  They're so lightweight and perfect for any season.

 

I made some smaller seashell necklaces...the pink one is for Emma (it's strung on elastic), and the triple seashell is for me..so we can match:)!

 

I discovered this awesome leather booth at the bead show, where you can make your own leather jewelry.  You just buy the findings and cut to order leather...all different colors and styles.  It was so easy, I made these in 5 minutes.

 

 

Another tassel necklace...not a great picture, but I love these multi-colored pearl shell beads.

 

 

 

Elastic bracelets are soooo easy and fun to make.  They take almost no time at all, and are so fun to stack.

 

 

I have a feeling I will be busy all week with my new beads...we even had oysters the other night, so I plan on painting the shells gold for some more beauties:)  All I hope is that my neighbors have not noticed me wearing the same necklaces EVERY DAY:)

Summer week 2!

We are now 2 weeks down of our summer...I am feeling like time is flying and I am dreading August...when I have to go back to work.  There are some challenging days with Emma...I really never get a break since she does not nap.  Thank you, television, for being a constant entertainment for an hour or so....(stop judging me...it's not like I let her watch BET or anything...always something educational and wholesome...)


One afternoon, we walked to the mall to meet Brent, who was getting his hair cut there.  We bought some new shades...and Emma loves them!  She actually wears them, and I think it's the cutest thing ever.

 

 

We also went out to the lake one day.  Emma is loving the water and boats.

 

 

For her birthday, she got a LeapFrog 2, and she is enjoying learning how to use it.  She's not addicted to it just yet, and it's come in handy when I need to run errands and have her be occupied.

 

 

One day, we were total rednecks and had a backyard pool.  I even got fancy and put her slide in it...

 

 

She's also mastered peeing outside.  I know some parents would be appalled, but I am quite proud.  It has been a struggle because Emma would not pee unless on a toilet...well, this isn't always possible at the lake or beach.  And let's face it, if you don't pee in the lake or ocean, then you're just plain lying.

 

Her only request is that she has to pull her suit off...so she just squats right down! 

 

 

 

Brent went to Nashville for work this weekend, so Emma and my parents and I went to the lake in Gates County.  It was hot, but we had a fabulous day!!!  We skied, swam, played, and hung out.

 

 

For dinner, we stopped in at Bojo's!!

 

 

Sunday, after church, my parents took Emma to lunch so that I could go to the Bead show in downtown Durham by myself.  I had been to some before, and they are awesome!  I was taking pics for a friend who also makes jewelry but couldn't go, so I don't have good pics of the show, but just imagine tables and tables of this....

 

 

 

I got some great beads, and have already made a few new things (like I needed anymore!)  I'll do a separate post on that later this week.

 

Summer week 3 is going to be a HOT one!  It's supposed to be 100 most of the week.  We are hoping to stay cool inside and then headed to the lake this weekend, and then the beach the following week!