The Fourth!

We had a low key Fourth of July, since we were at the beach the weekend before.  Nonetheless, we managed to pack in some fun times.

We started our day with chores around the house and obligatory flag waving....

Future air traffic controller?????

That night, we joined the Winslow's at American Tobacco for some music, drinks, and dinner.

Emma gave the "staredown" to a specific party-goer who might have been served too much and was singing yelling to the songs.

"where ya goin', Emma????"

these two....super silly.

Saturday, we got up bright and early and headed to Ahoskie (what...you've never been there??? Ha!)  We spent the day skiing, playing in the water, and grilling out with our Beaver Lake family.  We had an absolute blast, and I hardly took any pictures (boo.)  Emma would have stayed in the water all day long if we would have let her...she was being so brave and swimming without holding on to anyone or touching the bottom.  We are looking forward to more days there this summer. 

Sunday we had a relaxing day at church, and then visited some good friends in Haw River who just moved back from Rhode Island.  We felt very blessed to be together and spend time with family and friends whom we love.

Summer....

I love the water - being in it, skiing, boating, you name it!  Thankfully, Emma does too.....

We joined my parents out at Jordan Lake one night last week for some skiing.

My dad is always super silly with Emma...I love it:)

Saturday, we headed to Beaufort for a long weekend.  Before we went, Emma had to potty.  She hasn't actually done anything in the potty yet, but she is excited about sitting there, and pretends to wipe herself.  I plan on tackling the whole potty training thing later this summer:)

Emma napped for most of the trip, but when she wasn't sleeping...she was super happy.  She loves to dance to music, and is OBSESSED with her puzzles.  (Puzzles in the car is somewhat of a challenge...)

While walking aroung downtown Beaufort, Emma spotted this little pooch.  She was in heaven.

I was really excited to check out Southern Frock's this store, and it did not disappoint.  They have really cute things there, and the owner was working this past weekend too, so I got the chance to meet her (and she is super sweet as well!).  I picked up this adorable romper, but in the navy and white print.  Her clothes are really versatile and comfortable - 2 things that are key when making purchases.

And can we just talk about how cute this jumpsuit is????????  It was all I could do not to buy it every color.

After strolling around downtown, we dodged the rain showers at dinner....and were just happy to be together.

Sunday morning, we headed to Shackleford Banks, bright and early! I'm super proud of my "mom" skills - pulling Emma's hair into pig-tails.  Don't laugh...doing a toddler's hair is much more of a challenge that you might think....

Emma was ready with her beach toys!  She had an absolute blast out there, and finally napped on the way in....So we took our time and cruised the waterfront so she could continue sleeping (on me...with her head on my chest and arms and legs wrapped around me..it was heaven because I know she won't do that for much longer)

It was really windy that day, but we had a great time anyway.  I did, however, spend too much time worrying about Emma getting too much sun and forget to put sunscreen on myself.  My back feels like sandpaper today...

Sunday night, we tried a new place in Morehead..Red Fish Grille..which was really tasty.  Then let Emma get some more energy out at the park nearby.

On our way out Monday, I had to stop at my favorite store...Haley and the Hound.  Sadly, I didn't buy anything (much to my husband's credit), but was able to try on their new dress line.  They do daily specials, so I have my eye on a few:)

We stopped at The Friendly Market and picked up some fresh corn and tomatoes for dinner that night.  It was hard to be back home (and in reality), but at least we had some fresh corn on the cob!  Let summer begin!!!

A new start....

Today marks a new beginning for me and our family.  

I feel extremely blessed to have this opportunity to start working part-time.  It has been a dream of mine ever since Emma was born.  I truly enjoy working and what I do, but I increasingly realized how much time that was consuming me away from Emma and Brent, and I just couldn't live with that any longer.  I officially start working part-time today, July 1.  I will work 3 days a week, and I couldn't be more happy.  I have sooooo many things I want to do with Emma and in my time at home.  I also think, professionally, this will be a good time for me to reflect and back away from work for a few days a week.  Oftentimes, I get too wrapped up in work life and it was starting to consume me emotionally.  I was stressed, worried, anxious, and even angry at times with the "drama" that comes along with office life.  I think stepping back will help me remove myself from this, and also help me to really focus on my work (and not the other things that I cannot control).  

On my list for this summer..............

1. Spend more time with this girl.  Hands down, I CANNOT WAIT to hang out with her.  She is so much fun to be around, and is so sweet.  She loves to do things with me, and is a good listener.  I am planning on taking her to the lake a lot....and on several other outings (KidZu Museum, playdates, etc...)  It will be so nice not to rush out the door every morning and finally spend quality time with her.

2. Be a housewife.  I am super excited about cooking, and keeping my house clean.  I know it will be a challenge with a 2 year old pulling out everything I JUST put away, but I won't be locked into a weeknight and weekend get-it-all done time frame.  

3. Take care of me.  I need more balance - more time to do things I love, like ski, workout, read, hang out with friends.  I now have some flexibility to do these things.  It sounds silly, but when you work outside of the home all week long, you don't want to leave your child at home with a babysitter and go out.  Most of my weekends are spent trying to be a housewife and good mom.  There's little time for anything else.  Don't get me wrong, I know being a stay-at-home mom is SUPER tough, so I know how good I have it working part-time. 

I really do feel blessed for this new phase in my life, and I am super excited to see what the summer and beyond holds for me.  I think some gratitude for the things I have in my life is very long overdue, and I plan on being grateful every day for what God has given me.