Summer Vacation - part 1: Oak Island, NC

Tonight I sit looking out our window at a beautiful full moon shining over the Atlantic Ocean.  Tonight is our last night staying in a beach house with Grandma and Grandpa and our family of five.  It has been an incredible vacation - relaxing, just the right amount of sun and shade, the beach and the ocean, great food, and most importantly; lots of quality family time.  For the first time in a long time; we unplugged all day long.

We stayed on Oak Island, NC and were lucky to be here during the loggerhead turtle nesting.  On Sunday night, while walking back to the beach at the end of the day; we were told the importance of filling in holes on the beach.  Mama loggerheads make the long journey up the beach and make their nests in the dune to keep their babies (usually 100 or more!) safe from high tide and vultures.  If there are large holes left from a fun day on the beach; mama could fall in and not make it on her journey.  Needless to say; after we filled our hole; we were urged by turtle protector Norah and turtle protector Bella to fill in any hole we could see...or walk to see.  For the next few nights we walked and brought shovels with us to help fill in the holes...no mama's would miss their purpose on our watch!

The kids got to see nature in another way this week too.  While shell searching, we could see mussels rapidly trying to dig back into the sand once they were exposed.  This fascinated them (and me) to no end and poor little mussels had to dig over and over again so we could watch.  It's amazing how fast they are and know instinctively where to go.

At the beginning of the week; we would mention high tide to the kids while we were on the beach at different times of the day.  The concept was lost on them as they have never seen high tide....so on Wednesday, we made it down to the beach in time for high tide.  It was like a new playground had opened to us!  Right in front of our house; the ocean makes a little stream that later becomes a rip tide going back into the ocean.  The stream wasn't too strong or deep and the kids were all able to play and splash until high tide receded.  The games and playtime lasted until the sun began to set and cold set in...wonderous

There is something wonderful about vacationing with extended family.  Having the extra time to spend with family means having more time to talk and relax...to play and laugh without going home at the end of the day.  We have been lucky enough to have a few vacations with family; and love that we have this chance.  It not only gives me and Brian a chance to have more quality time with our extended family; but it also gives the kids a great chance to connect with family.  The memories we made this week shine in my mind more because of this time with family.  Knowing the kids will remember these vacations and hopefully take similar journeys with us and their children makes me smile.

life as we know it...wonderous

I try to record as much of our days as I can...these days filled with tiny feet growing too fast, small toys that take over our house, giggles and belly laughter that bounce around the walls.  I love these ages and hope they can keep innocence as long as possible.  I love William's excitement at everything new and at his pure boyishness - his love of any ball, tractors, and cars.  I also love that he will eagerly play with the toy kitchen and will play dolls with the girls - for a little while at least!

It is bittersweet seeing how grown-up Norah is becoming.  She is timid about 1st grade but has that spark of excitement too.  I love how eagerly she accepts all people; seeing only the good inside and the pure of heart.  On her 6th birthday, she got to bring a picture from each year of her life.  As she walked around the room showing her friends her picture; her teacher explained what Norah would have done that year (filled in a little by mom and dad).  It was wonderful and a great way to celebrate Norah's life. 

I love their pure playfulness. Bella has such a love of life and it spills out of her all the time!  She is full of laughter and happiness - feeling and expressing 100% of her emotions.  Bella expresses herself in everything she does; wearing dresses and tutu's and fancy shoes all the time....while going to dinner or playing Frisbee.

These three...just pure love.

Calling all Princesses and Princes...and the Queen of course

Sparkly crowns, princess dresses, princes dressed to the nines...a royal ball?  No; our sweet Norah's sixth birthday party!

 The Missouri Botanical Gardens is a fabulous birthday party destination.  Rainy weather doesn't dampen kid's excitement for birthday parties.  Rain coats on; party the afternoon away.  This was Norah's first birthday party inviting her classmates; she was thrilled to celebrate with all of them and even more excited to see them dressed up for her Princess/Prince party.

a few months ago...

Norah: Mama, I want to have the girls be Princesses and the boys be Princes
Me: That is a great idea; what will you be?
Norah: The Queen. It is my birthday 

Love that girl.  Apparently birthday lovin' comes from deep inside and genetics

    There were slides, a creek, a huge treehouse, a general store, a music garden, rocks to climb, ladders, rope bridges, a sandbox (um...not great on a rainy day.  Can't keep the kids away though.  At least socks were removed....well, most), and so much more.  A magical place for a birthday party.  So much happiness and laughter.

Sweet Six

Six.  Three simple letters that hold so much.  Six years ago today; we met our beautiful daughter for the first time.  I became a mother; Brian a father.  What a magical, wonderful night. 

Dear Sweet Norah,

You are such an incredible little girl.  You have a heart of gold and love to bring love and kindness to everyone.  You are fiercely protective of your brother and sister; and "mommy" them whenever possible.  This has been a big year for you - Kindergarten!  You learned how to tie your shoes, read, do addition, subtraction, multiplication, and even division!  You are so incredibly smart and while the good-bye in the morning is hard; you love school.  I love that your favorite part of most days is "spending time together" and "coming home". 

As bittersweet as today is...turning SIX, I am more happy than sad.  I am so proud of you and so happy to be your mom.  I hold all our memories in my heart and look forward to every single one in the future.  You can do anything my love, it's all there waiting for you.

I love you,

Mommy