Kure Beach 2012

Fourth of July week was filled with sun, sand, and fun for us this year. We had a great time at Kure beach along with our cousins, Uncles, Aunts, and even Grammy! The weather in Cary topped 106 degrees but we kept cool by the beach. The best part? Everyone actually slept! When you have 4 kids, that makes you do the happy dance.  We had such a good time, we think we'll go back next year! 

Thank you James, Jess, and Hayden for making the big trip!!!

Gracie, Jacob, and Rachel, ready for some fun!

Wow Daddy! Look at all that sand!!!

Hayden and her Daddy dodging some waves

The big men of the family

Goddess of the Sea

Surfin' Safari!

Emmy and the gals

This girl was made for the beach!

Daddy and Rachel watching 4th of July fireworks

Cheesy Grins

See, the kids haven't tied us up yet!

More Cheese

Gracie and Jacob looking for crabs

Boogie Boarding with Daddy

First Days of School

We had a great time at the beach this last week (which I will post about soon) but alas it is time to get back to "real life".  For us, that means the kids back to school. The kids had their first day today. Rachel had a great first day in second grade and Jacob marched off to kindergarten like a pro.  Poor little Andrew is very sad to have "Jajob" off to school, but at least he has Matty McGoo or  "Mannie Goo" as Andrew likes to call him. 

Rachel had a ton to chat about when she got home but this was the conversation I had with Jacob....

Me: Jacob, how was school? What did you do?...Million other questions... Did you make any friends?"

Jacob: Yep, a best friend

Me: What was his name?

Jacob: Ummmm, I forget

Me: ask ask ask another million questions.....

Jacob: Ummm mom, can I go play basketball? 

Rachel is ready to show Jake "the ropes"

Andrew is a little unsure of what it means for Jacob to "go to school"

"It's ok Andrew, I'll be back"

Did you notice we added a kid? We were lucky enough to have our cousin Hayden here for the first day of school!!!

Rachel,Jacob,Hayden, and Andrew all in their backpacks headed to the bus

I've never seen a kid get on the bus faster than Jacob did!

Chatting with Matty

Hopefully I will have more time later but I wanted to get this up while I had the chance. Enjoy!!!

Notable Conversations....

Had to get these down before I forget them!!

Overheard between Rachel and Jacob.....

Jacob: "Mama, is heaven underground?"

Rachel: "No Jacob, they just put your body underground because like nobody wants to see your skeleton."
Then God takes your ribs and maybe your heart and makes you an angel"

Jacob: (Excitedly) "A Garden Angel!!!"

Rachel: "Yes, if you're a good pesron"

Jacob: "A Garden Angel protects your garden from things that might eat it"

Rachel:  (Frustrated)"You weren't listening"



Rachel just had this conversation with the kids outside....

Rachel: "My mom and dad say they'll think about me getting a phone when I'm nine."

Us : "Rachel, we never said we would let you get a phone when your nine"

Rachel: "I know, you said you would think about it"

Us: "No we didn't, we can tell you right now, the answer is no"

Rachel: (As she runs outside)....."they said maybe!"

Last Days of Preschool (NOOOOOO!!!!!)

Where did the year go? This is Jacob's last week of preschool. I am so excited and sad for him at the same time. St. Andrew's has been a wonderful loving place and I'm so sad to see the year end but excited to see how Jacob begins his next chapter....kindergarten!! I'm sure he'll be fine with his big 2nd grade sister there to show him the ropes. Here are some pics and a video of Jacob's end of the year music program. 

Here Mom, you try the ice cream!! 

Best Buds

Jacob and Mrs. Nay

Jacob and Mrs. Collins

Singing with friends : )

A SSSSSuper Snakey Birthday!

What is the only thing that would make a 5 year old boy smile like this?  If his mom allowed snakes at his house for his 5th birthday, that's what! Jacob wanted a "Crocodile Hunter" themed birthday party this year and somehow we pulled it off. To Jacob's dismay, I did not want could not find someone to bring an actual crocodile. Luckily, Steve the Crocodile Hunter also digs snakes and wouldn't you know, there was actually someone out there who had one to bring!! We had an awesome time. Ms. Joanne from the NC Herpetological Society (who knew there was such a thing!) was so kind to come and teach the kids about some of the reptiles around NC. She brought with her a corn snake and a box turtle and the kids had a blast with it! We also did a relay race and of course had plenty of "snake cake" . The weather was beautiful and the reptiles were awesome. Happy Birthday Jacob!!! You are so loved  and we are so proud of the sweet little boy that you are!!!

Notice "Steve" in the background. He actually says things like, "Crikey" and "What a beauty"!!

Relay Race that went on and on and on and on....notice Andrew and Rebecca (the little girl next door)  just relaxing and making sure no one is cheating 

Jacob and his best bud Hannah 

Ms. Joanne and her slimy friend

Jacob and some of his preschool buds....that's a crocodile on Jacob's cheek and a venus fly trap on Rachel's. Natalie next door was son nice to come and do some face painting!!

Jacob's super snakey birthday cake!

Exploring a turtle shell

Jacob and Hannah (side note, after Jacob's first day of preschool he told me he was  "going to marry  that girl".) They've been best buds all year.

Cute little box turtle

Jacob and Rachel enjoying Jacob's new birthday ride

Good Morning!

It's a bit of a rare occasion when EVERYONE (including Mommy) is in a good mood in the morning. So I had to snap this shot just to remember that every now and again it does happen.

Stay tuned....we're having Jacob's "Crocodile Hunter" birthday party tomorrow. Pictures will be up asap!!