Noelle's Birthday Bash(es)

Noelle had a large pool party when she turned 6. So this year, for her 7th birthday, she had a small birthday celebration at home. She asked for a brunch since breakfast is her favorite meal of the day so we had some friends come over for a late breakfast, some play time, and make your own ice cream sundaes, the perfect treat when your BFF is allergic to gluten!

So the weekend after school started, four friends came over, ate eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, and french toast casserole, and then played baby and princess. It makes my heart happy that dolls, dress up, and playing family are still how they decide to spend their time together. Don't grow up too fast, ladies!

While we were in the OBX, we had a small family celebration with pizza and ice cream cake. Noelle's actual birthday was our first day home from NC and Kellen's first day of soccer. The kids actually wanted to go to daycare so they did that and then I picked them up to play and eat a quick dinner before we headed to the fields. When we got home we had a little treat and opened presents from Bryan's relatives and our gifts. Noelle asked for a microscope so we got her that and some books. She also got lots of clothes, a new back pack and lunch box, and a new comforter and bedding set from other relatives. She really is a lucky girl.

 

Happy 7th birthday, Noelle! We love you!

And just so I remember Noelle's stats at 7 (and 1 month):
49 1/2 inches (73%)
57 pounds (75%)

OBX 2016

As CTY wound down, we packed and almost immediately headed to the OBX for 9 days. With school starting so early these days (perhaps for the last year in awhile if our governor gets his way), our time to get away is limited in August. Add in daycare closure, and that time becomes a very set week each year. So Saturday late afternoon we started our journey down 95 less than 24 hours after my summer programs ended.

The weather during our 9 days was hot, but nice for the beach and pool. For the first time in years, Bryan and I were both there the entire vacation, and we basically just hung out. We did the beach, the pool, church, and a restaurant, had an evening out for drinks with friends that were about to leave for Japan for two years, and just enjoyed time swimming, in the sand, and at my parents watching the Olympics. It was as relaxing as you get with 8-9 people and 2 crazy dogs in a house for that long and definitely nice to get away for a bit.

My uncle visited with us for 4 days while we were there which was nice. We hadn't seen him for almost 3 years and Kellen was hardly talking that last time.

So all in all it was a great vacation. We are looking forward to our next trip, our first family cruise later this fall!

Packed and ready to go!

The kids are insane in the pool so had mandated adult swims. During that time, they played lifeguard to keep everyone else safe and looked sad/mad :)

Me and my girl at dinner

And the pirate crew

Celebrating 40 years together for my parents and 90 years young for my grandma a few days early!

Titanic?

Queen of the waves

Beach Bums

Crazy pool bums too

My favorite three

The Saxton Four

We watched a turtle nest get excavated and then these little guys march to the sea once it was dark!

Our 2nd dinner out with Uncle Rick. Somehow he isn't in any of my pictures!

We forgot to give Noelle the color scheme memo...

Popsicles and wine - a winning combo

Smile!

Family photo, with the Millenium Falcon guest starring!

Beach lifeguards now - they got a promotion apparently!

Love her!

Best Beach Buds

Brr. It was freezing in the water this day. But a zillion degrees out so we went in every 10 minutes for 2 minute spurts!

The pool was 94 though!

My Fish!