Pool Time!

Our first swim in the neighborhood pool. Here's some of my favorite pics:

Maggie didn't like being in a floaty last year, but she hopped right in
and loved it this time!

On another note...I cannot believe this is the last day of May!!

Daniel's birthday & North Carolina Trip- Day 2

May 26th:
Ten years ago on this day Daniel and I shared our first birthday celebration together. He turned 22. I made him banana pudding because it's his favorite- or was back then. We had lunch at the park- a picnic, some might say- talked and laughed. There's about a 2 week period where Daniel is 2 years older than me and I always joke about him being so old- that birthday 10 years ago being the first. And on that day he replied, "you're too young to understand." I don't recall the exact conversation, but his response was hilarious and we still joke about it today. Daniel's sense of humor is one of my favorite things about him.
Today we spent his birthday in North Carolina. We went strawberry picking then had lunch at a 50's diner where my brother-in-law, Edward, took on the Hwy 55 Big A Challenge.

The big A challenge included a 50oz burger (you read that right), fries and drink. He had 30 minutes to eat it all or he had to pay $25. Also, he had to sign a health waiver before starting to eat. Yea, that happened. He did finish- it took him 22 minutes- and I'm pretty sure he didn't eat the rest of the trip. We spent the rest of the day swimming and fishing in the river...a perfect way for Daniel to spend his bday.

Maggie and Jake took much needed naps during a good portion of water time. Jake was the first to wake and I put on this hat Buffy gave us and he looks absolutely adorable in it! He will not keep it on to save his life, though. Taking the picture was the longest he had it on. Maggie woke up a little later and wanted to join everyone in the water so I had to get pictures of her sweetness too. 

By the time everyone got out of the water and cleaned up it was after 7, so we chose to order in pizza instead of taking the whole crowd out to a restaurant. Then Buffy and I sang/danced for Daniel's birthday and had cheesecake for his dessert...candles were not important to him so I have no photos of that. And the singing and dancing gave me amnesia so I didn't take a pic of his "cake" either. Oh well, we'll just have to remember it was a cheesecake with "Happy 32nd Birthday Daniel" written in blue icing on top. Happy birthday, babe! I hope you enjoyed your day. :)

The following morning we packed up and took a photo of the kids before saying our goodbyes. It was a fun little trip.

North Carolina Trip- Day 1

Daniel's stepbrother and family moved to Greenville, N.C. a couple months ago and the family got together and planned a trip over Memorial Day weekend. Said weekend just occurred (in case you're not up on major holidays). Cat said there wasn't much to do in Greenville and recommended we stay in New Bern, a familiar name if you've ever read a Nicholas Sparks novel. Which I have. We rented a four bedroom house overlooking the Neuse River from 'our' backyard. Daniel, the kids and I made the long trek across the great states of Tennessee and North Carolina along with his brother, sister and their families, though we all drove separate. We arrived late Friday night, the 24th and after unpacking and settling in, we went to bed. Saturday, the 25th we spent some time in New Bern visiting the birth place of Pepsi, a fireman's museum and played in a local park.

After a yummy lunch, everyone went back to the house, but Daniel and I wanted to walk around New Bern a little more to get a feel for the area. Will was more interested in spending time with his cousins, so we walked around with our two youngest for a little while. We went to an antique store and spoke with an older couple who told us about the area and that Nicholas Sparks lived nearby. Their directions were very general so we didn't find his house, but enjoyed walking around the quiet town. I loved the colonial houses and considered knocking on some doors asking for a tour. "Hey, I'm on a walking tour of New Bern and I would love to tour your home as part of your town's rich history." It could have worked.

We headed back to the house where we grilled out for dinner and after the kids bedtime the women sat by the dock while the guys fished. We were all wrapped in blankets, surprised by how chilly it was. We all made good use out of the screened-in porch (I'm starting to agree with Daniel about adding one onto our house) and the tree swing down by the river. Anyone else just hear Chris Farley in their head? Just missin' the van.

another great photo of Maggie & her daddy

the guys- grillin'

Will's last soccer game

Saturday, May 18th- it was the hottest game of the season and while I was sad his first little soccer season was ending, I was glad we wouldn't endure the heat at any more games. My brother, Steve, asked about Will's schedule earlier in the season and was able to make this game with his family. My parents came as well. I think Will was excited to have visitors and played a really good game. He also enjoyed playing with his cousin, Cian, during his breaks.

After the game they had their usual snack, a special one this time- cupcakes along with fruit, then received their trophies. It was a good day and Will has said how much he misses coach. When everything ended we headed to our nephew's karate birthday party where the kids had even more fun. Soccer mom status on hold for the time being. I'll miss it, so I hope he wants to play again!