Sandestin...Day 1

We always wanted to make another trip to the beach this summer since Thomas didn't get to go on the first trip back at the end of May.  We looked and looked around but wanted something nice but also affordable and of course close to the beach.  I've seen ads in magazines for Sandestin so we thought we would give it a chance.  We weren't right on the beach but it was a last minute decision and it all worked out great.  We had one room with a bed and a pull out sofa along with a kitchenette which included a fridge, toaster, microwave, sink and enough room to prepare breakfast and lunch along with a table.  It was just what we needed!  We had a great view of the pool which the kids absolutely loved!

It was so great we could just walk to Baytowne Wharf which had shops, restaurants and lots of things for the kids to do.  We loved just being ale to walk there and not drive.

We walked around the resort and checked it out shortly after arrival.

After dinner we walked out on the pier and just enjoyed being together.

The marina was right there and the location was a perfect one for our short time away.

The kids were anxious to check out the beach so we did just that played in the sand a little.

Both kids were covered in sand but that's what the beach is all about.

Love the Gulf of Mexico...the water and sand is so nice!  Looking forward to a few days of relaxing with each other.

Kindergarten Round-Up

Julia was very excited about Kindergarten Round-Up and for the chance to meet her teacher. However, with all the excitement also came some nervousness and questioning as well which is completely expected especially with her personality.  It's still hard for me to believe that she is in Kindergarten.  Being able to stay home with her the last five years has been such a dream come true and I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to spend all that time with her.  Obviously I am sad about it because after all my little girl is quickly growing up but at the same time I smile because I am so proud of the girl she has become.

Ready to board the bus.

Super excited to meet her teacher!  My goodness I love that smile!

One of Julia's friends is in her class and she was thrilled to know somebody.  We're looking forward to a great year with Jennifer.

Sweet girl on the tour of the school.

Julia found her seat with her folder and a treat from her teacher.  Love that excitement smile hiding behind that folder.

Julia and her Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Parker.  We're so excited about her placement this year and look forward to an awesome year with lots of fun and learning!

23 kids and one teacher and one assistant.

Riding the bus home...love those big blue eyes.

It was so cute to see Julia running up the hill to tell dad about our morning at Kindergarten Round-Up.  She had such a great time and felt more comfortable after meeting her teacher and seeing she was nice since that was a concern of hers.

She could barely wait to wear her new Kelly Mill Elementary school spirit shirt.  Somehow she looks older than she did in the first picture that day.  Is that possible?  

Someone was totally wiped out and fell asleep on Andrew's bed around 4:30.  Looks like we need to get to bed super early for school since she'll be getting up at about 6:30.

Nana and Papa Visit

We were so lucky to have Nana and Papa visit us from New York for a week.  We had lots of fun doing things around town but mostly enjoyed just hanging out and being able to catch up.  Thanks for making the trip down here and we were very thankful for the great weather we had.  

Julia and Andrew were so excited to pick up Nana and Papa at the airport.  Lots of excitement in the air!

Swinging out back.

Enjoying a summer concert so close to home at The Collection.  The kids loved running and dancing and playing around while listening to music.

The day before they went to the movies with Nana and Papa at The Collection to see the new Disney movie Planes Fire and Rescue.

A trip to the pool is always fun!  

Dinner at Maggiano's is always a must.

We went blueberry picking again this year and there were a ton of blueberries to pick.

Looks like someone is trying to sneak a few blueberries.

Caught!

Another trip to the pool proved to be heaps of fun.

Somehow our kids went to the pool without any shoes.

Quick photo before they headed out to lunch and I stayed home and had some time for myself and worked on Julia's photo book.

Anderson Sunflower Field

I've heard about Anderson Sunflower Field for a while now and I finally made a visit.  It's only about 10 minutes from our house so I decided to head there late one afternoon before dinner and snap some photos of Julia and Andrew in the field.  It was absolutely beautiful but at times Julia and Andrew were worried about the bees.  I didn't even think about it but obviously bees like flowers too. Thankfully we managed to get some photos and the best part...nobody got stung.  So here's a few of my favorites!  

Andrew's Bed

Everyday Andrew is becoming more and more of a big boy.  No more diapers during the day or at night and now he's sleeping in a big boy bed.  I must admit I was kinda sad to convert the crib into the bed and Andrew was so sweet and gave me lots of hugs and said it would be okay.  It's just another reminder how quickly my babies are growing up.  I remember shopping for that crib for Julia and setting it up and now we're converting it into a bed.  Sad but happy at the same time.  Andrew and Julia were great helpers.

First night sleeping in his bed and he had a sleepover with Julia.  It took them forever to fall asleep but I wasn't surprised.  There was lots of talking and giggling and playing going on.

Lots of room in Andrew's bed.

Enjoying all the space to himself for a few minutes before Julia hopped in with him.

Thrasher Park

Summertime is definitely the time to drive a little farther and check out some great parks.  Today we checked out Thrasher Park...just the three of us and had the best time.

It's always fun to try out the new things each park offers.

One of the neat things about Thrasher Park are the railroad tracks that go right by the park and we were lucky enough to see a train go by when we were playing.  It was really cute once all the kids on the playground heard the train everyone went running to get a good view.  We don't have any train tracks where we live in Forsyth County so it's a real treat for us to see a real train pass by even if it was loud.

After having a picnic lunch the kids had fun climbing this cool tree.

Love spending my days with these two cuties!

Andrew is way up high.

Julia was very proud she got to this spot all by herself.  Since this park was right near Trader Joe's we stopped there on our way home too.  What a great day we had together!