Vactation to Outer Banks, NC August 16-23rd

It's been a month since our vacation to the Outer Banks. I'm a bit late on the posting, but a lot's been going on so bear with me as I catch up! It was our first time vacationing there. We spent the week in a house on Walehead Beach with my family including my parents, brother Joe and fam, and brothers Dave and Matt. Splitting up the drive on the way down was the best plan. Friday night was only six hours of driving and Saturday was a lot longer only due to traffic. Anyhow, we arrived Saturday afternoon and kicked off the week with a trip to the ice cream truck! It pulled up while we were unloading the car and it was the perfect treat after the long drive (and getting rear-ended stuck in traffic).

We spent the whole week mostly vegging out by the pool. Having a kiddie pool was great for the little ones and there was a hot tub for relaxing after the kids went to bed. We took a few trips to the beach only a row of houses away, but it was kind of hard on Elliot. We had to prop him up under the umbrella and he inevitably got sand in his eyes so I mostly kept him home by the pool. The weather was wonderful and the kids had a blast with their cousins. I can't wait to go back.

Some highlights were....

Madeleine can swim! She kicked all the way accross the pool with no help from her dad. It was awesome!!! Uncle Joe also tried to help Carter with some swimming and he improved as the week went on.

Way to go Madeleine!!!

Jeremy dragged Carter around on the Boogie Board.

Kate and Carter hanging out at the kiddie pool.

Both of my parents have an August birthday as well as my brother Matt, so we did a group celebration.

We took a trip to the lighthouse, not far from where we were staying, but the line was too long and we'd rather chill by the pool than stand in line so we just walked around and then headed back to the house.
Carter found some pinecones.

Grandma with Kate and Leah

Elliot hanging out

Carter loves meat, especially as he says, "meat on the bone", ie. ribs or steak. Those are his favorites. He was so excited when Uncle Joe cooked steak!!


One night after dinner, we went out for ice cream. Carter and Leah had sprinkles!

Elliot sleeping by the pool

Leah spent most of her time in the baby pool, but we occasionally got her to float around with one of us. She liked the water noodles. Here she is swimming with Dad.
Our other outing was out to lunch. David could only stay a few days so on his way back to the airport, we all went out to a local restaurant. While waiting for our food, we took the kids out on the pier to look for fish.
A trip to the beach
My mom even took a ride on the boogie board!!!
Madeleine checking in on Elliot
Uncle Joe taking Leah in to rinse off the sand.
Madeleine busting a move!
Paul hanging out in his bouncy seat
One night, we went for a walk on the beach after dinner.
Ok, so it was a run on the beach..

We found some amazing sand sculptures. This lizard must have taken hours!

Daddy packed a treat for the walk. Carter, of course, had to have orange.



More swimming..Carter jumping to Grandpa

Elliot and Grandpa
afternoon nap!
The kids waiting for the ice cream truck
"I think I hear it!"

We had a wonderful time. This was a vacation to remember....low stress with lots of fun and relaxation, sunshine and fantastic food.

Elliot Gets Baptized

Elliot was baptized on August 24th at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church after the noon mass. My parents are his Godparents. Here he is dressed and ready to head to the church. This is the same baptismal outfit Carter wore four years ago. The baptism of my kids is one of my most special days as a parent. On this day, Elliot received and began his spiritual life, being born again of water and the holy spirit. Congratulations Elliot. We love you to pieces and are so blessed to have you.

Jeremy and Elliot

He took a little nap during mass

Fr. Walkowiak making he sign of the cross on Elliot's chest

Father invited Madeleine, Crawford and Carter to participate and help him. They were so excited and did such a great job.

Father Walkowiak baptizing ElliotMaking the sign of the cross on his head anointing him with the chrism oil. I love the way they smell after being baptized.

Godparents, Parents and Fr. Walkowiak with Elliot Carter and Leah

The kids standing in front of the baptismal font
Carter, Leah and Elliot with G-ma and Pop-pop
Carter dipping into what's left of the cake.

Elliot - Two months old

Elliot turned two months old today! He's changed a lot in the past few weeks, smiling more and cooing when you talk to him. He's a sweet happy little boy, pretty calm it seems. For as crazy as our house is, he has a pretty even temperament so far.

Book Club - "The Next Thing On My List" by Jill Smolinski

Excellent fun read. June meets Marissa at a Weight Watchers meeting and offers to drive her home afterwards. They get in a bad car accident in which Marissa is killed. June finds a list in her purse titled, 20 things to do before I turn 25. So distraut by the death of Marissa a total stranger and to get over her guilty conscience, June commits to complete the list for Marissa.

So, our book club assignment was to list 5 things we'd like to do in the next five years....I'm still working on my list. But, so far this is what I have...

1. Take a boxing class. Sounds strange, but I have my reasons. A real boxing class, not just at a regular gym, but I'd really like to box.
2. Take a dance class. I'm pretty self conscious about dancing after kids. I officially feel old and not cool!
3. That's it. I'm still working on the last three. I"ll update later.

The book's great. I recommend it for sure!

I've been tagged

Kelly tagged me on her blog to complete this meme.

Three things....
...THAT SCARE ME: something happening to my family, spiders and running out of time.

...I LOVE: time spent with my family, getting a massage and exercise (something I rarely do these days.)

...I HATE: not having enough energy, when my kids whine and that there aren't more drive-thru coffee places near my house.

...I'M DOING RIGHT NOW: typing this meme, reading chosen and cherished (haven't started the book club book yet), and painting our new house.

...I CAN DO: listen well, run and type

...I CAN'T DO: watch scary movies, i'm not that good in the garden but would like to get better. i plan to actually grow vegetables in our new yard. thirdly, drink white milk plain, meaning not in cereal or something.

...THAT ARE MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FOODS: this is tough, not really a picky eater. three things that come to mind are chinese, scones and peaches...ooh and strawberry rhubarb pie - i know that makes four!

...SHOWS I WATCHED WHEN I WAS A KID: who's the boss, the wonder years, saved by the bell

People I'm tagging to do this on their blog: Linda Schenher

All the boys

Jeremy went to a wedding over the weekend in Albany NY. My cousin Matt got married and since Elliot's so young, Jeremy went by himself . My sister in laws also stayed home so it was just the guys along with my parents from the Williams fam. They had a great time and from everything I heard, it was a fantastic wedding....I'm definitely a bit jealous that I couldn't go, but am glad they were all able to spend some time together and of course see a lot of family that we don't see very often.

One highlight from the reception....my brothers took a breakdancing class as kids and my Aunt Sharon remembered this. She brought a large piece of cardboard out onto the dance floor and they were asked to show off some moves. My younger brother Matt spun Joe around on his back. Wish I could have seen it.