Farm Living

Even though we don't live on a farm (there is a barn in our backyard though) we like to think we are a lot closer to that life style than we were. We have a close friend who does live and work on their family farm. A few days ago Preston and Ella Ruth went to visit while I went out with some girl friends. To say she had a ball is an understatement. They got to help feed the goats and cows while they were there too! He are some pictures from their "date."

19 Months Old 

Checking out the "buuullll!" 

Splash Ground

Today we went on another adventure, this time to a "splashground" in Raleigh at Lake Johnson Pool.  We were invited by our play group friends.  At first I wasn't going to go because let's be honest, Raleigh is not a hop and a skip away any more.  I had been wanting to take ER to one for a while so I decided it was worth the gas/time for the fun we would have with our friends!  We decided to make a morning of it and met Preston for breakfast since he was coming off shift!  He decided to come too (Playgroup crasher!) so Ella Ruth got lots of attention.  She loved it until she bumped her head, then she was ready to go!  HA!  Even though it was a hike to get there I would love to go back!  

Porch/Front of House Before and After

Growing up, Preston never really saw much of the front yard or entry.  The driveway they used came up the side of the house so they always used the back porch and so did guest.  When my mother in law decided to sale the house she build a new drive way that now leads up the front yard.  You now see the front of our house so we knew we wanted to "dress it up" a bit to welcome our guest.  We are also big fans of "front porch sitting" so we wanted to create a space where we could hang out too.  

When we started planning we knew we wanted three things... shutters, a painted porch ceiling, and a red front door.  Thankfully I have a very sweet husband who agreed to do those things although he thought my request to paint the ceiling blue was a bit odd.   That request goes back to my love for Key West so he didn't mind once I explained my reasoning.   

I am very happy with how things turned out and I feel it really made the porch look special.  Now we can relax, hang out, and swing (on my new swing - a gift for Mother's Day)!  

Before 

After

 Blue! 

Come sit a spell!  

Happy Birthday America!

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays! Mostly because I am very proud to be American! It also doesn't hurt that #1 it falls in the summer and #2 our family goes on a big beach trip! This year did not disappoint. We had a ball with our friends and family! Although we did miss the other Half of our family who normally comes as well!

We spent lots of time at the beach and pool! We also visited South Port for their annual NC 4th of July festival! Although it was hot, hot, hot we had so much fun!

Luckily our trips to the beach aren't over! We are already looking forward to our next trip! I guess it is a great thing Ella Ruth loves the beach!

Summer Field Trips

Staying busy is not something we have a hard time doing in our house! We stay on the go all summer long! Each week in try to plan at least one outing or "field trip" as I like to call them. What can I say, I am a teacher!

Today our most recent adventure took us to City Park! I went there as a kid so it is really fun to take ER there now! We have taken her a couple times before to ride the train but today we tackled the rides! She loved them all and had the best time! At first she wasn't sure but when it was time to go she wasn't very happy! I was so proud of how independent she was!

To make the trip even better my grandmother came along! It was fun to share such a special memory with her! We also had lunch with my dad too! Overall it was a great day and ER was on her best behavior! I was a proud mommy for sure! It looks like we will need to make more trips to this awesome place!

Pool Play Dates Near and Far

As a teacher I find the months of June, July, and August to be three of my favorites! I have to admit, having the summers off is one of the best "perks" of teaching! My favorite thing about summer is the time I am able to spend with Ella Ruth and Preston!

One of our favorite pastimes during this time is visiting the pool! Ella Ruth loves the splashing and we love relaxing in the sun! We are very lucky to have lots of pool "connections" that are sweet to invite us to play!

Here are some pictures from our latest pool adventures!