Spin your Partner...

Even though we live in the middle of no where our little community is still know for something pretty big. It is called Shakori Hills. About nine years ago a group of folks started a little music festival. It has turned into quite a big event. In fact over ten thousand people visit each during the four day festival.

Tonight we visited the grounds for their annual Hoppin John Bluegrass Festival. We were not sure what to expect but we had a ball. Ella Ruth was a huge fan of the music. She even participated in a real square dance! When we left she could hardly hold her eyes open but she didn't want to go. I have to admit, I was enjoying the music too so I know how she felt!

I am so excited this little claim to fame is just a mile or two down the road! We will be back for the big event in October!

Big Girl School

This past week was a big one for a special little girl! Ella Ruth went to "school" for the first time. Even though it is only once a week and just a preschool she thinks she is an official big girl.

On her first day she did great! She even slept on her mat! That was something we were really worried about. Her second day went even better! She even earned a smiley face stamp that she was so proud of.

She is having a blast, making some new friends, and loving her teachers Mrs. Jan and Miss Brooke! We are so happy for her too!

Viva Las Vegas

Our last trip of the summer was an exciting one. We headed to Las Vegas with 16 of our closest family! Call us crazy but we were excited to get away for a little adults only fun.

Although we missed Ella Ruth like crazy (mommy may or may not have cried a couple times) we knew she was in good hands having a ball with her Nana and Dubba D. We stayed in touch with lots of text pictures and Skype too!

In Vegas we ate amazing meals, visited tons of beautiful hotels, lost some money in the casinos, and even spent some time by a couple amazing pools. Fun was had by all!

Me and My Buddy

It is no secret Ella Ruth is a daddy's girl. She loves her daddy and it shows! They are the best of buddies! I could not resist sharing these recent pictures of my loves! They are too precious for words!

Hello Hollywood!

If one author has put NC and it's beaches and small east coast towns on the map it's Nicolas Sparks. Although all of his books are set in these great and beautiful NC towns not many of his movie spin offs are filmed here. In fact I am pretty sure only one (Nights in Rodanthe) was filmed here until now. A few months ago the latest book turned movie began filming in one of my favorite towns... South Port. While on vacation last week we found out they were going to be shooting a parade scene downtown. The casting director posted on Facebook that everyone was invited. The parade would begin at 11 and we were to wear our best red, white and blue.

Once we realized we had our big break to becoming famous we took the chance and made our way towards downtown, a short drive across the bridge.

Once we arrived we took in the sights of how a movie was made. We even got a glimpse of the leading lady, Julianne Hough. It was neat to see how movies are made but we learned quick that they do take time! We were there for over three hours and they still hadn't got the perfect shot of the crod. Who knows if we will make it on camera but we had fun and can now say we were "in" a movie!

It comes out February 8th! Check it out for our big screen debut!

Last Beach Adventure of the Summer

Our last beach trip of the summer has quickly come and gone. This past week we visited Oak Island with my parents and grandparents. We had a great time! We played on the beach, ate yummy meals, and relaxed. Everyone had a great time, especially Ella Ruth who enjoyed the extra attention! We are already looking forward to our next trip! For now I am enjoying my last week as a stay at home mommy! Next week I get to put on my other hat... Working mommy! I have the best of both worlds and I couldn't be more blessed!

Beach Trip Round Two

Last week our family visited one of our favorite beaches, Emerald Isle! We go every year with the Garringer side of our family! We had a great time just relaxing and hanging our around the house! Ella Ruth especially enjoyed hanging out with her cousins! I can't wait to see them all grow up together! She has two more cousins on the way so I know our beach trips will just continue to be a blast!

Overall we spent most of our time at the beach house but we did venture out a couple times! On Monday night we went out for an "adults only" dinner at Frank and Clara's. It was such a treat with lots of laughs! On Thursday we venture over the bridge to Swansboro. I have always wanted to go there and we needed a break from the sun. We took a break from shopping to eat at Yana's. We heard it was great and it didn't disappoint! The burgers were awesome and the 50's decor was a lot of fun! Of course we also made a stop at our all time favorite drive in, Big Oak! Their shrimp burgers are the best!

See ya next year EI!