Summer is unofficially here!

Well not really... For this teacher summer begins June 13th but on Thursday the unofficial start to summer began. That's right, Kenny Chesney came to town. Each summer my friend and fellow teacher go to see him! For us summer isn't really summer without a little Kenny! 

That is the face of a mama that doesn't get out much! 

It is a highlight of every summer and it is one tradition we won't be giving up any time soon! 

Mid Week Confessions

Elizabeth over at E, Myself, and I has midweek confessions each Wednesday that I love!  They usually relate to either motherhood or being a teacher so let's just say I can relate.  After reading I leave her post feeling like I am not alone in the craziness of being a young working mom.  I thought I would give my own confessions a shot.  Here goes nothing, even if I am fashionably a day late!

1. Sometimes I let my grandma (aka my amazing babysitter) make my bed.  I am not proud of this and I feel totally guilty when I do.

2.  I cried twice this week.  I am talking, out loud, ugly crying.  Once when I was watching the end of Safe Haven (sweet movie that was filmed in my home state, in one of my favorite places, see this post for more on that) and again last night when I finished the amazing book below.  If you haven't read it add it to your summer reading list!   I hadn't cried that hard since Lady Sybil died in an episode Downton Abbey!

3. I loath assessment time at the end of the year.  I think it is entirely unfair to ask a 9 year old to sit in a desk for 4 hours and take a test one week from the last day of school.  I also think it is cruel and unusual punishment to ask their teacher to administer such a test.  That being said, the countdown to summer break is ON!

4. I am the only girl in America that does not watch dating and singing shows.  By this I mean shows like The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, or America Idol.  I am a pretty old fashion gal that still believes in things like fate, love at first sight, and kissing and NOT telling (on national television).

5. My child may or may not have bathed played in the mud TWICE this week.  Let's just say one "adventure" ended with a bath was outside and one with a water hose.

Green Thumb? Probably not.

I am certainly not claiming to be a "green thumb" but I am pretty proud of myself for making it a couple weeks without killing my mini garden.  I know I am probably getting way ahead of myself but I thought I would give a window box a try.  Although we live (literally) in the middle of no where with really no one to see them I think they are pretty and that is all that really matters right?  Plus it gives me a chance to have a little science lesson with the toddler.  Can you tell I am trying to make myself feel better about the $40 I spent?  I am positive they look nothing like the Pinterest inspirations I found but I am pretty excited about how they turned out!  Especially considering they were my first attempt!

I started with a few local supplies from Lowe's.  I couldn't believe the boxes were only $10!  Score!

The final product... 

Daddy's Girl

Without a doubt ER loves her daddy.  The other night after he came off a 48 hour shift she was missing him like crazy (mama was too)!  She didn't leave his side all night.  In fact, she was loving daddy so much she wanted to be just like him while he recovered from his softball injury.  I thought it was too incredibly cute not to share.

"Look mommy, I am just like daddy!"  

Lock up your daughters...

Ever since we found out we were having a little girl Preston has been extra protective. When I called him on Friday to tell him she had her first "date" with her buddy Jacob he was quick to remind me, "no holding hands." Needless to say she eagerly broke that role when I egged her on. Shhh... Don't tell Dad! 

Jacob is the adorable son of one of my oldest and best friends, Kristen. She and I recently reconnected when I moved to the school she also teaches in. God sure does have a funny way of keeping special people in our lives and for that I am so thankful! 

Our "date" consisted of hot dogs at Al's and mommy's school carnival. The kids had a blast and tried everything! 

Pirates and Fairies

On Saturday we ventured out to celebrate two of our favorite people's birthdays.  The theme was Pirates and Fairies. Preston's precious cousin Elizabeth dressed up and surprised the kids as Tinker Bell. ER was super excited to say the least. Next June ER will be a flower girl in her wedding! 

Of course ER wanted to join the the fun too. We just may have a future ECU fan on our hands! 

Bald Head Island

I love the state we live in.  It seems just when you think you have seen it all, there is something new to discover.  Over spring break we were fortunate enough to discover a special island, Bald Head Island.  Located off the coast of Southport, BHI is a quant island that is car free and extremely relaxing!  Other than taking the golf cart out for lunch and a bit of exploring we basically stayed around the amazing house that had been rented for the wedding we were going to.  The kids had a great time playing on the beach and the adults had a great time being kids adults.  

Our amazing room that felt more like a suite!

Old Baldy (also the site of the wedding)

Cousins 

Easter Egg Hunt on the Beach

The Easter Bunny found us!  He brought fun treats to take to Disney!