Blueberry-Blackberry-Birthday Bonanza

I've been trying to convince Charlie to have a birthday party at our favorite pick-your-own farm for years, but he always declines. So I decided I was done waiting for him and threw my own birthday party there! The blueberries and blackberries were lovely, as was the company.



Owen's hands were never empty


Baby Zane's first trip to the farm


Tricia & Sarah enjoy some shade


Berries and ice cream - not a bad way to spend the day




Riding the cow train






Rebecca, Ashleigh and Charlie measure up


A true gentleman

First Day of Summer Camp

Kindergarten Celebration

Today, Charlie "graduated" from pre-school. It was a very sweet celebration - the kids sang songs and did a dramatic presentation of a book called The Day the Babies Crawled Away. I will admit to getting a little misty . . .



The Day the Babies Crawled Away


Slideshow of the graduates


Proudly holding his diploma


G and Charlie celebrate with cupcakes


One last goodbye with the fish

Escape to the Beach

We spent Memorial Day week at the beach, which was a much needed escape from the daily grind . . . though in some ways, the grind followed us along. Owen has trouble sleeping when we're away from home, particularly when we share a room with him. We spent a lot of quantity time with him in the wee small hours of the morning - good thing the scenery was nice!





Beginning sand construction with Omi




Flying the kite Aunt Moni brought back from Vietnam








Owen catches the sharing bug, though won't take no for an answer






Oceanside snooze


I adore mini-golf . . . and told everyone we should go because it was Charlie's idea.






Our high (88) and low (45) scorers


Captain of the SS Pontoon Boat


Aunt Niki & Uncle Tony


Hanging out with Aunt Ulli, Omi . . . and all the snacks!








Charlie takes the helm


Checking out the cannon balls at Fort Fisher . . .


. . . and the cannon, too!


Heading into the aquarium


Luna, the albino alligator


Turtles sunbathing - at first we thought they were statues!




Heading back on the ferry


Playing chase in Southport


Last day at the beach


Jabba the Sand-Hutt




Opu with the boys


Slightly more tan versions of our usual selves