First Day of School

Lilly and Victoria started school today! It was big excitement around our house this morning, since Victoria started Kindergarten today. Lilly said her day was "AWESOME"!!! Victoria felt like a big girl, she made a new friend named Emma, and she learned the proper way to hold scissors!

Daytrippin' to North Carolina

Our friends Carrie and Sara had a great idea that we would take a day trip up the Carolina coast, take the Southport Ferry and then drive up through the Carolina Beaches where we ended up in Wilmington for a day of fun. What a perfect way to end the Summer vacation!

Sara was trying to serve Kumquats in an oyster shell to us all!

Victoria, Lilly and Sara on the bow of the ferry.

My car on a boat. Whoa.

Carrie and Sara

We stopped at a great little diner in Southport for lunch.

Me and my gals.

Lilly and Victoria enjoying the sights.

It began to storm outside, but all was not lost. We found a great indoor jungle gym place to spend the rest of the afternoon. So much fun!

Victoria Meets Her New Classmates

They had a big chocolate chip cookie cake.
Pizza!

Playtime on the beach.

A treasure hunt.

It was quite a frenzy when the children found the treasure chest full of candy.

We were all invited to Briarcliff Beach Cabana for a great "Getting to Know You" party. It was great meeting all the new parents and children that would be such a big part of our lives over the next 9 years.

Baby Dawson Arrives!

My friend Heidi had her little bundle on August 10th. He was 10.5 lbs! 23"long, and wait...it gets better...she had him at HOME, all-natural, no drugs, no nothing. A doula, her assistant and lots of family around her. She is quite a hero. Some small issues arose, but her and the baby worked through them like warriors. Her and her family are amazing, and I am so grateful to count them all as friends. I want to thank them for including me, having me visit only hours after the birth. Heidi thrust him into my arms as soon as I arrived and I was in heaven! He is so darling, words cannot describe how sweet he is! I am looking forward to being around as he grows.

Summer Fun with Friends

Popsicles!

Slip-N-Slide with Gianna, Bruno, Lilly and Victoria.

As Summer draws to a close, we are trying to make the most of every day. Between working and gymnastics and housework, we are managing to steal a few moments of fun every day. It has been so hot and miserable lately that most of the fun has involved water in some way!

Hannah Montana 3-D Concert Movie

Lilly, Victoria and Gianna sat down with their 3-D glasses and some popcorn and watched Hanna Montana. Too cute!