Friday, July 29, 2011

Love Makes a Family

I'd like to apologize for my blog negligence recently (for the past month, to be exact), and I wish I had a legitimate excuse, but I don't.  To be honest, I've been enjoying my time away from work since going "relief" as an RN and being home more with Jack.  In fact, I've been having so much being home with Jack that I haven't done much else or wanted to do much else but BE with Jack.  Our consistent time together has brought out so many new skills and developmental growth in him that have gotten us and all of his therapists really excited.  I'll go into more details on a later post, but for now I'd just like to share some great photos from our week-long vacation last week to Emerald Isle with my mom, my sisters, their husbands and their kids.  My mom and dad bought their condo in Emerald Isle, NC during the mid-80's when I was just in elementary school, so I have many wonderful memories of growing up there during the summers with my family and friends.  Being there also makes me miss my father so very much, as it was he who worked so hard in his life to make it possible for our family to afford such a beautiful coastal retreat to escape the realities of daily life.  When he was alive, we really enjoyed our time there together, from fishing to cooking whole blue crabs for the whole family to enjoy. 

It was a very HOT week, but one filled with laughter, swimming, sand-castle building, game-playing, and lots of reminiscing.  Jack had a wonderful time with his Ci Ci, aunts, uncles and six cousins.  Even though we live miles away from my sisters and their families, it's like we've never been apart when we get together.  My sisters are my best friends, and spending time with them and their families makes up some of the greatest moments of my life.

Here are some photos of our wonderful time away from it all ...




Ci Ci and all her critters (notice Jack looking at Ci Ci and Ci Ci looking at Jack ... too cute!)


Jack, cousin Charlotte (4), and cousin Wade (4)

Jack loves his Ci Ci!

I love this sweet face!

Playing in the sand


Someone LOVES the beach!

Jack with his newest and perhaps greatest fan, cousin Reid (20 months)

Ready for his first boat ride on Aunt Kasey and Uncle Levi's boat!

Not too sure at first ...

But hey, when in doubt ... take a nap!

We "docked and dined" at a cute waterfront restaurant


Swimming with Mommy in the Intercoastal Waterway

The gang

Kissing cousins (Jack doesn't look too sure about this!)
Cousin Levi (22 months)


Friday, July 1, 2011

Shopped 'til he dropped!

You know it's been a good trip to Target when it ends like this:

Poor buddy ... so sleepy!

We're heading to Washington D.C. to spend the holiday weekend with Uncle Chris and Aunt Alice (and baby Hickling, due in less than 6 weeks!).  We hope everyone has a very fun and safe Fourth of July!