Wrightsville Beach Day

I want to just pack up and move to the beach.

Luckily, we only live about 3 hours – so it’s worth a day trip to soak in the sand and ocean.

We went with my mother and father in law for a Saturday escape – it was perfect weather and tons of relaxation.

I sported a bikini with a big ol belly and didn’t feel bad at all. It’s like hello, I’m pregnant ~ I don’t think it’s as taboo as it used to be to wear bikinis while preggo – so I went with it.

We packed up the van, took a change of clothes, sunscreen, umbrellas, and beach toys – and off we went. 5 hours on the beach, a walk to the pier, jumping in the ocean, and the sun beaming made for a great day!

What’s your favorite Saturday activity?

Schooooool’s out… Summer’s Here!

Summer is basically here, the girls had their last day of school this past Friday!! So bring on the pool days, summer projects, silly faces and cookouts!

The girls have been enjoying their week home with daddy this week building a headboard, lounging by the pool, spending time here and here – and loving summer kick off!

Rylee has suddenly become camera shy, so capturing her lately has been a chore and a fight I’m not willing to battle.

Reese on the other hand, could have her picture made all day, everyday.

Mike – well, it’s always been a battle to get him on the camera.

I swear one day, they will appreciate my “snap happy, just one more, come on, just smile” spirit!

How are you spending your summer? We have several beach days planned, a beach trip, carowinds, pool days, cookouts, baby shower, date nights, and lots of family time planned – with lots of yummy food. Because who doesn’t love summer food?!

Friday Night Traditions

Recently we started taking the kids to Yum Yums in Greensboro on Friday nights then walking around the UNCG campus.

Perfect for chatting about our weeks, exploring, and spending time together.

As I plan out our summer – I typically look for movie nights, downtown events, celebrations, camps, parties… etc.

We usually spend Sundays meal prepping and relaxing or catching up on household duties, Saturdays by the pool or with family/friends, so Friday nights are our out of the house – try anything nights.

We are excited for Summer along with all the laughter and fun it brings.

Reese turns 4!

Time flies when you have babies and they have birthdays!

Our little Reese turned 4 on Tuesday! We celebrated with cupcakes at her preschool, dinner at Mcdonalds (her choice), ice cream, Build a Bear, and of course: presents.

We will celebrate her again this Saturday with a pool party and family.

A re-cap of our girl:

• Obsessed with Frozen everything, she dreams of meeting Anna and Elsa.
• Still sucking her thumb – a habit we are desperate to break!
• Loves snacks – particularly NutriGrain bars and gummies.
• Playgrounds of any kind.
• Pockets on her shorts – for stuffing coins, rocks, and lip glosses.
• Hair down, no big bows and frills for this cutie – she prefers her hair down always – and with those straight locks, I’m cool with it.
• dresses and fancy princess costumes
• Animals – Reese loves all kinds of animals, especially Dixie and Sammy
• Terrified of bugs: deathly terrified of flies.

Our little May baby is spunky and sassy to say the least. She believes everything is a game and truly makes us laugh often. She is stubborn about getting up, dressed, showering – but full of life and loves to chat.

Happy Birthday to our sweet Reesie-cup!

forcing your kids to play sports…

Our girl Ry just finished up her 9th season of soccer! She started the Spring she turned 4! What a long way she has come! One of the top defenders on her team – who went 17 – 1 in an almost undefeated season this past year!

Rylee has had said since she was 6 that she doesn’t want to play anymore – but we sort of force/bribe her… shhh.

We know she isn’t one to be overjoyed about athletics – and that’s fine, neither was I – but we value the healthy lifestyle for her.

At age 9 in soccer, kids usually split up into hybrid or junior academies – while some hang around and just play rec soccer. The expensive opportunity has come up for Rylee – do we sign her up to try out for Hybrid soccer or do we let this be it for her. She’s good, so we know she would make it – but will she resent us for it later?… do we let her not play a sport at all? If she had to choose: she would rather read books and be a tutor – but how do we maintain the healthy lifestyle/team spirit that sports provide..

I read an interesting article about “forcing your kids to play sports” here

More research into the topic::

Children quitting organized sports occurs more often than one might think. Research has shown that approximately 70-75% of children will quit playing a sport by the age of 14. Why do they want to stop? Why they start or why parents put their children into a sport in the first place:

1. Competence (learning and improving)

2. Affiliation (Being a part of something like a team or a club)

3. Fitness (agility, balance, coordination, and physical health)

4. Fun (This is the overwhelming reason why children play sports)

What are your thoughts?