Weekend in Vass

Rob had to go to California for work (and it included the weekend) so I took the kids to Vass.  It was the opening weekend for strawberry pickin' and Spring Fest in downtown Southern Pines so it was perfect timing!  We also brought Aunt Stephanie a load of baby things, including the changing table (hint, hint Carter) and Uncle Joe fixed us a nice dinner (he's the only one not pictured, sorry!)

The kids were pro pickers

And pro eaters (the owners said to eat all we could before the weigh in)

Mimi with her big girls!

Jude had to go to a friend's birthday party so we grabbed Papa and headed to Spring Fest.  There were lots of street vendors selling food, crafts, art, porch swings, carnival rides, everything!

Ice cream break in the shade

Carter thought this motorcycle was pretty cool and he is pretty cool so someone should surely take his photo with it. (He posed all on his own).

Family photo on the bench

On Sunday, the weather was cooler, but perfect for riding Bucky.  The kids took turns walking around the farm while Bucky tried to eat all the grass outside the fence.

That's a wrap on our weekend in Vass.

Grammie's 80th Birthday

She doesn't want to spread the word too much, but Grammie is the big 8-0!  I can only hope I'm having as much fun as she is when I'm that age.  She worked a full time job and raised 3 kids and has been enjoying retirement/Las Vegas for a few years now :)

Grammie just wanted us all together for her birthday and since we can't fit in one house any more, Aunt Lisa booked the Whitewater Center for us.  Big thanks to Lisa for organizing everything!!  It was actually our first time there, which is a shame because it's a really cool place.  The "river" was drained for repairs, but there was a walking trail, ropes course, zip line, several rock walls and plenty of dogs to pet.

The kids on the rocks

Of course Carter had to climb to the top like sister.

 

Selfie from the balcony of our party room!

What a lovely cake!  (Yes, I take credit for that, for bringing it, not making it)

Here's the birthday girl with 2 of her great grandkids

Carter found his vest pockets that day.  It was a good day.

Avery mastered the little ropes course on the walking trail (better than me for sure).

The whole family!  

Courtney has her brother Joseph on face time (see cell phone over Rebecca's shoulder).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMMIE!! We love you!

Aunt Stephanie's Bridal Shower

At the end of July, all the special ladies that love Stephanie got together for a brunch to celebrate the bride and shower her with gifts.  Of course the cutest one there was the flower girl, miss Avery.  She even got her own flower corsage to wear.  We played a game (courtesy of Aunt Lisa)  about how well we know the bride and Avery actually did pretty well (I only got one more right answer than her).  The event was hosted by Grammie and I brought yummy cupcakes for dessert.  It was hot outside, but us southern women can handle it :)  Congrats to Stephanie... only one more month until the wedding!  We can't wait!

A flower for the flower girl!

Stephanie with her best friend since kindergarten and Maid of Honor

The bridal party - Kelly, me, Stephanie, and Crystal (she's due with baby#2 in October)

The grandmother and mother of the bride

Our lovely host, Grammie

The cousins at the shower - Rebecca, me, Stephanie, Allyson, Paige, Gina, and Avery

There was a garden at the restaurant and Avery wanted to walk through it before we left.  She loved smelling the flowers and herbs and showing them off like it was her personal garden.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Game #3 was the same weekend as my birthday and since I get my birthday off work, the kids and I made it a long weekend in Vass (Robert doesn't get my birthday off so he went back home to work - booo).  The weather was very rainy due to Joaquin making an appearance, but we had fun inside (minus the football game, but we were prepared for that).

Avery and Carter got a chance to hang out with their great-grandparents on Sunday and we had a little photo shoot with Grandma's Fall table decor.  My mom "gifted" me several items for my birthday, like my high school letter jacket, pom-poms, girl scout uniforms, and prom dresses.  It was pretty fun going down memory lane while helping her clean out closet :)  She also gave me an awesome Essential Oil starter kit so I can be as happy and healthy as a hippie!  On the way home, Mom and Stephanie followed us to Seagrove for a little pottery shopping.  All this gorgeous pottery was made so close to my home growing up and it took me 35 years to finally go buy some -- I'm hooked!  When we got back to Charlotte on Monday evening, Robert had flowers, gifts, and a nice steak dinner made for me.  He hung the wreath that Stephanie made for me and unloaded the car.  I'm sure he is jealous of the New Kids On The Block beach towel I have back in my possession.  I am truly a lucky girl!  35 is a good year so far.  Now on to the photos!

Playing with Papa

First kitchen sink bath!

Hanging with the family

Fall photo shoot

Hanging with the Gentrys - Birthday Party #2

On Sunday we had another special birthday party - Avery and Carter's Great Granddaddy turned 87 years young.  My mom invited the whole family over and we had a great time eating and talking in the back yard.  We also took a family photo of the entire family - probably our first ever.  Can't wait to see it!  I didn't get many pics of this party, but it was really awesome for Carter to get to meet everyone and celebrate another year together. 

Avery enjoying some lunch with the guests of honor.

Carter got some good snuggles with cousin Allyson

And more snuggles with Aunt Stephanie

Happy Birthday Jude

Day 2 of our weekend, we headed over to Jude's house for his 7th birthday party.  He had a big inflatable water slide in the backyard.  I wasn't sure if Avery was going to like it, but Aunt Stephanie took her on her lap a few times.  After that, it was game on.  Avery took a break after the 50th time down only because she was cold and wanted some chocolate cake.

Best water slide partner ever!

Now she's ready to try it solo.... and the rest of the day looks like this on repeat :)

I think she likes it

 The birthday boy with his dad and Stephanie

Carter didn't get any cake, but he was pretty content to hang out in the shade.

Aunt Stephanie brought out water balloons too - Avery ran straight to Papa with hers!

Forget plates, Avery had her dinner in the chip bowl

Before we leave, it's time for the "adults" to have a turn!  Thanks for a fun party Jude!