Outer Banks, NC

Our trip report is here!

I went through ALL the pictures, deleting a ton and editing some of my favorites.  I decided to make a couple collages using picmonkey.  It's a free online editing software and incredibly easy to use.

My family has been going to Duck, North Carolina for over 20 years and since getting married this was our third trip.  We'd been planning a family trip for awhile and decided on this location back in January because it was almost equal distance for both families.  We couldn't have picked a better house and had spectacular weather.

This trip wasn't packed with sight seeing or fancy restaurants.  Mainly stuffed with days at the beach or pool, home cooked meals, and game nights.  Our kids were fast friends and when the trip came to an end, the only reason I was ready to come home was the excitement of the start of summer.

Talking on the phone or a few hour visit is never enough.  One would think seven days straight would be...NEVER!  Love ya, miss ya!

XOXO


Aubrey

Five Things

A few days late but didn't want to wait another week.  Happy Sunday!

Last Day of School


Lauren's just finished her last day of "pre" pre-school before we left for our vacation.  She was actually really sad to leave.  She enjoyed all her friends, projects and teachers.  

 

 We had to get a last day picture to compare to her first day.  Before leaving for the summer, we stopped in to meet her teacher for next year.  Lauren loved the room and her teacher was so sweet.  I hope we'll see a lot of her friends next year too!

Teacher Gifts

I wanted to give Lauren's teachers a little gift, nothing crazy but just something to say thank you. Found on Pinterest, of course. Potted gerbra daisy from Trader Joe's. Add a little the message to a #2 pencil and your good to go. One of the teacher's wanted all the details so she could do for her children's teachers.  I think we did ok:)

Mani/Pedi 


A little pre-trip pampering and mommy/daughter date. I thought I would have waited until she was a little older but we needed the one on one time. She picked pink for hands and yellow for her toes and was so good and polite!

Just a Little Something


I purchased a planner from Erin Condren last year and upon receiving it there were a few labels snuck in that are adorable and have actually come in handy.  I always keep these clear cellophane bags on hand for any impromptu gift or goody bag filled with freshly baked cookies.  Tying a cute ribbon is certainly enough, but adding the labels makes it even more personal.  I think I'll be ordering soon.

We're Back...

I hope you enjoyed the posts while we were away on our vacation.  I completely checked out from blogging but had a few things scheduled for my most loyal readers:)  We had an amazing vacation in the Outer Banks with some friends.  I will be back later this week to post about our trip.  Here are a few...

  

Beach Chic

Sporting our matching hats

One of my favs!

Marco Island: Part 2

Today is just going to be a post of pictures from our trip and then I'll finish up the trip report this weekend with some of our other spots.  Like I said yesterday, most of the trip was walks on the beach and fun in the pool so that is the majority of the pics.  I know the grandparents appreciate all the pics, I hope everyone else does.

(Dude, your wife called, she wants her bathing suit back..)

Yes, hotel rooms can be boring, but not when you make a pillow fort!

Happy Friday!  Go play this weekend, you know this guy will:)

XOXO

Aubrey

Marco Island: Part 1

Good afternoon friends and family!

We just got back on Monday from a little vacation to Marco Island, Florida.  I would have blogged sooner, but was under the weather for a few days.  We had an amazing time at a truly 5 star resort.  The Marco Island Marriott is top notch.  The view from our room was spectacular and the zero entry pool was perfect for our family.

It was a perfect time of year to visit.  It wasn't crowded, but you didn't feel alone either.  The weather was perfect, just right with no humidity so we could spend most of the day at the pool or beach.

Wills loved the pool...always smiling and splashing.

He is really on the move now, completely crawling, so we had to watch him extra closely.

There was even a water slide that was only for kids.  Here is Lauren heading up with dad.  Get ready...

 Get set....

Go!

And that was the end of that.  "Its too scary" 

The trip was mostly filled with the time at the pool, walks on the beach, and dinners out.  Our goal was just to enjoy the time together just playing!  

 This trip just happened to take place over Billy's 31st birthday.  He wanted a seafood dinner and we delivered.  We drove 20 minutes to the Isles of Capri and dined at the Capri Fish House.  A staple spot from a Naples mom blogger that I follow.  

The atmosphere did not disappoint with beachfront dining and a one man band playing. What could have been better was the behavior of our kids. Billy and I are so sensitive to everyone around us, always trying to pick the kid friendly restaurant and bring activities to entertain.  But William is a complete wildcard at this age, and just as your food arrives he always seemed to get fussy.  Probably the most frustrating part of the entire trip.

  Happy Birthday Dad!  From all of us and her.  It never fails, every time I hand my camera over to someone, I get something like this!  Lucky for me, I can crop it.  

We ended our night at an adorable little cupcake shop in Old Marco.  Simply Cupcakes of Marco Island.  The owners were amazingly friendly and had some great restaurant tips for us.  The meals we had from their recommendations were the best of the trip!  

More to come tomorrow!

XOXO

Aubrey

Sneak Peek

We were on vacation to Richmond, Virginia and Washington DC and took a blog hiatus.

But, I'm back and promise a trip report this weekend. We've just been getting settled back in and spending lots of time outside and away from the computer

We enjoyed ourselves with Aunt Cara,

ate and drank well,

caught three memorial day parades

wine tasted in Virginia

soaked up family time

and watched this little guy laugh and smile all week long.

Stay tuned and stay cool...if you are living in this heat like we are!

XOXO

Aubrey