camping day 2

camping day 1

Our camping trip last weekend was perfect! We had a great mix between clouds and sun, good waves, good food, and great fun together! 

We packed up right after school on Friday and headed to Holden Beach.  Once we got there, we set up our stuff and then started making dinner.  We only had 2 sites book for our group, but we ended up taking up about 4+ sites.  It wasn't too busy, so we spread out and pretty much took over.

The beautiful sky our first night.

 After the sun set, we started on the campfire tradition of smores.  Freddy made a great fire that burned most of the time we were there.  Kirby and I introduced "Catch Phrase" to everyone and we played the whole night until we pretty much fell asleep around the fire.

It was a great first night!  I can't wait to share some more pictures!

What a weekend!

It was a great weekend and I can't wait to share the pictures with everyone. 
Check back tomorrow... it's almost bed time... we are pooped!

WILW

It's Wednesday... woop woop!

I'm loving... our camping get-a-way this weekend.  It's lookin' like good weather.

I'm loving... all the people who just had a baby, expecting a baby, or trying for a baby.

Another post on that later. (not us yet though)

I'm loving... lots more things, but that's all for tonight.

What I'm loving Wednesday

Link up here with Jamie.

I'm loving... the rainy days we've had here!

I'm loving...working in my classroom during these rainy days.  So many other teachers had the same idea too.  The parking lot had 15-20 cars in it on both days! 

Don't be fooled by the picture.. .the other side of the room is a mess!

I'm loving... being able to see our family and friends last weekend.  I really needed that and miss them already!  Click here and here to read about our trip.

I'm loving...this guy.  Of course, cute little Emma too! 

A looong Tuesday

Yesterday was a long day of traveling! 

We got on the road after eating the best hotel breakfast ever and after about 8 hours of driving we stopped in Charlotte to see Kirby's sister.  She had  hip surgery yesterday and we got there just in time to help her into the car at the hospital.  Then, we went over to her house to be with her for a little bit.  She was doing great, so we got back on the road. 

We only had four hours left in the drive, but it ended up taking a little longer because of the rain.  We definitely needed the rain around here, but gosh... this rain was crazy!  Kirby had to drive because it was so bad (and because I don't drive well in the dark) and he said it was the worst rainstorm he had driven through in awhile.  It was scary!  Everyone had their hazard lights on and only drove about 40 mph.  After it stopped we thought it was over, but it happened again a few more times.  We finally made it home in one piece though!

After a jam packed weekend and a long drive home, you'd think we'd stay in and relax today.  Nope.  Neither one of us did.  I went to school around 11:30 and Kirby went surfing around 2,  We both just got home around 8:00. 

8 hours of organizing and cleaning my classroom 

6 hours of surfing for Kirby

family, family, and more family

What.a.day! 

I tried to prepare myself for a day filled with family I haven't seen for years, but nothing could prepare me for the love I felt today.  I'm so thankful for all the loving people in our lives.

We started the day with breakfast at a restaurant where my cousin Coen works.  We saw my Grandpa, Grandma, and my brother Adam.  We were also able to spend time with my Aunt Linda, Uncle Tony, and my cousin Josh and his girlfriend, Chavela.  We had a great time catching up and then went to hang out at my grandparents house to reminisce and chat some more. 

{Yes, this is my Grandma.  Yes, she is texting. I love it!}

On the way back from my grandparents we drove by the house where I grew up.  Every time I'm in town, I always want to see it.  Today the owner was outside mowing her lawn, so we stopped and met her.  She was super nice and allowed us to check things out and take a picture.  Growing up, my best friend's (Crystal) grandparents lived across the street.  The owner said they still lived there and that coincidentally their daughter was in town from Florida visiting.  So we took a chance and knocked on the door... suprisingly they remembered me when I told them who I was.  We didn't stay long, but it was neat to see them.  It brought back a lot of childhood memories!

We freshened up and then went to visit my other set of grandparents. 

I was excited to see some aunts, uncles, and cousins.  We finally were able to meet my 2nd cousin, Falon, for the first time too!  We brought out some old albums and looked though pictures while hearing great stories from my Grandma & Grandpa.

Our last stop was supposed to be dinner with Julie, Jim, and Judy, but Julie wasn't feeling well.  It didn't work out this time, but hopefully we'll see them soon.

It sure was great getting to see a lot of our family!  Unfortunately, we are still at a point where we are not communicating with my parents.  We hope that one day soon they'll accept the decision I made a few years ago to make connections with my past.  Hopefully when that time comes we'll be able to move on and be a part of each others' lives again.  If that piece of the puzzle falls into place, our future trips to Ohio will feel more complete.

next stop...

The first stop on our Ohio trip was breakfast with my friend Karolyn.  We went to a nice local breakfast/lunch place to eat and catch up.  Unfortunately, Karolyn had to work this morning, so we hugged and said goodbye a lot sooner than I would have liked.

Afterwards it was onto the next stop... the Warren's house.

We were able to meet Emma Katherine for the first time and she is even more adorable in person! 

I could have held her all day long! 

We didn't want to leave big brother Cooper out...

Even though both stops were short, I'm so grateful we were able to see them.  I miss them both dearly and... well... really...I would just like them to move to North Myrtle Beach.  Whaddya think ladies?

After our Columbus visits, we drove 2 hours to where I grew up.  We are going to dinner tonight and then to see my friend Sarah.  I haven't seen her FOR-ever! 

Tomorrow is going to be another jam packed day with lots of stops.  We are visiting with family and I can't wait!