summer | photos

sigh...

Summer is slowly inching to a close.  Here in Virginia, school hasn't started yet so we are hanging on to every last bit of it.  This last month we have spent a lot of time swimming, hiking around local parks and swimming in the river.  The weather here is perfect for exploring.  I have a feeling we will be doing quite a bit more before school starts on the 31st.

home:

Lakeridge Marina:


This area was so lush and green.  It was right by the lake, too, so as we took the path around we could see the water.  Just beautiful.

Leesylvania State Park:

This was the kids favorite day so far.  They are little waterbugs and enjoy every chance to get in the water.  It wouldn't be summer without throwing some burgers on the grill.  Perfection...

We are definitely having a grand summer here.  I will be completely honest and say that I am ready for fall.  I need my leggings and sweaters,  my roasted marshmallows and a fire pit with friends.  For now, here's to a few more summer adventures...  

summer vacation | photos

Summer vacation.  It is something we look forward to every year.  We drudge through the end of the school year thinking about how much fun our vacation is going to be.  Where are we going to go this year?  What I we going to do?  How far do we want to drive or how close to home will we stay?  This year was a little different, though.  This year my husband was gone for three months before vacation AND we had just moved.  I honestly thought that we would not have a real vacation.  Surprise, surprise, my hubby graduated from his academy and took us to the beach in South Carolina on our way home.  He rented a little condo and a golf cart at Ocean Lakes Family Campground just down from Myrtle beach.  It was so relaxing.  I am so glad it was a quiet vacation.  The last few months have been a bit chaotic so a chance to unwind was just what we all needed.  

  

The kids loved the sand and even Kaitlyn ventured out into the water this year.  Daddy bought them boards for surfing the waves.  Their smiles were worth every bit that was spent.  I think the best part of this trip was the one on one time they had with their dad.  After not seeing him for three months, they needed that.  I needed that.  That, my friends, is what vacation is to me.  Uninterrupted family time.  And lots of sun.  LOTS of sun.  haha

#ourbackyard | take two

Today is a photo post.  I loved this theme so much I went out and took even more photos in our backyard.  This time it was in the morning.

I had coffee and she made a nest for her little bird.  The bird gave me kisses. So did she.  I snuggled her close and kissed her freckles while she giggled.

It was a welcome distraction, a change of pace...something new.  This morning was epic in its simplicity.

Don't forget to visit Mandy's blog for more info on this awesome #hashtagthisweek project.