Ellie & Lucy's New Diggs

 A few weeks ago my neighbor asked me if we would be interested in a used playhouse that a friend was trying to get rid of.  I jumped on it, of course, and yesterday she dropped it off at our house.  Ellie was beyond excited, since we had kept it a secret until it arrived.  We cleaned it up this morning and it is good as new! Thank you so much, Joelle!

A "Berry" Good Day

 Today we took our annual trip down the road to Jean's Berry Patch.  We were in desperate need of some fresh strawberries to replenish our freezer jam supply, and we came home with more than enough.  Brad and I both have a hard time stopping ourselves when we see so many perfectly ripe berries!

 This was Lucy's first visit experience picking strawberries, 

and she seemed to enjoy "helping" daddy.  Click here to look back at Ellie's first time.

Ellie got her own bucket to fill, but as you can see it ended up empty.  She was more concerned with eating, than picking. We learned here not to dress Ellie in a white shirt on strawberry picking day, which is why she's in red. 

The fruit of our labor :)

What's a post on strawberry picking without a berry face shot?

Our Little Fish

 A few weeks ago Ellie started taking swim lessons at the Y.  She has done a really great job, despite being hesitant of being in the 'big pool" for the first time.  Basically the first lesson consisted of Ellie hanging onto her teachers for dear life, and them trying everything to get her to let go.  Since then she has really warmed up to her teachers Ms. Ashely and Ms. Dawn, and is having more and more fun with each lesson!

 I think one of the joys of being a parent comes in watching your child gain new skills, and the confidence that results from it.  The look on Ellie's face when she realizes she can do something new is so precious!  I am so thankful I get to witness that giant smile and enthusiasm.  I also love how she looks at me to make sure that I am watching her. 

Here are a few pictures from her first class...

and a video from today...look at her go!

I am so thankful that Brad works at the Y, and that our girls will have great opportunities to participate in so many more fun things as a result!  We already have Ellie signed up for more swim lessons later in the summer. 

Beach Weekend

This weekend we have enjoyed some much needed family time at Pine Knoll Shores.  It has been so nice to get away and have nothing to do but relax and have fun!  Friday morning we went to the  Aquarium for a few hours and played out on the beach that afternoon.

Our nights have been interesting, trying to figure out the best sleeping arrangements with 2 bedrooms.  The first night we tried putting the girls together, but that ended in Ellie waking Lucy up twice, Lucy screaming for 30 minutes, and Ellie sleeping on the floor in our room. Needless to say we were all tired after a rough night like that. Having Ellie as a bunk mate has been interesting, but at least she is waking us up instead of her sister.  I think she is so excited to be sleeping in the same room as us that she wakes up, remembers where she is, and starts talking to us at all hours of the night.  We have a few trips planned this summer where we will all 4 be sleeping in the same room...I am already dreading the sleeplessness that will most definitely happen then. 

Saturday morning we took the girls to Beaufort to see the boats and walk around some.  The weather has been beautiful, but a tad bit cool still, but it hasn't kept us inside.  Saturday afternoon we went out on the beach to try to fly a kite that we bought for Ellie.  She was impressed for about 5 minutes and went back to playing in the sand.  I told Brad that maybe in a few years that will change.

Lucy has enjoyed eating playing in the sand for the most part, Although just like anything else, when she is over it, she quickly lets us know!  We are thankful for a fun weekend away, but after 2 weekends in a row of traveling, are looking forward to a normal week ahead.

Easter in Brevard

This year we spent Easter with Brad's parents in Brevard.  Ellie went up for some quality time with Nan & Pop Pop on Tuesday afternoon before, and had a great time.  We got there late Friday afternoon and were so glad to see our big girl!  It was weird having a few days of actual quiet in the house.  I loved having some one on one Lucy time, but it was definitely a little boring without my "little buddy" right by my side!

On Easter Ellie had fun hunting and hiding Easter eggs all over Nan & Pop Pop's big yard.  It was sweet to see her really getting into it this year!

Just when I had given up on EVER getting a decent family picture again, Nan managed to get a few good shots of us after church on Easter.  It was nothing short of an Easter miracle, given Lucy had missed her morning nap and had just woken up from a cat nap on the way home.  Thank you, Lynne!  A good family picture is so special to me these days!!