Beaufort, SC

Last weekend, we traveled down to Early Branch, SC.  Early Branch is so back in the woods/marsh lands that the map app on our phones was USELESS! ;) But my dad knows the area like the back of his hand b/c it is where he grew up. I haven't been to SC to see the Smoak extended family in 5 or 6 years, so it was great to see aunts and uncles and let them meet our children. My talkative nature is definitely a Smoak trait, that sadly resulted in no pictures. I can't believe I didn't get one picture. Not even with my parents! :/

Saturday morning before the reunion, we were able to take the kids to Beaufort. It was a lot of fun showing them where my dad started his career as a Marine (Parris Island), and the air base my dad worked at when my brother was born. They train fighter jets at this particular airfield and Graeme was beside himself as he could see the tail end of fighters sitting on the tarmac. We also drove down to the waterfront and took in the GORGEOUS views and homes. It was a fun little morning excursion. I was able to get a few pictures of Beaufort b/c I wasn't running my mouth with anyone! ha

4 hours one way in a car can make you a little ccrraazzyy....

Beautiful riverfront

Potty Party #3

I am THRILLED to say we had a third potty party this evening!!!! If you would have asked me last week, I would have told you Jane wasn't very close to being potty trained. Well, that all changed over night! After a week and a half of panties all day; we celebrated with happy hour at Sonic, the playground, and Dunkin Donuts!! I am so excited for Jane (and for me! ;) ), but I'm also kind of sad that it probably is the end of my baby-wearing diaper years.

Way to go, big girl!!! We love you!!

My little bakers made banana bread entirely by themselves.... even reading the recipe thanks to Ceilidh!

Windy afternoon at the Sonic playground

Way to go donuts.... oh I mean way to go Jane! ;)

Happy Resurrection Day!

I'm finding it harder and harder to get pictures of all the events and days I want to document. They are getting older and therefore our activities are more involved. I also made the decision last year to begin enjoying the 'moment' more than worrying about documentation. I wish I could hire a photographer to join us at all activities I want to capture for memory sake! Ha

We have had a wonderful April, though a bit on the rainy side! Lots of outdoor lizard catching, bird watching, garden planning, etc. And speaking of gardens, I will be decorating a preschool room with a garden theme soon, b/c I am starting as a preschool teacher this Fall!!!! I am incredibly excited about this. It is a good combination of many of my interests; and G and J's free tuition doesn't hurt! ;) I can't wait to blog more about this soon. I have a few sweet pictures from the last couple of weeks. I hope everyone had a joyful and encouraging Holy Week!

Spring Game 2014

'Monkeying' around at the zoo with the Blantons!

Sweet Natalie and crew

Clendenin Easter party 2014

Best buds!

Happy Easter!

I love how Phoenix and Jane are cracking each other up!

Nana and Granddaddy Bill celebrated 60 years of marriage at a beautiful home in the country on Easter Sunday. Sadly, I didn't get any pictures with them; but I was able to snag a few of the Clendenin grandparents and all the cousins as of now!

Secret Gardens

Andrew had to be in Chapel Hill for a a few hours this Saturday, so the children and I went to get breakfast and hang out on campus for a little while. After a breakfast of champions (McDonalds) ;) I was able to score a parking spot on upper campus so we wandered around Coker Arboretum for a while. I have always loved the arboretum. So much in fact, I had bridal portraits taken there. I figured the children would last for 10 minutes and be ready to go. I was wonderfully wrong! We spent almost an hour and a half. They ran through the paths, chased birds, found favorite flowers, and played in the creek. Nothing spectacular happened during that hour; but it was one of those mornings that I will remember forever. The ordinary became quite extradordinary as I watched them play, laugh, and enjoy each other without any inhibitions. As Ceilidh reminded me due to promptings over the years from her Pops; I took many 'mental pictures' that morning.

At one point, I saw Ceilidh taking everything in as she was looking around. I asked her what was up and she told me that this particular area in the garden would be a pretty aisle for a bride. After the shock of hearing her talk about weddings, I started weeping as she giggled. Ha She told me later it would be fun to get married on the bridge and after the wedding everyone take off their shoes and play in the creek. McAllisters better still be in business because that is the reception food of choice. ;) That is a conversation I will never forget. Oh, how I love that girl!

Not breakfast, but a fun treat!

"The Bridge" (sniff, sniff)

Maybe one of my favorite pictures of all of them!
Pinehurst Spring Matinee Harness Races 2014