The Grandover

 No children, no noise, no house to clean, no responsibilty...NO PROBLEM. Pool, spa, magazines, girl talk, movie, dinner, drinks, sleeping in...bliss

http://www.maxieb.com/

I read about Maxie B's in Southern Living. If you are ever in Greensboro, I highly recommend stopping by. We were speechless. The cake options are endless and so delicious. The decor is chic as well. 

My childhood best friend, Marlo, now lives in Charlotte so we met half way last weekend in Greensboro to have some friend time. Our daughters were born 7 minutes apart, and are now three so that alone explains why we need to get away to actually hold an adult conversation. We had a really great time. We went to the spa, hung by the pool, ate dinner at the Proximity, saw the Katy Perry movie and ate some cake (yo). As always, we laughed until we cried and stayed up all night gabbing. Love my Shmar. 

For Real HOT-lanta

 Lillian and Stella ready for their sleepover. Stella fell asleep, Lillian did not. She was just too excited to sleep. The sleepover was moved to mommy's bed

 This just makes me smile. I love seeing my daughter meet the daughter of someone who means so much to me and has been a huge part of my life. Look at those sweet girls. It feels like yesterday when Amber and I would ponder our futures. Life turned out better than we could have ever imagined. 

 Cruisin' in the Barbie Jeep

 We had to check out the Atlanta Aquarium. It did not disapoint. I could have used a little less penguin mating, but it was super cool overall

 The whale shark

 This pic says it all. Snuggling with my baby girl who did not wake up until 8:30 almost everyday. She is such an awesome sleeper. The sleep God's finally rewarded me for my patience with Harrison over the last 5 years. Lillian does not wiggle, she sleeps in, she wakes up and is happy, she tells me "you da best mom EVER" 63 times before she falls asleep (swoon)

Worn out fashionista

Last week Lillian and I headed to Atlanta for a little girl time. It was 106 degrees and gave "Hot-Lanta" a whole new meaning. Harrison stayed home with Marci and was happy to not travel in the car. Lillian rode happy as a lark all 7 hours and was such an awesome travel buddy. We went to hang with one of my very best friends, Amber and her kids Stella and Hudson. We hit the pool, the Atlanta Aquarium, Pappacitos, and we even met another best friend of mine from grad school, Lauren. Yeah!!! It was a fantastic trip and I cannot wait to see the Brown family again soon. Thanks for all the fun memories! 

Ready for Grandma and Grandpa's

 Harrison has been asking for a "big person" suitcase for months. I finally caved since they will be spending a week in Michigan while Joe and I head to Antigua. 

 They were so excited. Lillian came home and packed all her baby dolls in the suitcase. Harrison slept with the suitcase for two nights. 

I guess you can say they are excited. 

And speaking of dropping the kids of with grandparents...I AM COUNTING THE DAYS. this e-card pretty much sums up my life lately. Lots and lots and lots of togetherness laely. Joe has been gone a lot and my children are out to get me. I am so thankful for some adult only time! 

Blood Sweat and Gears (attempted)

 We left right after VBS. We were all worn out. I taught again this year, and it renewed my apprecition for teachers everywhere. Wow. 

 I enjoyed sitting for three hours and catching up on my Southern Living magazines. So relaxing. 

 I made "Not Yo Mama's Banana Puddin'" 

 and...Slut Brownies. Easy, cheap and SINFUL

 Daddy duty while the mama's party prepped

my kids had their first "old fashioned soda" at the Mast General Store. I was banking on them not liking it at all, but of course the loved it. oh well, vacation rules. 

A few weekends ago we loaded up and headed to the mountains for the annual Blood Sweat and Gears bike race. We do this every year and it is a family friendly event. This year we shared a cabin with our good friends the Condray's. A good time was had by all. Joe had a tire explosion early in the race, so he and the boys spent the day providing supplies to the other Bandwidth riders. We were worn out after a week of action packed VBS, but it is always great to spend time in the mountain air. We hosted a post race party and had lots of yummy food. I only got pics of the desserts. Oh well. Looking forward to next year already. 

A little piece of heaven

Our second year at Cottage on the Green 

Bags dropped and we are headed to the beach!

Daddy loves his girl

 playing catch 

 the best view in town from our back porch. I loved having my morning coffee watching the sound 

 Marci came to play for a few days. she is the best!

 The Rhode Island Pennell's arrive. Whoop Whoop!

 Lillian cared for all her "boo boo's"

Joe and Mike

Climbing Jockey's Ridge 

 Harrison and Elliott examining tad poles 

Giggle Fest

 Surf's Up

 Yes, I was actually on the trip :)

 Our double date on the back porch during a rain storm. Now one of my top 10 favorite moments EVER. 

Such great conversation with lots and lots of laughter

 Headed out to see the wild horses 

 The "shell" phone

 Harrison was non-stop with the boogie board. No fear!

 My two greatest accomplishments 

Co-pilot Harrison 

 Lills and her baby

 watching the storm come in 

 Duck Donuts

 Fresh Seafood Dinner

 I highly recommend going on vacation with a professor

 watermelon margaritas

this is the life!

We went back to Corolla for two weeks this year. This house is such a happy place for us. I am already counting down until next year. The owners are absolutely wonderful and not a detail is overlooked. Hands down this was the best vacation I have ever taken. Everyone was happy and relaxed, we had family and friends come to visit and play, and we ate REALLY great food. Living near the beach really works out well for us. I walked along the beach every morning, the kids swam until they could swim no more, Joe got to un-plug from work, and best of all we got to eascape the house construction madness. So thankful for this special time, it was a great way to kick off the summer!