July

Despite Jay and I being "off" of work this month, our family has been really busy. I use "off" of work lightly because taking care of a toddler all day while being pregnant leaves me way more exhausted than teaching a classroom full of 7 and 8 year olds. Probably because at work the students listen when I say no, do not throw important objects (i.e. remote) repeatedly into the trashcan, can walk themselves up and down stairs independently and for the most part do not cry when they do not get their way. Not that my precious child ever does those things :)

In the middle of July we had our niece and nephew come stay with us for a week during VBS at our church. Having a 1, 5, and 9 year old was a new experience for us. We all had a great time and I do not think I have ever done so many dishes in one week! The dishwasher was exhausted by Friday :) We enjoyed a free trip to the transportation museum (a teacher perk) during the week and many swims in the creek. We now have a new "rock collection" beside our home courtesy of the creek trips.





After VBS week we rested, cleaned the house (all those kids make a mess!) and Jay and I took at trip to the Barter Theatre. For Christmas Jay's brother got us tickets to the Barter. It was such a nice trip and Trey enjoyed spending the day with Grandma and Grandpa. I spent the car ride reading and sleeping- two things you cannot do on a road trip with a toddler! We got to eat lunch at The House on Main, a beautiful old home that has been turned in a restaurant. We sat on the front porch and enjoyed the cool, breezy day. After we ordered I felt restless at the table. This was our first meal in a restaurant without Trey since Thanksgiving. I felt like I needed to whip out some toys, cheerios, or just be too preoccupied making sure Trey was happy to participate in a conversation. But don't worry- we did have a nice conversation :) The musical was wonderful and we came back that night refreshed and rejuvenated. Here are pictures of the view from our table and the restaurant.





Finally, to end the month we went on vacation to Oak Island, NC. We had a great time visiting with our friends and enjoying the beach. Trey LOVED the sand and water, especially all the hard sand left after the tide went out in the afternoon. We spent most mornings and late afternoons playing in the sand and waves. Trey even befriended our friends' dog that came to the beach as well. By the end of the week Trey would touch Mabel (ok sometimes hit...) and let the Mabel walk all around him. Trey also enjoyed pointing to all the pelicans and sea gulls on the beach. Notice the immense amount of sand all over Trey in the beach pictures! I did not know sand could end up in so many little cracks and crevices!