Summer is in full swing here. Bea's friend Laura arrived from France for a three week visit. A few days after Laura got here, the two girls traveled to Florida to visit Bea's grandmother. On the same day that those two went to Florida, Serena headed west to spend three weeks with her dad in Oregon. We're all excited to welcome her back later this week.
While the girls were away, Kevin and Ian and I checked into a local hotel for a few days to take a break from the everyday and spend some time swimming and relaxing. Ian absolutely loved the pool and he did so well sleeping at the hotel - this kid is a traveling pro!
While the girls were away, Kevin and Ian and I checked into a local hotel for a few days to take a break from the everyday and spend some time swimming and relaxing. Ian absolutely loved the pool and he did so well sleeping at the hotel - this kid is a traveling pro!
^^While the girls were gone, Kevin, Ian, and I spent a lot of time in the yard. Kevin trimmed bushes and took care of the lawn, I tended my strawberries, and Ian spent ages playing with these little pitchers. He can't get enough of them! You can find them here.
^^This was when Laura first arrived. The girls take turns visiting each other every summer...next year, Bea will spend some time with Laura's family in France.
^^They had a fantastic time in Florida, swimming, eating at restaurants, and petting horses. They flew back to Raleigh a few days ago.
^^Serena has been soaking up the sun and playing with the pet bird.
^^She went to a Fourth of July party at her aunt's house and made fun, patriotic cupcakes!
^^She misses Ian, but she got her baby fix with her adorable little cousin.
Kevin and I found a hotel just across town that had a nice pool and rooms with kitchens, living rooms, and separate bedrooms. Just what you need when you have little ones -we could put Ian to bed and hang out in the living room. If you're visiting Raleigh with kids in tow, I would definitely recommend staying at Homewood Suites - Crabtree Valley. Added bonus: it's right next to a great mall!
^^Ian takes sun protection seriously.
^^We popped over to the mall for some New York style pizza. Yum!
^^The day after our mini trip, we went to a fourth of July party at our friends' house. I was too busy socializing to take any pictures once we got there, but I snapped these shots of my desserts before we left!
Our friend Barbara came from Paris to visit us for a couple of days, and Ian loved her so much! He couldn't get enough of snuggling with her, and he kept asking where she was. We had a wonderful couple of days catching up and chatting about anything and everything. Can't wait until the next visit!
The first half of summer has flown by, and the second half is going to be just as busy! Thanks for visiting. Happy summer, everyone!