Vacation: North Carolina Style

This year instead of going to our normal spot at Rehoboth Beach for our annual vacation, we decided to visit our good friends, Ryan & Denise in New Bern, NC and then head to the beach (about 45 minutes from them) for the remainder of the time. What a great decision it was. Our families had a fantastic time together. We walked downtown New Bern the first night we were there. It's right on the water so that was fun. Then the next morning we went out for breakfast and went to another friend's house who happens to have a pool. Perfect. Supper together, and a motorcycle ride for Eric, Ryan & Matt (Eric's highlight of the trip). It really was grand. I got a short one in too :)

Then Monday morning, we left for the grocery store and got to Emerald Isle and checked into our ocean front hotel room a little before noon. Beach, pool, hiking, out to eat, sea shell hunting, lots of deer sightings, ice cream, movies, reading, relaxing, napping...yeah, it was a total retreat for us all. The nine hour trip home was filled with "Wheels on the Bus", praise and worship, and lots of conversations. McDonald's and Starbucks helped us make it home in one piece and we were thankful to see our dear doggy, Gideon and our home. Our tanks are filled up once again and we feel ready to finish out our busy seasons in our businesses, our garden/yard and other family events yet this summer.

Here is a little glimpse of what all we got to experience together.

4th Of July

Isaac and his second cousin, Brennan are good buds. Baby B is 8 weeks older and wiser. I love watching them get to know each other better every time we're together. They came out on Sunday evening to enjoy all the fireworks we could see for many miles all around us. We spent the holiday with my parents scrapping off blistered barn paint and getting it ready for a fresh coat. Hard work was accomplished and good memories were made.

Rare Occasion

It only happens every once in awhile. We get a wedding invitation. And we're not the photographers. We made the guest list. This past weekend, we put on our non black wedding attire and joined in the marriage celebration of Eric's cousin, Nils & his beautiful bride, Ingrid. I felt so peaceful and like I was in a different world. No responsibilities, no camera, no sweating :) Here we are all shined up. Thanks, Mom for taking these great images!

Kosydar Family

I met the cutest little family last week. Three handsome boys who love to explore...dirt, water, bugs, etc. This is what I have to look forward to in the days ahead! They love being outside (hiking, gardening, playing ball in the yard with the boys, camping) and just spending time together, especially over the summer. Don't they just melt your heart?