Maryland Part One - Grady Rides a Bike

Last Tuesday we drove from Ocean Isle up to Maryland to see my parents. And I had zero childcare between Grady's daycare closing for the school year and when he starts Kindergarten. All of the college girls go back to college so early for sorority recruitment etc. I really wish the schedules lined up better but they don't at this time. Anyway, it gave us some good family time and once the school year begins, we are pretty much in park. 

But first, before we left OIB, we got to go to Turtle Talk. The sea turtle volunteers put on an educational forum for everyone to learn about them and we never get to go because it's always on Mondays. This was a big treat as the kids love the sea turtles!

Heading north. We made really good time this trip. We left OIB at 6:55am and made it to Maryland at 2:45pm. We only stopped basically one time - food, gas, bathroom. Unlimited screen time for my little people...not my first rodeo haha. 

Fell asleep with about 10 min left because we told him he had to take a nap. He was getting wild! Happy meals from McDonalds - a rarity but owning it on a road trip!


Dinner out!






We checked out Barnes and Noble and also got new running shoes for both kids (and I actually). They have the best shoe store in town. 



Wednesday night at the Sharptown Carnival - a true small town gem! Note to self - don't let Dad stand in line for an hour and a half for an oyster sandwich! Get it at the end of the night! Now we know!






We always do the tilt-a-whirl with Poppa!


And the carousel. Molly Anne quickly demanded to have her Poppa with her per usual over the last 8 years of carousel riding! Haha!


Checking out a new pond place to try and get some goldfish for my parents pond but we weren't successful. This pond there was gorgeous though!


My little buddy boy!


Always reading with Poppa.



Kevin and Dad went to Johnny's one morning for scrapple, egg and cheese sandwiches. DELISH.



Grady wondering around my parents side yard. 


Nannie's birthday was on Friday the 18th. Talbots of course!


We did A LOT of scooting. Miles every day. They are two peas in a pod!




Dad made crab salad for lunch on Mom's birthday. 



Then Grady learned how to ride his bike! We've been working on it for a bit but not too religiously. I brought it to Maryland with us because I figured we'd have some time to work on it and my parents live on a flat road with hardly any traffic. The kids can be out there by themselves going to the culdesac and back over and over. It's pretty wonderful. 


Well...then this happened! Molly Anne taught him how to ride it! And he was off!


We are very proud of him. He told my Dad, "Poppa because you believe in me, I believe in myself!" I hope he always knows that!

Part two coming up!

Boat and Myrtle Waves

We had the best weekend. It was low key and much needed. We rode down to the beach on Thursday after work and just in time for the sunset. Also just in time for me to go to Lowes that night to get a new shower head. Home ownership!

Whenever we are down at the beach we always try to do some cleaning or some projects. I know, it sort of defeats the purpose but we like to keep it up ourselves as much as we can. I scrubbed the showers, Kevin put up the new shower head and changed a battery the boat. Over the last month I've also cleaned the front and back of the house and porch ceilings. Just an hour here and there really makes a difference. 

Friday we had a beach day after our chores. This explorer thing cracks me up. We are family #3 to have it after our friends acquired it on the beach. I took this picture to send to Jen and Jade for a good laugh. The kids had a blast with it on Friday. 

She found so many angel wings then safely put them back in their environment. 

Twinning for dinner at Inlet View. 


They both have their shark tooth necklaces on and I think it's so cute!! I also love this picture of them on our front porch!


Orange crush







Saturday we took the boat to the boat ramp to put it in. Just Kevin and I and the kids. We did it! I brought the car and trailer home and Kevin drove the boat home. 


First cruise on the boat just the 5 of us! 




We went both ways up and down the waterway and got lots of practice! Learn something new every time you take your boat out.




That's boat tired!!


After dinner at Sharkys and some arcade time, we went over to our friend Ashley and Jackson's house. They had a little party and invited us to hang. We are friends with Ashley from wayyyy back in the day! Their house is beautiful and we had a nice time meeting some cool people. 


Sunday early morning on the beach with my buddy getting our exercise in!


Then we surprised the kids and took them to Myrtle Waves down in Myrtle Beach. Get the Groupon! But they loved it and we did too! It wasn't very crowded but this begins a much slower time of year at the beach so we weren't surprised. 


The kids and Kevin have zero fear. I do. But I'm glad Kevin will do all of this like the below with them. Haha. 




Nice little family day out. Then we headed to LuLu's for a late lunch on the way home. 


Now back to it. I may be a little quieter than normal this week and next but then I'll be back in business late August! Cheers!

Five on Friday - art work, last day, scooter day

ONE - this may be happening soon - no more training wheels. Working on it! Molly Anne loves helping him!

TWO - Molly Anne did this one day this past week with special paper and markers that her friend Emme gave her. I think it's so pretty and I'll probably frame it!

THREE - his last day was yesterday. It was a sad day walking out of his school for the last time. It's a special place. 

FOUR - speaking of - they had bike and scooter day on Tuesday. So cool. Not normal daycare activity!



FIVE - ole Mills got quite the haircut this week!! So funny. He looks like a deer running through our backyard!

The Looks

ONE - in my cart 

TWO - love this dress. 

THREE - I really feel like I need these shoes. The bamboo detail and neutral flat are perfect. 


FOUR - a classic top that is a bit loose but still structured.  


FIVE - the detail on this blouse is gorgeous. 


SIX - I wish I had a fancy dinner or event to wear this dress to! Probably should get it because I never can find anything when I need something like this!


SEVEN - classy clutch