Whoops....sorry for the delay!! Catch up time!

First catch up post - a quick trip to NC. These pictures warm my heart. I love how happy EVERYONE was =)

Its all fun and games until you have a long car ride back home.....

We Had Visitors!

We love visitors. Thanks MawMaw and PaPa BEEN-der for coming to visit us.  

We can tell Mawmaw was here - look at those kiss marks!!

Columbus Day In New Bern

Jacob finally had time off enough to come with us to New Bern and we had a great time. Seriously seeing the kids run around that farm warms my heart. They just love it. This trip, Jackson really mastered the "green gator." I mean he was really scootin' around.

The boy loves this comfy bed.

Saturday they literally played in the dirty outside from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.  Covered.

Taking a break with maw maw Bender

Cowboy up

Driving his ladies!

Well all good things must come to an end so this is how our fun trip ended...

until next time I-95 S

A Week at Grandma's

Elli, Jackson, and Mommy were able to spend a whole week at Grandma's Farm and boy was it nice.  Of course we had to settle in, but once we did and found our groove, the kids loved it. (We missed you Daddy!)  They played outside all.day.long. It was so neat to see how magical it was for Elli - the way she just played make believe all afternoon, it did my heart good to watch her.

Jackson just loved it all (even though he did end up with some classic little boy bruises). He especially loved the dirt pile and the "alligator" as he called it.  It was so nice to have a break with my parents and I certainly appreciated every minute of help they gave (and they gave a lot). Not to mention we had the luxury of eating Grandma Jack's awesome cooking (imagine chicken and pastry, casseroles, hams, rolls, banana cream pie...).  I have decided we should turn that lil barn into a Bed and Dinner instead of Bed and Breakfast (we aren't big morning people). Mom you could totally make a killing!  I'm cool with it as long as 1.  they aren't there when I'm coming and 2. you don't start charging me! 

This is what playing outside all day will do to ya!

Something about her being on the farm in fairy costumes cracked me up.

The new animals Ranger and Shadow.

Sometimes we got too tired, but we recovered!

Princesses and best friends on the go!

Look what Grandma made for us - a lil' get away. So perfect!

Special treat - we were able to see Grandma baptize Cousin Charlotte.

Can't wait to go back soon!  Probably won't be long so don't even worry about cleaning up the lil house Grandma!!!

Our First Official Guests

We were so excited to host our first official DC guests and the best part? It was Elli's bestest buddy - her cousin Charlotte!  We left this as a surprise for the girls and they didn't know who the surprise was until they saw each other = priceless.

In 48 hours we squeezed in a trip to the White House, picnic downtown DC, and an awesome trip to the zoo.  Shew!

We can't wait to have them back - there is much more to see and do!

Waiting for our surprise guest!!

I'd say she was a bit excited?!?

See Jacob's instructions on how to get to the zoo? Follow the parkway? Seriously?!! He obviously doesn't understand my LACK of sense of direction.

Jackson decided to be a seal.

A wet paint sign actually means wet paint....

Baby lion cubs!!!!

Yep - it was a long day!

Someone wants a snack!

 Thanks so much Aunt Melissa and Charlotte for making the trip to see us. It really meant a lot!