Beach Trip

Even out here in North Carolina we are still a beach family. I will admit it is a lot harder to be one out here but we still want our kids to grow up with a love for the ocean. So we make it happen! Over Jeremy's mini fall break we wanted to make sure to get a trip in before it was too cold to go.

It was a really nice day, thankfully, so we were able to enjoy some shelling as a family after Jeremy got his fill of surfing.

Love this beach. We went to Topsail again and I really love that it's convenient, not very crowded, full of shells, and very beautiful.

 

While Daddy was surfing, I took the time to snap some pictures of my little model. I'm still paranoid about keeping her perfect skin out of the sun but I just love this little bathing suit! She was working those sunglasses too!

I think it's safe to say that Leila loves the beach! Success!

Family Time

Quality family time is few are far between with Jeremy in grad school. So when we get a chance for it, we take advantage!!!

Leila loves having daddy around! She is so excited when he gets her up in the morning or from her nap. 

Of course family time wouldn't be complete without a volleyball game! This month we hit up the girls UNC verse Duke game.

Leila is such a trooper even with it being so late and when she just cant keep her eyes open any longer she passes out in my arms and can stay asleep even with all the cheering! 

Had to throw in these couple of pictures of our early mornings with Leila. I wish this one was clearer just for that face!  

This is the norm these days. Leila loves her Bumbo but would rather play with the tray than any toy I put on it. And she's always covered in slobber! 

It is getting cold out but that doesn't keep us from our family walks! 

We love having Leila join us for dates. We made some dips and homemade chips and an extra special drink to top it off. (Milk for Leila :) Leila had already spit up all over her shirt so she is half naked in these pictures. She was pretty annoyed about it in the picture below. 

Leila grew out of snuggling way too fast so when it happens I cherish every second! 

Pure joy! 

So relaxed she's even got the drool going!

Love this girl! 

And this boy! I even made him a special dessert just because! Ya we are still in love!

Five Months

Leila is really starting to transform into a big girl and I'm not sure how I feel about it! I love what a sweet and happy little girl she is but I want her to stay little forever! Thankfully she doesn't seem to be in a hurry so I am grateful.

She is approximately 13.5 pounds and 25 1/2 inches long.

She has the best hair and can really work an up-do.

There is nothing better in this world than this smile. No matter how I'm feeling just seeing this for a moment makes me happier than ever.

Her favorite thing right now? Sucking her toes. Ya she's pretty classy. She is rolling now, but really just when she wants. So when she starts to roll, instead she just finds her toes and is perfectly content.

When is she not content? On her belly.

But at least I can distract her enough for a couple pictures.

And then she just lays flat down on her face and pushes her but up with her feet. So helpless.

 I know everyone thinks they have the cutest baby and I am no exception. I just stare at her in awe of how absolutely perfect she is with her flawless ivory skin and bright blue eyes. Ya I'm obsessed. But aside from her outward beauty she really just has the sweetest disposition. She makes everyone she meets happy. She is so mild tempered but still has a funny little sense of humor. I honestly couldn't be more blessed with such a perfect baby.

Gram and Papa are in Town!

Our October started off on the right foot with a much needed visit from Gram and Papa. We couldn't be more excited to have them here! Gram Rox couldn't join them but she sure made a showing in the suitcase she sent along! Sam and I couldn't wait to dig in!

The real reason for the visit was to celebrate Adley's 8th birthday and baptism. We were so happy to be apart of this special day for Adley. I felt especially blessed that Adley asked me to speak on the Holy Ghost. I was so grateful for this opportunity and getting to live close enough to be here for such a huge event in my nephews life.

Couldn't help but snap some pictures of these sweet kids!

(Missing Sam...he was too busy playing!)

Leila LOVES all her cousins. And I love to see these sweet little relationships budding!

 We got to have Mom and Dad stay over at our house for a couple of days and I loved having them in our home. Unfortunately the weather wasn't too great, but we just took advantage of just getting to relax with Gram and Papa. Well relax and of course get some help doing things around the house! :)

We watched conference,

acted crazy,

(I literally can't get over this picture!!!)

went on a walk and did some touring,

tried out Leila's jumper but more just lounged in it,

(Check out that hair! Leila wasn't too sure about this thing!)

 Gram tried out pigtails in Leila's hair for the first time,

and got to feed her lots of food.

It was a short visit but we loved having them stay!

 

We joined up with the Calhouns at the history museum in Raleigh. Such a great museum and I loved learning about some North Carolina history.

We got a kick out of taking photos as soldiers...these boys are such hams!

Of course with Papa in town we had to hit up the original Krispy Kreme.

All the kids loved the treat, especially Leila!

Finally we had Adleys birthday party. He wanted to have a western type thing and Tisha did an amazing job planning a bunch of fun activities and a story line to keep all these boys excited.

There were several different stations that the boys rotated through including shooting, "horse" (or bike) riding, and horse shoe throwing. Of course it was a contest with several winners.  

I loved the costumes that Tisha provided that really added to the vibe. Their backyard was the perfect backdrop for the theme.

Tisha included a little surprise for the boys when some "bandits" attacked to steal all the money from the "bank". The boys loved it!!

This was such a fun party and it was great to celebrate with Adley and the rest of the family!

 

Wish Mom and Dad could have stayed longer but absolutely loved having them here even for just a short time!