Grayson, our youngest grandchild, turned one on July 26. He seems to be on pretty good terms with that birthday cupcake!
One of the birthday party highlights was when Uncle Nathan/Dad took the kids outside for a basketball lesson.
Here’s Grayson with his other wonderful grandparents. And if you haven’t yet read Sheri’s blog you need to visit it soon. She is one of my favorite writers.
I absolutely LOVE this shot! A whole lot of personality captured in a few pixels.
Meagan just posted this photo on FB with the caption, “When your child decides to reward you for being the best parents ever. Madi keeps us guessing and laughing!”
It has been so great having Sarah home this summer. We’re treasuring the days until the end of August when she’ll leave us again.
She cooked lunch for us after church yesterday.
Our little Yorkie continues to bring approximately 152 smiles to our lives every single day.
The other night we were all sitting in the living room and she was snuggled next to me on the couch. All of a sudden, she lept up and raced to the other end of the couch where she ensconced herself behind some pillows.
It’s the super-secret stealth doggie!
And lastly, for those of you who are interested in this little island we live on, here is a well-written, insightful article that I think you will love! (Edited to add: I changed the link to make it easier to access.)
What about you? Has your summer been filled with dogs? Or kids? Or travel? Or rest? Tell us a couple things you’ve done this summer.
I’m unable to reply to your reply, Becky; but I wanted to tell you you how correct you were – I loved the article on Manteo and Wanchese and how they share the island with such different “personalities”. The history of the Chiefs was also interesting. Thank you for sharing it.
Sue Ellen,
I’m so glad to know you enjoyed the article. I thought it was so very well written and summed up our little island perfectly.
Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
As you probably know, your photos are always a favorite part of your blogs. I especially enjoyed the photos of your “resident chef” and your precious Yorkie. Maybe thunder sent her into stealth mode??
Fred,
A chef and a Yorkie. Two pretty good companions on a summer evening. Yeah, we’ve had some storms over the past few days; she may have sensed one was coming before we even knew it.
Happy belated birthday to Grayson! He and his siblings are beyond precious!!
No wonder Summer keeps you smiling… 🙂
Our summer has been busy. We spent a week in Colorado in June and we just returned last night from 6 days up in South Dakota with 10 friends. We experienced the lead-up to the Sturgis bike rally, golfed and went trail riding a couple of days on 4-wheelers and side-by-sides. Such beautiful country, but the Black Hills are especially gorgeous, lush and green from all of the rain this year and the weather was perfect!
Then this weekend we will take our 4 grandkids to Omaha for the weekend….no parents allowed. Lol! It will be the last scheduled outing for the summer. The little ones are so excited and really look forward to ‘vacation’ with Papa and Gaga. We’re really excited about it too!
I’m so glad that you get some time with Sarah before she heads off on her new adventure!
LeeAnne,
I have to admit I am just a little jealous that you have so many friends who are close enough that you actually travel together! That is such a blessing in an age of largely electronic relationships. I’ve never been trail riding but the photographic opportunities sound amazing. And to see the Black Hills? A dream come true.
Grandkid Weekend has got to be so much fun ALL ages. Good times!
Love the “stealth doggie” pictures of Summer – how cute. And it goes without saying that the wee Smith pictures are adorable! I look forward to reading the article you shared as I love ALL things Coastal Carolina! Hope you and your family have a wonderful week!
Sue Ellen,
I think you will really enjoy that article; so well-written and so much great insight into our interesting little island!
Glad you enjoyed the photos of the kids and the dog. 🙂
Enjoyed the article but took quite a lot of figuring out how to find it. The grandchildren are growing so much. Sarah is such a joy. I know you will miss her but what an opportunity to serve in her chosen field. Would really like to take a trip to the OBX but too much preventing that at this time. Enjoy your area and Sarah for the next few weeks.
Ann,
Sorry about the trouble with the link; I just figured out a way to change it to make it much easier to click on for future readers–and clickers! 🙂
You know we would love to see you if you ever head this way.
And yes, we will enjoy Sarah for these remaining weeks. So hard to believe she was just 14 when we moved here and now she is all grown up. Time does march on. Hugs!
Interesting article although the link didn’t work for me. I was able to click on the menu button, select the arrow to right of magazine then select current issue. Then I hit the search icon, typed in Manteo and it brought me right to the article.
I have had a pretty uneventful summer – no dogs or kids and only travel has been to my parents or Springfield. Since I don’t have kids, I usually try to schedule my vacation in the fall when there are less people traveling. Not sure what I’m going to do this year as my travel mate, my cousin, is buying a new car so no vacation for her this year. I’d like to go somewhere I’ve never been before but haven’t figured out anywhere yet. I’ve also thought about going to Waco, TX where Chip and Joanna Gaines have their store.
Phyllis,
Well, you are pretty tech-savvy to figure that out. Good job! I went back into the post and right-clicked on the title of the post and it gave me the option to open it from there. So it must be behaving in a different way on different computers.
You’re so right about taking your vacations in the “shoulder season” which for the OBX is late spring and early fall. Lovely weather and the crowds are so much smaller. Perfect timing. I’m sure you will figure out something wonderful!
That photo of the 2 grands is adorable. Such big, wonderful smiles!
My summer is filled with kid. Just one. My 4 year old. We have done things on the weekends, but no real travel. We’ve done a beach day and will be doing another this Saturday, too. We’ve gone to 2 county fairs. He absolutely loves the rides and has no fear. The faster and arounder it is, the better. Luckily, my sister likes them, too. She goes with him. I watch them. And indulge in the fair food! My favorite!! We have 2 splash pads here in town, so we have been to them a lot this summer. Free, wet and fun!
At the end of August, my Dad, sister and I will travel to Ann Arbor Michigan for a Michigan football game. My dad, grandfather and great grandfather are alumni of University of Michigan. And we, by family, are Wolverine fans. We are super excited to go see a game. We will be there a few days before so we can do tourist-y things. My son is staying at his favorite sitter’s house, so he’ll have fun, too.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying your time with Sarah. And I’m sure she is enjoying her time, too. And Summer? Can she get any cuter??
Have a blessed week!
Krista,
How great that you have a grown ups-only getaway planned for August! And to get to go a few days earlier for touristy stuff is the icing on the cake. I hope you enjoy every moment.
Your son is no doubt a hundred times braver than I am when it comes to rides. I’ve tried a few big coasters and decided “never again.” I’m happy that he gets so much enjoyment out of them but I’m with you–give me a little fair food and let me sit down!