to the beach and back

Poolside in Charlotte.

Shades on and ready for Day 1 at Ocean Isle Beach.

Can you dig it, fool?

Spectacular lightning storm in the evening.
It only rained once the whole week!

Morning run along the shore.

Beach boys.

Catch du Jour.

Chowing down on the perfect size cob.

Foster could not join us at the beach,
but we got our fix with Fin at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center.

After dinner at the Giggling Mackerel.

Patriotism at its finest.

4th of July Parade with cousins, Lexi and Juli.

Admiring the golf cart floats in the parade.

Stars and stripes family photo.

Hamilton proudly waving his miniature flag to all the passers by.

Patriotic beachwear model.

Watching the waves with Mama.

Who knows how many miles this truck saw in the sand!

Bocce Ball fanatics.

Wish we could stay here all summer!

Daddy: 10 stitches after landing on an oyster bed in the canal.
Hamilton: Boo-boos from beach shoes.

Soaking up our last day at the beach.

We stopped on the Foothills Parkway to take in
the scenic view on the way to Gatlinburg, TN.

Watching the diver feed the fish at Ripley's Aquarium.

Petting a horseshoe crab.

Waving at the penguins.

Debating which dance move to debut
at Eric and Jordan's wedding in Martin, TN.

Taking a breather at the hottest wedding we've ever attended.

Reunited and it feels so good!

Sitting on top of Foster has to be a
close second to sitting on the beach!

spring into summer!

Hamilton loves outdoor activities, especially bike riding!

We struggled with a case of the Mondays
almost every week day after the warm weather arrived.
That's the price you pay for staying up late, playing outside!

This little boy is ALL boy. If he's not in the dirt,
then he's not having fun!

Thunder Over Louisville from Daddy's office.

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon,
cheering on our friends, Mr. Alex and Mr. Michael.

Our dapper young fellow posing for his Spring photo at school.

Seersucker sweetheart.

Happy (early) 2nd Birthday to Hamilton
from Mama, Daddy, and the grandparents!

Peek-a-boo!

Best buds!

Running free!

Who wouldn't hire this cutie patootie for summer work?

Making Daddy work hard for the money!

Hamilton has become a huge fan of
the Ginger Miso Salad at Sapporo.

Summer kicks.

Swinging at the zoo!

Zoo date with Ms. Annabelle.

After several trips to the zoo and waiting in line
to feed the giraffes, we finally got a turn!

A little apprehensive about the
sprayground/splash park at the zoo.

First lollipop!

Learning the answer to "what will happen if I press this?"

Jumping lessons from Cousin Logan!

Visiting with cousins in Milwaukee.

Busting moves with Mama at
Blake and Alicia's wedding in Milwaukee.

After dinner sprint with Ms. Libby.

Admiring tractors, not horses, at Churchill Downs with Papa.

Slumber party with Foster and Boone.

Playing with trucks, one of our fave passtimes.

Hamilton's latest OCD-esque tendency.
He does this everyday...by himself.

Boy's best friend.

At Rough River on Mr. Brandon and Ms. Ashley's boat.

Happy Father's Day to Daddy and Papa!

Celebrating Mama's 30th!