Yards Park

Our favorite nearby summer-fun park on the waterfront:

summer is officially begun

Summer has officially, for me, started!

Why today?

Here's why:

Crab.
It's my hands-down, all-time, absolutely, positively favorite meal on earth.  Nearly any crab.  Tonight? Happened to be snow crab (on sale).  Corn on the cob.  Sourdough bread with butter. But the crab takes the cake.  Summer has begun!

pier at Virginia Beach

This weekend we went to the beach... camping (okay... "camping" ) - at a KOA.  We lucked out missing a terrible storm in DC and escaped the triple-digit heat (swapped for some high 90's, but with the ocean breeze and a air-conditioned KOA cabin, it was great).  We started off with some night swimming and didn't stop playing till it was time to go home.

Hot dogs over a fire, s'mores, sand in the toes, sunscreen, bug spray, chlorine-smelling suits, blue slurpee.. summertime, baby!

A giant 'jumping pillow'!

(other catching-up posts to follow....)

Ocracoke 2011

A belated posting of our long 4th of July visit to our favorite island: Ocracoke!



Me, Meselech, Joelle - dear, dear friends



apparently proud of my girl learning how to use a shot glass (don't worry - just water)

delicious loungy mornings (and afternoons) on the porch

daddy and Ains dig to China

painting time!



ring and hook game with Justin



shucking corn for dinner

 Breakfast - homemade crepes!

Ains wanted all of her toppings "on the side" 

put this girl to work!

A-Bear's collection - all cleaned up!

let's go Clamming! (long sleeve shirt to cover my AWFUL burn from day 1)

we caught enough clams for a meal!

Jake LOVES. I mean LOVES the beach with his pal, Kona

he's first in the water -- this dog literally whined b/c we wouldn't let him jump off the ferry for a swim. crazy pup.

 

playdoh

men cookin'  -- priceless

girls went out for a bike ride! I was terrified. And loved it.  (yes, mom, I DID ride this bike with Ains on the back and I did NOT fall off! WOOT WOOT)

Girl of my heart - loves her clams!

time to prepare mommy's favorite:  CRAB

my mouth waters just LOOKING back on this picture!

aha!  Caught 'ya! Dancing boys by night. :)

at the 4th parade - highlight??? Santa in shorts on a skateboard. Ains absolutely lost it, she was so giddy.

Another heavenly trip to the best island on earth.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Justin and Joelle!  We loved staying at your house once again.  Ocracoke is lucky to have you now as permanent residents!