Sunflowers

So a little birdy told me about a sunflower field not too far away. I drove by that day, and was in love! This morning I had a portrait shoot, so before I had to be at it I decided to take the girls to the sunflower field. They were very uncooperative, as the sunflowers are very thick/pokey, but I got a few good shots none the less. I'm going to return tomorrow morning with Ava to get her four-year pictures. Yes, her birthday was two months ago, but such is life... Happy Weekend, everyone!

ONE smile out of all the shots.

The main event: picking flowers

Always camera ready!

Waterfalls

How do you survive in 100 degree heat? We've been figuring out for the last week and a half, but haven't quite mastered it. If anyone knows me well, you know there's nothing I hate more than being hot. I'd rather freeze my booty off any day than sweat... and I'm a sweater. Like, if it's over 70 degrees, then I'm sweating. That's just how I roll...

So anyway, it's been hot here, and we've been trying to come up with creative ways to keep cool. It's so hot, we haven't even gone to the pool, as it feels like a warm bath. This morning after breakfast we came up with the novel idea to take advantage of the fact we live a hop, skip, and jump from the Blue Ridge mountains. Our newspaper does a great job of outlining "day trips" every Sunday, and I save the ones I like. I pulled out one from a few weeks ago and chose a state park about 1.5 hours away. The goal was to hike to an 80-foot waterfall.

So, we loaded up the Jeep, put the top down, grabbed the kids and dogs, and headed out. We drove through the backwoods of NC (which I loved... reminded me of Indiana) before arriving at South Mountain State Park. We often hike to the top of Crowders Mountain (closer) but this would be Ava's first time hiking (not riding in a backpack carrier) so we figured what the heck. The hike was great! We were in the shade the entire time, and enjoyed the beautiful, cold, clean creek alongside us the entire hike to the falls. The dogs even swam in the creek a little!

Ava loved hiking (Audrey too -she was on Jim's back) and we made it to the top. It was beautiful and well worth it. The weather was cooler up there, but still hot and humid. It was bareable though, which is more than I could say for staying in Charlotte today. We are already planning a trip back up in the fall, when we plan on camping out (whoa!) and enjoy some time around a campfire.

80 foot waterfall

I've never seen a rock that big in my entire life. Crazy!

Beach Trip

We took our annual beach trip to Atlantic Beach two weeks ago. If I weren't such a slacker, this post would have gone up a week ago, but it took me an entire week to recover and get back to normal life :) Anyhow, here's the lowdown on our wonderful vacation...

July 1 - July 5
We trekked the six hour trip (in the Jeep none the less) to Atlantic Beach to spend our long weekend with dear friends from college. This year was our biggest crowd yet, as we had FOUR families present (all great friends). We all have little girls, so that was really fun to watch. We spent the entire weekend just chillin at the pool or beach and catching up on life. Only two of us live in the same city, so time together is precious. We had a great time cooking yummy food, celebrating the 4th of July, and getting good laughs from one another's kids.

We are all very laid back and don't need a lot to make us happy. The goal is to relax, and we do a great job accomplishing it! I have no desire to shop or go out to eat when at the beach, so I was happy that everyone else seemed to be on board with this agenda (or lack thereof!)

Both girls really liked the water. Ava loved both the ocean and pool. Audrey was game with either, but I preferred the pool for her thanks to the fact she wouldn't have sand in every nook/cranny upon returning. Both girls loved collecting seashells and seaglass (my favorite.) I also took Audrey on morning jogs on the beach which we both enjoyed.

July 2 - July 6
Alas, our long weekend came to an end and we switched gears a little bit. We drove a whopping 3 miles east and settled in at a really nice three story beach house in a private community just steps from the water. Jim's brother's family and his parents joined us for the next five days. It was so much fun, and the kids couldn't have had a better time together. Our beach house had everything we needed: big bedrooms, a huge family room, and a well stocked kitchen. Bonuses included double wrap-around porches, Adirondacks, a BBQ, and my favorite... the outdoor shower (I literally didn't shower inside the whole week.)

The community had a private pool and private beach access. We had a lot of fun going out on the beach after dinner each night to fly kites and enjoy low tide. We also had the time to do a little exploring... one day we took the kids to the NC Aquarium just 7 miles down the road. I spent two days exploring antique shops in Morehead City and Beaufort. My favorite find, however, was downtown Beaufort. It reminded me of a smaller version of Portland, Maine. Very quaint, historic, and east-cost nautical. Jim, Ava, and I enjoyed a very nice dinner at Sharpie's, then joined our family for a 90 minute sunset Catamaran cruise that took us to Fort Macon and back. It was a great night, and we were amazed how much the kids loved (and weren't scared) of being right over the water. Definitely well worth the money, as the memories made were priceless.

We're already looking forward to next year and hope to return to the same area with family and friends!

Audrey the night we arrived. She was very intrigued by the waves.

My sun princess

Audrey tossing sand before our annual beach photo

One of the unedited pics of our fam at the beach.

Ava... always camera ready!

4th of July: right before fireworks

Ava flying a kite after dinner

Loving low tide

PopPop having a blast in the ocean with his grandchildren

Ava and Jim hanging out at our beach house. I spent a ton of time reading on this swing.

The grandkids at the NC Aquarium

Our whole family (minus Maryann - boat shy -  and Audrey - baby)

Happy Fathers Day!

Audrey and Ava love their Daddy, Grandpa, and PopPop! They're probably their three favorite people to play with. The girls talk non-stop about their Grandpa and PopPop whom they love and miss when they're not around.

Today we're looking forward to a relaxing Sunday. We started it off with breakfast at our favorite diner and are going to go do something fun this afternoon (still not sure what.) We'll cap off the day with a homemade dinner of king crablegs and lobster cakes (Daddy's favorite) and watch the US Open on TV.

Our Dads are the best! We're both so grateful for their love and support through the years and want them to know we're so happy to have them as grandfathers for our girls.

We love our Daddy, Grandpa, and PopPop and wish you all the hugs and kisses in the world today! xoxo, Ava & Audrey

Happy 4th Birthday, Ava!

Our sweet little girl turns four today. We simply can't believe how quickly she's growing up. As the saying goes "the days are long, but the years are fast!" It truly seems like yesterday we were at the hospital meeting our teeny 5-pounder for the first time. We love her more every single day and are so blessed to have her in our lives.

Ava's been so excited about her birthday this week. She really looked forward to her birthday party, which we had this past Saturday. This year we decided (and were so thankful) to not have a party at our house, but elsewhere. We chose our local Sports Connection to do mini-bowling with all the kiddies. Eight of Ava's little friends were able to attend, and everyone had a blast! We started with mini-bowling. There was no structure to this (as I imagined with scores, taking turns, etc.). What was I thinking?!? The kids just kept grabbing the balls as they came up the shoot then throwing them back down the alley 1, 2, 3 at a time. It was hilarious, but they had fun.

After the bowling we had a pizza party followed by an "Angelina Ballerina" birthday cake. Last but not least, we opened presents! Ava had such a great time and was so happy to have all her friends there.

We've kicked off her actual birthday (today) with family breakfast at Dunkin Donuts followed by Ava's annual birthday picture at the time she was born (8:39am). Then I whisked her off to school (she was very concerned with missing school and being late). She wants everyone there to sing happy birthday to her. Tonight we'll go out to eat and celebrate Ava's birthday and both her grandmothers' birthdays (Happy Birthday Grandma Valerie {June 6} and Grandma Vaca {June 10})! We love you both!

Ava bowling!

This is Mini Bowling for ya!

The huge dent in the bottom is where she leaned in to blow out her candles :)

Excited to open presents!

Audrey had fun too!

Ava on the merry go round

Bowling Pin Cookies for party favors

Audrey's 15 month update

Our sweet baby is growing up before our eyes. Almost a full-fledged toddler, Audrey had her 15 month appointment last week where we learned all kinds of new stats. For one (not that this is a surprise) our girl is tall and is going to stay that way according to the doctor. She's in the 90th percentile for height! As we also know, she hasn't missed a meal coming in at 70th % for weight. Her head circumference is 80%. All in all, she's pretty evenly distributed.

Now that she's walking and climbing everywhere, she's definitely thinning out. She still loves to eat, so she's keeping up with her caloric intake. We learned last week, however, that there are a few things she can't eat. Several months ago she broke out in hives immediately upon eating her first PB&J. We mentioned this to her pediatrician at her 15 month appointment and he set up an appointment for her to see the allergy specialist. That happened last week and she got a basic 16 point allergy test run on her back. Everything's graded from a 1 to a 4. If you're a 1, 2, or 3 it's not a huge deal, but something to look out for. If you're a 4 in any category, then that's a pretty big deal that has to be monitored 100% of the time. No surprise, Audrey was a 4 for peanuts meaning she's HIGHLY allergic. We also learned she's highly allergic (4) to bananas and soy. This shocked us, as she usually eats 1-2 bananas a day. Although it doesn't produce an external reaction, the doctor said she may have a horribly upset stomach by eating them.

She also was a 2 or 3 with: grass, mold, beef, chicken, tomatoes, and corn! What's left to eat? I guess she's just go vegan... (ha ha, not in our house.) The doc said she can still eat those things, but to watch her for reactions. We now have epi-pens in both our cars and elsewhere, as we've now become "those people" who ruin the fun for everyone due to our kid's peanut allergy. Such is life I guess! Enjoy your peanut-butter-less PB&J.

Summer is here!

We had a great Memorial Day weekend. Summer is definitely in full swing in the Vaca household. We've made several trips to the pool and are already gearing up for our 4th of July beach weekend. Our long weekend was just the right balance of fun things and relaxation. Friday night we had our friends, The Cains, over for a cookout. Saturday we did lots of yardwork during the day before heading to a Charlotte Knights baseball game with Ava that evening. Her favorite parts were the kids' area bouncy house and carousel, followed by getting to meet "Caroline" the team mascot's female sidekick (she's a big green dragon!)

Sunday we went to church then spent the afternoon at the pool. Ava is getting more and more confident in the water, and we're hoping to have her lifejacket-free by mid summer so she can really enjoy the water to its full value. We headed over to Grammy and PopPop's for a cookout Sunday night which was quite yummy! Audrey especially loved the cake!

Monday it rained (downpoured) from 10am onwards. Luckily we got in breakfast at Panera and a trip to the park before the rain started. It made for a fun day at home just lounging around and enjoying one another.

Ava and Drew on the porch

Audrey enjoying cake at her grandparents' on Sunday

Ava in the bounce house at the Knights game

Ava and Mommy at the Knights game

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Ava riding the carousel at the Knights game

Ava and Dad at the Knights game. She smiled because I promised ice cream :)

Ava and Grammy at our little cookout

Audrey is walking!

Beating the previous record of 18.5 months set by her big sister Ava, Audrey officially started walking at 14.5 months on May 2nd. She'd been toying around with it for about a month, but as of last Sunday she's all over the place, done holding onto furniture, etc.

Check out our little girl walking!

April, May... What?

Wow, so April came and went, didn't it? We had a wonderful month as a family. A lot went on between Easter and a few trips here and there.

We spent Easter with all sorts of friends. We started the day with church (of course), then went to our annual brunch at the Clarks house. Colleen was mucho grande pregnant, and ended up  having their sweet baby girl, Bridget, just two days later! Afterwards we came home and rested a while before hosting our good friends, The Cains, for Easter dinner. Also pregnant, Kelly had their second boy, Ryan, later in the month on the 27th (darn, he should have waited until the 30th! Jim would have been so excited.)

The following weekend I traveled to home sweet home Indiana. It was a much anticipated trip, and I loved every minute of it. I don't get home enough, and nothing makes me happier than seeing cornfields and my best buddies. I spent the first half of my trip in Winamac hanging out with Em. I gave her strict instructions that I wanted to do nothing more than eat Pizza King pizza with her, drink a few beers, and just catch up! She didn't let me down and we had a great two nights together just listening to crickets and enjoying one another's company, just like the good ole days.

After that I hopped in my rented Prius (quite fun, I must admit) and drove on down to Danville, IL for one of my best friend's baby showers. Jess is a roommate from high school and my other roommate Whitney drove up all the way from Oklahoma. Unfortunately our fourth roomie had a family emergency and couldn't make it, but I selfishly get to see her whenever I want, as she lives here in Charlotte :)

Anyway, we had a great time helping Jess and Robby get the house ready for both baby and 35+ guests at a BBQ that was held after the shower. It was great to see my girls, and I can't wait to see them again in August at Whitney's "take two!" wedding in Culver.

The next weekend (I know, we just don't stop...) Jim and I took an adults only weekend trip down to Tybee Island, GA. This is Savannah's beach, for those of you who haven't been there. We got to drive with the top down on the Jeep, enjoy some fried shrimp and margaritas, and explore River St. in Savannah. What a great city! I can't wait to go back. The reason we were there was because I had a beach wedding to shoot, so the second night was spent working, but as always it was more fun than work and Jim joined me which made it all the better! We knew the family of the groom very well (next door neighbors) so it was really fun to be a part of the party with them.

Finally the last weekend in April came.  You know what that means... GOLF! (we'll get on to Jim's birthday in a bit.) The Quail Hollow Championship comes to Charlotte every year and this was our fifth year in a row going on Friday to watch all of our favorite players. We followed Phil for a few holes, same for Tiger (but man was that gallery crazy big!) then just enjoyed letting the players come to us. Concequently, this was also Jim's birthday, so that night we picked up the girls and his parents and hit up Cantina 1511 for dinner (Mexican IS Jim's favorite, so I didn't put up a fight). He had a wonderful birthday full of new accessories for his Jeep. He's a happy man...

So here's on to May. I won't give you a preview, as this has gone long enough. I will try to update before a whole month goes by though!

Egg Week

So Easter is upon us and I couldn't be more excited! Our Easter weekend highs are 82, 75, 74 with no rain. It will be perfect. Ava stayed home today due to a runny nose that won't stop. It probably didn't have to happen, but we both enjoyed it. We used some of this time to dye our Easter eggs. Ava of course loves the pink eggs. She added some flare to all of them via Ariel stickers which she thinks are just fabulous!

Saturday is our neighborhood's annual Easter Egg hunt, so Ava is really looking forward to that. Audrey won't have a clue what's going on, but I'm sure she'll enjoy eating a little candy (if Ava will share.)

Speaking of Miss Audrey, she's very close to walking autonomously. Her favorite activity right now is crawling to the stairs, getting on the first step, and just sitting there banging her heels against the staircase with a huge smile on her face. She likes to climb the carpeted stairs at her grandparents, but luckily I think our all-wood stair case intimidates her a little.

Our Easter Day will be jam packed. We're volunteering at church to help check in the kids (something we do a few times a month, but since Easter and Christmas are any church's biggest traffic days it will be busy). After church we're going to our good friends, the Clarks, house for our 4th annual Easter brunch (this is, assuming their first child doesn't arrive just six days early). Lastly, we're having our good friends, The Cains, over for Easter dinner which will be prepared courtesy of Honeybaked Ham (yet another tradition of mine.)