Beach Fun

We arrived at Ocean Isle yesterday afternoon and have had a great time so far. Friday we went to the beach and then the ocean front pool. Later we picked up some seafood and took it to an outside concert. Today we have been total beach bums, spending all of our day at either the beach making sand castles or playing at the pool. There is a hammock by the pool and Ed and have have each taken our turn. Ed also enjoyed a long nap this afternoon. We have taken Fletcher to the beach several times but always in the Spring or Fall. He is loving being able to have some "summer fun." We are truly enjoying out weekend at the beach. More photos later (my camera is not communicating with my computer today).

Something New for My Too Familiar Home

Years ago when I bought my striped living room curtains from Pier 1, I had also bought sofa pillows to match. Over the years the pillows had gotten pretty yucky, and they weren't washable, so I trashed them about a month ago. But 2 weeks ago I remembered that at the same time that I purchased the curtains and pillows, I had also gotten an extra curtain panel to make a valance for my kitchen window. And there was enough left over in the attic to make new pillow covers! So last night I dug out the fabric, threaded the old sewing machine, and less than an hour later, Viola! new washable pillow covers! I got the yellow floral fabric at 'the big clean up' at Ed's parents house a couple of weeks ago and decided to make 2 pillow covers with it also and I love it! I have some of the yellow fabric left and want to make something else: chair seat covers for my black PB chairs? new sunny kitchen valance? napkins? dress for moi? headband? :)

New York City Photos-Improved

Here are 2 photos that I took on Ellis Island and from the ferry in NY that my talented friend Danielle improved upon. Much better! Thanks, Danielle!

Dan Nicholas Park

Yes, we have had a busy (and fun) weekend! We were totally lazy on Sunday morning, but decided to have an outing in the afternoon. I had heard about Dan Nicholas Park in Spenser, near Salisbury, but we had never been. Well let me tell you, this place is awesome! They have a carousel, a splash ground, a little train ride, a petting barn, a gem mine, a lake with paddle boats, and more. We didn't do it all, but we did do a lot and really enjoyed ourselves. We will definitely be going back!

Red Caboose

Fletcher and I stopped by the Farmer's Market and Caboose in Huntersville on our way to the grocery store on Saturday morning. We love the Farmer's Market! No produce yet, but soon! Here's Fletcher on the caboose. So cute!

Jetton Park

Friday morning Fletcher and I met Tonya and Jack at the beach at Jetton Park. The boys had fun scooping and pouring, making "soup" and getting a little wet (can you guess who got wetter?). Tonya and I enjoyed taking pictures of the boys and chatting. Tonya packed us all a wonderful lunch which we enjoyed in the shade of a tree by the water. But as the saying goes it's all fun until someone gets hurt, and that someone was Fletcher, who smashed his finger with a big rock. It was time to go!

Fun in the Sun

On Thursday morning the kids and I walked down to the grassy area and had fun playing hide-and-seek (notice how everyone hides together?) and chasing balls. We had fun in the sunshine. I love all these guys!

Happy Birthday, Elaina!

Yes, I am catching up on my posting (and taking as many photos as I can with Danielle's 'Magic Camera' before I have to give it back!). Today was Fletcher's last day of preschool and Elaina's birthday party. Happy Birthday, Elaina!

Caring Three's Art Show

Monday Fletcher's class (The Caring Three's) hosted an art show for parents. Ed and I enjoyed listening to the children singing, seeing some beautiful art, eating snacks made by the kids, and showering our wonderful teachers and director with a gift of thanks.

Crayola Factory Discovery Center

I mentioned in a previous post that we stopped in Easton, PA at the Crayola Factory Discovery Center. Here are a few photos from our visit.

Few More Pics from Our Trip

Here are a few more photos from our trip: we stopped at Natural Bridge, VA on the way up, bought ice cream from the ice cream truck at Gramma's house, visited with Great Gram, and a few more from the Statue of Liberty.

Another Day in the City

Saturday we went to Liberty State Park in NJ with Ed's parents and sister where we took a ferry to Ellis Island and then Liberty Island. The ferry rides were beautiful and both islands were really cool. We enjoyed walking around the grounds at Ellis Island and found the names "Clausen" and "Fletcher" on the wall of names. The views of the Statue of Liberty from the ferry and from Liberty Island are unbelievable.

Sunday we headed back home but stopped in Easton, PA on the way at the Crayola Discovery Center where we explored a lot of fun activities.

We got home at 1am this morning and will be recovering for the next few days (haven't even unloaded the van yet!).