Shackleford Banks

Sunday we decided to go over to Shackleford Banks http://www.shacklefordhorses.org/.  We wanted to check out the shells and see if we could see the wild pony's.  We decided to take the ferry boat over (no I wasn't crazy about this part since it is a small boat) but since I was told there were really good shells I decided to try it. 
We got there right at low tide but next time we will go about an hour before.  This is the best time to go out in the ocean to find good shells.  After getting off the ferry we walked a ways over to the ocean side.  Greg went out into the water over to a sand bar.  This was the best place to find the conch shells.  He wasn't out there to long before he found a really nice one.  There was someone else out there that found a black conch shell, which I had never seen that color.  It was really neat so next time we'll have to try to find one.

I could not believe the nice shells we found there.  I'm glad I took a couple bags because I came home with a lot.  All I could keep saying was how much fun Isabella and my niece Stephanie would have there.  Here are some of the shells we came home with.

We stayed for three hours and had lots of fun picking up shells.  We didn't see the pony's but then we didn't walk around the island.  Next time we'll stay longer and try to find them.  Now we know the place to go to get good shells.

Till next time....

Love,
Jennifer

Our trip to Charleston, SC

For our anniversary we decided to go to Charleston, SC for a few days.  On the way down we got gas for $2.89, we were very excited but sad we only needed half a tank. 

We arrived Friday afternoon, checked into our hotel then drove downtown.  We found a really good place to buy cupcakes, if you go to Charleston check them out.  http://freshcupcakes.com/

We checked out the visitor center and bought passes to go into some of the old homes.  These homes were built in the 1700's and were really neat.  The tour guide told us one just sold two years ago for 6.2 million.  Guess we won't be moving there anytime soon :)

Most of the houses they would not allow pictures inside.  This was the only house I was able to get some picture inside, love the staircase.

Friday night I found a comedy place that did improv so we decided to go that evening.  They were so funny and we laughed the entire time.  I will be sure to go back the next time we head that way.  http://www.theatre99.com/

Saturday we went to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/  it was very nice but next time we will go mid-march or April when all the flowers are in bloom.  The house was really nice and I fell in love with the really wide wrap around porch. 

A pretty bridge to get a wedding picture taken

We then went downtown to tour some more homes, then just walked the streets to check out all the pretty homes.

We found the city market which was really cool, had several buildings with vendors selling their crafts. 

 

At the park near the market they had an area that the kids could play in the water.  It was so hot that I was ready to go in it myself. 

Driving the roads by the hotel there was so much construction that there were signs calling it construction land which was pretty funny.

Then we found this sign outside a Wendy's which was really funny.

Sunday we went back to the market and walked around before we headed home.  A cruise ship came in on Sunday and was heading back out at 4:00, I so wanted to stow away on the ship.  Haven't been on a cruise for some time and I'm getting the itch to go.  Looking to go to Bermuda on the next one.  We have gone out of Charleston for a cruise and it's a very nice port and easy to get in and out of.

We had a great time and will definitely be going back. 


Till next time.....

Love,
Jennifer

July 4th Week

My son and his family came to visit with us the week of July 4th.   We decided to go to the beach on Monday.  Alex had a lot of fun jumping the waves and building sand castles.

Tuesday we went to the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium since it was Turtle Tuesday. 

Alex's turtle he made in the craft room

We cooked out Wednesday before we headed out to the fireworks.  Our friends Frankie and his wife Toni came over for dinner.  Below Frankie, Greg & Alex are setting up a 2-liter bottle of soda.  We have a holder that you set on top and fill with memtos mints.  When you pull the string and the mints hit the soda it goes way up in the air.  Alex really likes doing this.

Alex ready for the fireworks

Nice family picture

 

One day we played mini golf and hit the batting cages.  I don't know what we were thinking in this heat, by the time we were done we went home and jumped in the pool.

It was so hot this week that we spent a lot of time in the pool.  The day they arrived Alex was in the pool within 15 minutes.  He loves swimming and is very good at swimming under the water.  We even went swimming several nights after it was dark which he thought was very cool.

 

We had a lot of fun this week and already have a list of things to do next year when they visit.  I miss my pool buddy already.

Till next time.....

Love,
Jennifer

West Virginia Trip

I took a trip to WV to see Alexander play baseball.  He knows how much I love baseball and has been telling me how well he is hitting the ball.  I left on a Thursday morning since he had a game that evening.  Since Alex has been hit three times with the ball he has been a little unsure.  He did really well this game, he hit a single and a double.  It's so much fun to see his excitement when he hits the ball. 

Alex plays left field and sometimes he gets bored waiting for a ball to come his way.  So he dances, no one has told him when grandma has her camera she takes lot of pictures.

Alex dancing in left field

Aunt Erica was there also and Alex was telling her about his games:

Alex:  If I get to first base I get a dollar, if I get to second base I get two dollars, if I get to third base I get three dollars and if I get a home run I get twenty dollars...

Aunt Erica: Get out of town...

Alex thinking for a second:  well if I hit it out of town I'll probably get fifty three dollars...

Don't know where he came up with the fifty three amount but I'm sure if he hits it out of town his dad will be glad to give it to him.  It sure is funny the things kids say.

He had practice Friday night and another game on Saturday.  It was nice to get to see two games that weekend. 

We went to the park and Alex showed me how he does his cartwheels.

I cannot believe how big he's getting and that he will be going to first grade next year.  He is such a sweet boy and it's always fun to go and visit with him.

Till next time.....

Love,
Jennifer

Visit with the Grandkids

Erica, Chris and the kids stopped by on their way to Florida.  After living here for two years it was nice that they had a chance to visit.  I was especially glad Isabella got to see our new house.  She knew we moved but didn't understand the distance and why I couldn't just come over to her house as often.  Now that she has come to visit and sees how long it takes to get here she understands. 

They arrived Friday evening and we decided to have a cookout.  Greg's family and Frankie and his family came over to see everyone.  They have not seen the kids so it was nice that everyone had a chance to visit with them.  After everyone left Isabella spotted my craft room so we spent the rest of the evening making crafts.

On Saturday we went to a few yard sales, then to Mikes farm  http://www.mikesfarm.com/ to get some fresh picked Strawberry's.  We especially like to go there at Christmas, they have a fabulous light show. 

Antique Tractor

Isabella 

Raymond

 

They were having a yard sale and Raymond found a friend.

Later that day we drove to the beach for a short visit.  The kids had a blast running on the beach and playing in the sand. 

Lily was all smiles

Isabella had a blast playing in the sand and picking up seashells.

Isabella

Looking for seashells

Raymond was so much fun to watch, he just loved running around and playing in the sand.  It was funny as soon as we walked out on the beach he went right for the water.  A wave came in a he fell down on his butt in the water.  The next time he went near the water as soon as a wave started to come in he would turn around and run the other way.  

Raymond and Grandpa

Isabella and Raymond

  

We were very disappointed that they only stayed for one day but glad the weather was nice enough to take them to see the beach by our house.  It's always a special time when we get to visit with them.

Till next time.....

Love,

Jennifer