Jack's 8th Birthday Camping Trip

Happy Birthday Jack!

We had two friends over from school to eat cake and ice cream on his actual birthday and of course to open presents

Goofing off at the campground. Jack chose to go camping this year again for his birthday, this year we went to Hunting Island Beach to camp.

Having a blast at the beach

It was nice being walking distance from our campsite to the beach

Wake up sunshine

Roasting hotdogs

Hanging out

Now whoever said you cannot take a baby camping! Look closely and you will see Brady snoozing away in his pack and play!

We took Jack's best friend, Alex, camping with us like last year. He is like one of our own!

I overheard Jack telling Alex, "I have to come back and visit you when I move because you are the best friend I have ever had".

Chris turns the big 40!

Happy Birthday!

The Richard Petty Driving School, suited up and ready

there he goes

Waiting for his turn

Watching Daddy

Playing with Brady at the driving certificate ceremony

We never thought Caroline would get a ride along..she was super excited

Water slides with daddy! Claire went down all but one waterslide.

A little too small for the water park yet!

Having a blast at the water park

This attempt at a family picture cracks me up, Claire is devastated because Chris sat on her hand, Brady is looking at Caroline like she is crazy and Jack is making a goofy face

Chris turned 40 on August 5 and we surprised him at his birthday dinner with tickets to drive a NASCAR at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was between this, sky diving and a watch. Since he has already sky dived and my father in law reminded me that everytime he looked at the watch, he would think of being 40, I went with NASCAR! The weekend was awesome with an added bonus of a stay at the Great Wolf Lodge which was only a couple of miles from the speedway. The Richard Petty Driving School was so family friendly, we got to participate in the driving school and Caroline even got a ride along herself. To see Chris giddy with excitement was such a thrill for me and so worth it!

Hunting Island picnic and swim

Back to School

First day of school for my 6th grader and 2nd grader

Middle schooler now, yikes!

On our way to meet the teacher!

Prek classroom

Actual first day of school, so proud of her "big girl" backpack!

Grandparents visit!

Our new favorite hobby, fishing off the neighborhood dock! We're always trying to find fun things to do with the kids and this has been a hit. We took Bob and Joy down to watch the kids fish and to see the beautiful view of the Beaufort River.

Brady hanging out and enjoying the scenery, this is his usual spot when we do this

Granddad just wanted to take it all in

I'll never forget the look on Jack's face when he caught his first fish!

Off to church

Bob and Joy came for a quick weekend visit to relax see Brady for the first time!