First Day of School

 Today was Hadley's first day of 3rd grade! 

Beach Mornings

 In the mornings at Wrightsville Beach, we enjoyed swimming in our hotel's pool, sitting in the hot tub, walking on the beach. It was cooler and less crowded. 

Pretty turquoise water

When the sun goes down

 During our stay at Wrightsville Beach, it was sweltering in the afternoons. When the sun was going down, we walked on the beach, watched the ocean waves, and put our toes in the water. It was beautiful and relaxing!

Beach Sunset

During our summer break, the girls and I had a relaxing time at Wrightsville Beach with Grandma Judy. We swam in the pool and walked on the beach in the mornings and evenings when it was cooler outside. 

The ocean was a pretty turquoise color.

The sound of freedom...the military protecting our coast

Sea oats at sunset

Summer Break

During our summer break, the girls and I hung out with our friends Amanda and Tyson. We walked at Shelley Lake and then ate lunch at Mod Pizza.

Mod Pizza

Grandma Judy French braided Savannah's hair almost every day. When Savannah took out her braids, she had these beautiful waves.

Savannah and Hadley snuggled on the couch.

Marsh Sunset

 At sunset, the girls and I walked on the sandy paths through the saltwater marshes on Wrightsville Beach. It was a beautiful view! 

At sunset, the girls hung out at the hot tub and swam in the outdoor pool

Duke Gardens

The girls and I, along with Grandma Judy, visited Duke Gardens, which is located on 55 acres on Duke University's campus. We walked through the beautifully maintained botanical gardens that included fountains, ponds, plants, and flowers.

Savannah Bananas

Our family cheered for the Savannah Bananas as they played (and won!) against the Party Animals in the Durham Bulls stadium. The Savannah Bananas were like the Harlem Globetrotters for baseball. The players, along with the Banana Band and Savannah Nanas, combined singing, dancing, and gymnastics for a wacky and entertaining show.

Our seats were in the outfield. It was a hot, sweltering evening in sun. 

Sunset at the ballfield

Banana family in front of us

The Banana Band

Our Savannah Banana

16 years and counting

16 years and counting. It's not our anniversary. We just took a pic because we color coordinated for church.

 

Charlotte Road Trip

 During 4th of July weekend, the girls and I traveled to Charlotte, NC. We stayed at Great Wolf Lodge, visited Billy Graham Library, and picked up Krispy Kreme donuts. It was great to get out of town, spend time together, and explore new places.

Great Wolf Lodge

The girls loved the bunk beds in our room.

Hadley was so brave and adventurous! She went down the water slide, tube ride, and raft ride...all by herself.

At the arcade, Hadley played seven games. She got 289 tickets that she traded for bracelets, dice, and stickers.

At the Billy Graham Library, we walked through Billy Graham's childhood home, visited his grave, and toured the bookstore. The flowers were beautiful!

Krispy Kreme donuts in downtown Charlotte