The best Busch Gardens trip ever!

I know we're all tired of seeing pictures from our trips to Busch Gardens, but seriously, this was the best day ever. The weather was perfect, the lines were short, and the kids were happy. It. Was. Perfect.

We took the kids to the atrium to see the birds. They thought it was pretty neat.

We rode the sky buckets (something we almost never do because you have to leave your stroller and it's a one-way ride). 

Since Lexi can walk now, she got to ride several of the little rides. This made it so much more fun for everyone.

Jude, Cole and I riding Dar Kastle.

While I was with the boys, George let Lily pick out some face paint.

So pretty!

Waiting in line for the swings

Lexi thought the little swings were awesome.

While Jude, Lily, and Lexi rode the hang glider rides, Jude and I braved the Battering Ram and DaVince's Cradle.

Jude rode the whole ride like this:

DaVince's Cradle! One of my favorites!

George took Jude off to ride a couple big rides, so the littles and I spent the last little bit at Elmo's World. This was Lexi's first time riding the Whirly Worm...

She didn't cry, but I'm not sure she enjoyed it. Look at that face! Ha!

And of course Cole had to ride the little coaster about four times in a row. Lily is anxiously waiting her turn when she's tall enough to go with him.

We missed you, Lance! He was still having fun at Scout Camp in Vienna. Next time, buddy!

June Randoms

After the Outer Banks, we needed some time to just relax and enjoy some summer days without a schedule. Summer seriously is the best.

Grandma called to wish Lexi Happy Birthday! I love that we can Facetime family.

The kids all had dentist appointments and even though Lexi doesn't have many teeth to clean, she enjoyed sitting in the chair like a big kid.

Cole received a neat Polar Express model train for Christmas, but when we pulled it out to play with, it wasn't working. We took it to our local train hobby shop to get fixed and Cole had a fantastic time looking at all the little trains. He graduated from Thomas a long time ago and is now all about the adult trains. He pointed out all the models he knew, including "The Big Boy" and "Jupiter" that he recognized at once.

I have been going through old family photos recently and came across this gem from 1986. That's me as a three-year-old at Vacation Bible School (which I still remember!).

While driving back from Northern Virginia one day, we stopped by Culpeper where Dad was working and brought him some dinner. The kids were really excited to see where Dad worked and Jude kept asking if he was going to see hurt people and blood. 

For the record, we did not see any hurt people. George met us in the lobby for a few minutes before having to go back. 

Lance got to spend the better portion of a month up in Vienna with Scott and Abbey. The first week he was up there, he attended Scout Camp with about 20 other boys his age from their pack. From the looks of it, he had a great time!

This little girl LOVES her daddy. She likes to sneak into his room during the day while he's sleeping off a night shift and snuggle for a few minutes. She lights up every time she sees him and will settle her head into his shoulder when he picks her up. 

Ah, summer. It's the best!

OBX Day 6--Happy 1st Birthday, Lexi!

Our last day of our OBX vacation was packed full to the brim. The kids were all anxious to get in as much sand and waves as possible before we had to bid North Carolina goodbye.

We started the day by tie-dying some shirts:

(please ignore Lily's naked butt... keeping clothes on these kids is a nearly impossible feat.)

Next, it was on to the beach!

George and Jude tackling some big waves.

Cousins

Our attempts at a cousin photo:

After the beach, Lily helped me frost Lexi's cake.

We celebrated Lexi's 1st Birthday that evening! I can't believe our baby is already one! And now for entirely too many pictures of Lexi eating a cake:

She wasn't too sure what to do with this huge piece of cake...

Cole stepped in and tried to help.

Love this crazy ham of mine!

...and there it goes...

Happy, happy Birthday, baby girl! You bring us so much joy! Thank you for being ours!

A game of Uno

 Followed by some pool time before bed:

George and I stayed up that night with Jen and Eric packing and cleaning so we could head out early the next morning.

Thanks, Outer Banks, for a fantastic week of fun and sun! Until next time!