visit from Dan!

Dan made a stop on his way down south!  So fun to have him with us!!

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school buddies

Here are some kiddos that have been playing hard all day long!  Elisa, Lillie, Aaron and Mary Hardin.

And an old one to add to it!  Noah, Lillie & Elisa playing!

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needed retreat.

Liz and Cham.  Wrightesville beach.  Lots of laughs.  A little Castle Street shopping.  Some amazing food - Jesters, Caprice.  Wine.  A pool with a river view.  Strolling without a stroller.  A downtown hotel.  I'm thankful for these girls, for our husbands who managed to go at it alone for the weekend and for the sunshine.  It was a needed retreat.

Happy Bastille Day!

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fostering love

A few weekends ago, we spent some precious time with the Foster girls - and it was super fun!  Sadie and Lillie are finally at the age where they are aware of each other - and can maybe kind of play together.  They also have similar schedules these days which makes life a bit easier.  And I really enjoyed having some mommy time with Sarah.  I'm so rarely with other mom's that I really cherish this!

And who knew that kids schedules are so hard to coordinate?

Well, the Foster's introduced us to the Museum of Life & Science - so cool!  I haven't been since I was a kid.  I could see how I would definitely have a year pass if I was at home with Lillie and Mary Hardin.  Lots do, lots to see, lots to learn and overall just easy.  We really enjoyed it!  We managed to squeeze everyone in some type of photo as proof that we all went together - that is all that really counts -right?

We also equally enjoyed our donuts on Sunday morning after early church and some quiet hang out time.

So this is life, and we are soaking it up!

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Ketchup

It's time to ketchup, or is it catch-up, on some weekend excitment that my camera missed out on.

Lillie has really brought to our attention the weirdness in the English language.  It is so sweet to watch her discover(and confuse) new words- like ketchup.

Either way, lets do some catching-up with other people's photos!

A few weekends ago, Barbara (or Gram) came into town for a low-key weekend filled with cleaning, cooking and a little playing.  Lillie warmed up to Gram quickly and definitely soaked up the added attention.

Thanks so much for the photos Barbara!


The next weekend I spent with some girlfriends at the beach and Brad stayed home with the little girls.  Murph, or "My Murph" as Lillie calls him, joined Brad and Lillie for Lillie's very first trip to Marbles Kids Museum.  I think it is safe to say it was awesome.  What more could Lillie ask for than the undivided attention of two handsome men.  I think she soaked it up!

Thanks for the photos My Murph. 


And this weekend we spent with part of the Palm Tree family.  Murph hosted Courtney and Tim, who came down from Baltimore.  The big kids went to the UNC Louisville football game Saturday, then we enjoyed some garlic whip and hilarious stories over dinner and capped the night off with a slaughter in a game of shuffle board. Fun times, fun times.

I want to say a big THANK YOU to Tim for bringing an amazing female in to enjoy the shade of the Palm Tree.  I couldn't be more excited.

Thanks for the photos Murph - and we missed you Laura!

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chesson's three!

Chesson turned three and had an awesome construction birthday party! Check out all the cool details on here - on the Graves blog!

Byerly came up with some fun and creative ideas for the kids.  The two biggest highlights were "dirt cake" in a dump truck and a bucket full of bubbles.

How many kids can fit in this bucket, dear liza, dear liza?

Swinging with bubbles...

And the dirt cake - yummy!

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beach

The beach is a beautiful thing - and it really comes alive when little ones enjoy it!

Over the weekend we were lucky enough to head down to the beach with the Graves & the Monroes.  It was just what our family needed.  As we packed the car, I thought to myself - what are we doing (for so many reasons).  But, it was beyond a blessing.  We all embraced the chaos, filled the house with laughter and enjoyed the sunshine, the waves and fresh seafood.  The weekend was delicious.

As Byerly said, things seem a little bit easier when you put your feet in the water.  I couldn't agree more - things do seem a little bit easier, a bit more manageable and a less lonely after a weekend filled with people that I absolutely adore and a little fresh air. 

 

The moments make the memories... 

 

 Seriously, can you believe this photo.  Lillie always has been a good kisser ;).

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how we roll

straight chillin at the dillo.  ya that's right.

gangster.

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tea

A few girlfriends got together for tea to celebrate my growing baby bump.  Carolina Inn puts on a precious experience that I will not soon forget.   Dark chocolate covered strawberries, pimento cheese sandwiches, blueberry scones were a few of the food highlights - oh and instead of tea, I got hot chocolate!  What could be better for a chocolate loving mom-to-be.

Great conversation and the perfect atmosphere made this a relaxing Sunday afternoon.  Thanks Chrissy!

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sadie + lillie

We are beyond lucky to have an ice cream shop where the milk comes from the farm down the road and the rocking chairs come with a view like this...

In a recent visit, I was able to document two truths...


1.  Brad will have a companion for all future roller coaster rides.

2.  Lillie will have a very sweet life long friend in this little nugget that I absolutely adore...  sweet Sadie - who loves dolls, dress-up and design.

How do they know to close their eyes? ha!

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