An Unexpected Beach Trip

One of the couples in our church planting residency invited us to go to the beach with them this weekend.  And since we knew we wouldn't have our typical family beach trip this year, we were glad to have a few days at Topsail.

We could not have asked for better weather!  It was perfect!  No clouds, a perfect low 80s, and clear blue water.  The only other thing I would've wanted was a chair to sit in and relax!  But that just doesn't happen when you have 5 kids to watch and play with.

playing in the "pool" we dug

this makes it look like they dug it...they did not.  just ask my back muscles.

a key ingredient to a good beach day...lots of snacks!

this guy was wiped

lunch

the older boys took a little kayak trip in the sound

We love this family, and those of you who are keeping up with us in our newsletters, this is the Kohouts.  They have become such dear friends to us.  It's as if we've known them for years!  We had a chance this weekend to talk about a lot as far as the church planting thing goes, and a chance to pray together and really seek the Lord in this.  We are so desperate for the Lord to act, and to lead us in this journey.  This is not our doing but his.  He is building a people.  We are just his chosen instruments.

Now its time to prepare for Runner's Camp.  We are all so excited for this week!  Micah even slept in his camp shirt and shorts for tomorrow!

An All American 4th of July

This year, I will admit, at first had no desire to go watch fireworks.  (Am I really that lame?! Yes!)  But we decided it was more for the kids, so we put on our best red, white, and blue outfits and found our patriotic spirit.


The weather looked a little if-y, but the family picnic was planned, so we went ahead.  We ended up having our picnic in the mini, creating a fun family memory.  I will say though everyone had a cozy seat except for mommy.

We played outside a bit once the rain stopped.  Caleb slid down the slide into a HUGE puddle and finished the night in his diaper.  Ed and Micah played frisbee in the parking lot.  And I learned that I can no longer throw a frisbee.  And I mean it.  Little Miss just loved happily prancing around in her own little world in her little patriotic dress.  Oh, I could just eat her!

In true Ed Martin form, Micah can catch and throw a frisbee better than many.   I swear he made a catch that Chris Dowdy could make all the way at the end of the parking lot!

Summer Update

Summer is upon us as of 10 days ago.  This year we decided to compile a list of things to do. I am a list person, and so this just seemed to fit.  We have lots of fun things planned and have crossed a few things off the list already!  Here's to an organized spontaneous summer!

What sort of fun things do you have planned this summer?

So Worth it!

Two springs ago, my husband built our swing set.  The kids have enjoyed it, but recently it seems to be one of their favorite things to do outside.  


Micah is always after the competition.  So his challenge is who can swing the highest?  He likes to beat up on his siblings, even though there is no competition!  He doesn't get it!


Caleb loves to swing as well, especially on his belly pretending he is buzz lightyear.  


Haleigh likes to swing, but what she is really obsessed with is the slide.  She likes to monopolize things so no one else can play.  So she just hangs out at the bottom trying to climb up or maybe she'll slide down.  Either way its hers!  Nice, huh?


When Ed built it, he rigged it so the zip line goes off the slide platform and goes across the backyard.  Added plus now they have something to jump off of and swing across the yard.


Anyway, I love that the money spent, and hard work by my love is paying off.  Yay Daddy!

Buzz!

Riding the zip line

bringing the zip line back to big brother

This was a Father's day attempt that wasn't quite up to par!  But I love all of their expressions...it cracks me up!

Vacation, Part 1

We went away to Orlando for our vacation this year.  A family in our church was so nice to give us a week at their timeshare.  We are so grateful for a church family that loves us and cares for us.  


The place was perfect!  We hung out at the pool, explored Orlando, visited some friends, and yes, we did Disney!


Here are some pics from just around the condo...

Vacation Detox

We just got back from our "cation" as Caleb says and I am wiped!  I've got mounds of things on my to do list and none of the energy that I need to do it!  Why is it so hard to make that transition from vacation to "real life"?  


So in an effort to get back on the blog train, I thought I'd give you a little something until I get my life back in order.  


These are the Top 10 reasons I'd rather be back on our vacation...


10.  Relaxing at the pool - only happened once, but oh, it was good!


9.  Special treats, like ice cream and cookies and more ice cream.


8.  No Mail!


7.  No Bills!


6.  No Cleaning!


5.  Don't have to find anything for my 5 year old to do.  


4.  Playing in the pool with the kiddos even if some of them are SO afraid of water! 


3.  Peaceful evenings on the porch talking with my husband over a cup of coffee and the most perfect breeze blowing by.


2.  Escaping life, well a little bit!


1.  Getting to spend quality time with my favorite people!


And here's a little something to whet your appetite!