Once Upon an Army Wife

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Day 13

It was another gorgeous day today so we took the ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher. Mike and I did this once before on the 4th of July --2002 i believe. So much is different now!

Here we are in front of the aquarium. Nora didn't make the picture apparently--oops.

The first thing we saw in the aquarium is this albino alligator...pretty awesome huh? I'm not much for taking lots of pictures of the animals/fish we see, because years from now what will i really want with those pics? but i couldn't really pass this up..she doesn't even look real, but i assure you it is not a statue!

Nora smiling at me through the trees while i take pics of the gator.

Then we came to the other alligators...that apparently were especially aggressive today. They were all lounging around their exhibit then all of a sudden the formed a pack and started growling. I had no idea that alligators growled...and man was it loud. I am very certain had their not been glass between us and the gators we would not have made it. They were ready to attack us all! I did get some awesome pics though!

Nora overall seemed to really be interested in the fish tanks. She is so curious about everything these days. She reaches out for anything that catches her eye. She kept trying to grab the fish through the glass today. Holden on the other hand didn't really seem to care. Honestly he was pretty tired while we were at the aquarium.

The only tank that caught Holden's attention...horseshoe crabs

sleepy sleepy boy...and i would also like to point out that HI is missing from this map!

Nora thought that those lobsters were scary...they were honestly bigger than she is

tucked out

On the ferry ride back to Southport we had a good chance to take some fun pics. Riding over it was a bit misty and we didn't get out of the car, but the weather was perfect on the way back!

Nora slept most of the way back, she woke up right before we docked so we were able to squeeze in a quick picture

To my great excitement, we made it to Prov Co for dinner. It was so good i wish i could go a few more times before we leave! Shrimp and Crabcakes...YUMMY!

Yam and I at dinner...just like old times!

family shot on the pier

Once we got back to Caswell, we put our tired babies to bed and Mike and I sat out on Little Pier to watch the sunset. You can't come to caswell without appreciating the beautiful sunsets and it was a good one tonight!

The day ended by hanging out on Yam's couch, eating his yummy white cookies and helping him hang some of his pictures. Thanks Mike for doing the actual work here!

and that's it for today--tomorrow is a travel day, we may make some stops though on the way to Raleigh...we'll just have to wait and see!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Day 12

Our 12th day started out very beautiful. The babies have been sleeping GREAT since being at Caswell. We are accounting it to the dark, cool, quiet room (a kitchen) that they are sleeping in! Still, good sleep for babies is even better for parents!

When the babies woke up to eat at 6, Mike and I decided to go ahead and get up and go get a good breakfast. We went on island to a little diner called Russels--mainly a local joint where everyone knew each other and probably eat there each and every day. They had great country ham and homestyle hashbrowns...Mike and I were in Heaven! Can't get a breakfast like that in HI!

Then we all went back and took good LONG NAPS with our full bellies!

That afternoon we went into Southport to mess around and enjoy the pretty weather. We had lunch at the Trolly Stop. I love hotdogs and the trolly stop has lots of good ones to try!

the menu

Mike got a burger--but i told him he had to have a hotdog too...i mean that's what they are famous for!

OH hotdogs how i love thee

this is my favorite kind of hotdog...it's a Jessi Original--now Mike loves it as much as me!

Chili, Cheese and Mayo--don't knock it till you try it, it's so very yummy!

After lunch we walked around Southport--its one of my favorite little towns. It's very small but has lots of character and history to it. I would love to have a house here one day! Like maybe this one!

We miss sea birds in HI--there's just a lot of pigeons there...gross!

very sleepy babies

we had to stop by my favorite ice cream shop of course

The pool was open when we got back, so we stopped by for a few minutes before nap time. The babies enjoyed the big pool with Mommy and Daddy for awhile, but we also got in the baby pool before we left--it was much warmer in there!

i love nora's face here

daddy teaching nora to float

Then...after such a gorgeous day, the bottom fell out of the sky! My plan was to go to Provision Co. for dinner but its a semi outdoor restaurant, so instead we just threw on our jeans and sweatshirts and went to Famous for a quick dinner. Holden was really happy this evening, and Nora was very asleep!

By the time we finished eating and running by Walmart it was late (well at least late for the babies, 9pm!) This is the first time they've been up that late since we've been in NC. We decided to forgo bath night and head straight to bed! It was a long fun day, but we were all very tired!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Day 11

Today was another pack up and travel day and overall it was a smooth transition. Except for this little mishap! Apparently while we were busy running around the house Nora was busy scooting around and creating the biggest baby wedgie ever!

"What?"

Mike and I spent the morning doing laundry and packing then we met Mamaw for lunch on her break. Before leaving Jacksonville, we stopped by Mamaw's office so she could show the babies off. They were their usual charming selves and had all the ladies ooing and awing.

Here's Daddy and Nora before we went to lunch. They were both sporting their UNC gear today!

Our next stop is to one of our favorite spots, Fort Caswell on Oak Island. This is where Mike and I first fell in love (12 years ago this summer!). Fort Caswell is also where I worked as a staffer for 4 summers during my highschool/college years. Caswell is also where one of my dear friends, Yam, lives. Mike and I are excited to take a few days to relax in one of our favorite spots and spend time as a family.

Here we are right outside of our room, literally. I once got to spend a whole summer waking up to this view. We sure do love the beautiful Hawaiian waters, but the Atlantic Ocean will always be home.

I convinced the hubby and Yam to go to San Felipe's with me for dinner, because so far we've only been there once and i love it way too much to not eat there at least 3 times!

Nora fell asleep soon after we got there.

Holden tried to sneak some chips and salsa while we weren't looking--silly boy!

and here's me and Yam!

Then we came back to put the babies to bed. Traveling really does wear the babies out! Yam hung out while we got the babies ready. I just love these pics of him with Holden!