Birthday Overlook

Its been REALLY busy in my life lately, so busy i realized i didn't post anything about my own bday.  Although we are in transition right now and Mike is not with us, my family and friends still were great helping me celebrate turning 28.  

My Dad and Stepmom took us out to dinner at Timothy's on my birthday.  

 then we came home, opened a few presents, ate a fabulous cake, and took some sweet pictures with my lovies

 that weekend, my mom and stepdad took us out to eat Japanese, the kids were mesmerized by the cooks and the "hot fire"...nora was actually a bit scared and spent most of the time cuddled next to Poppy. 

the kids also got cool water cups with cherries on them

and of course we used chopsticks...except this time the kiddos got "trainers".  Holden kept trying to take them apart.  He's knows better, he's hawaiian!

and since i also hit 22 weeks on my birthday, here's the update.

"Wine Down" and paint!

Kim and I took another mommy break and hit the studio this time.  From Hawaii I've been watching this new, wine and paint trend with much jealousy and to find out there was one in Atown was very exciting!   

we had a great time and i'm already thinking about which class i want to go back to. 

Kim the "Arteest"

not finished yet...

the class

the progression

the finished product...not bad, huh?

A Weekend for Mommies

Last weekend my good friends, Kim and Hillary and I went to the beach for the weekend WITHOUT KIDS!  Our friend Carrie, in DC, was supposed to come too, but didn't get to make it down.  We all met in Hawaii 6 years ago and have kept in touch since then.  Kim and Hill and I have little ones at home now, and we were in desperate need of a break.  In the 2.5 years of my kids life I have been away from them for exactly 1 night. yep.  and although, i probably should take a little bit longer break, the 3 nights away with friends was a good start--and came at a much needed time!

We stayed at Kure Beach and spent the majority of the time on the beach while relaxing to a good book, or shopping.  These are two things that are basically unheard of with toddlers running around!

We pretty much failed at taking pictures. Here's the one i have from the beach.  It was gorgeous.  

 

the second night we rode the ferry to southport, nc.  maybe my most favorite place on this planet.  and we went to a few shops, ate at prov co., watched the sunset from the harbor and then celebrated Cinco de Mayo with some live music from a guy called "rev" at a little pier side bar.  then we drove back to the cabin in the worst thunder/lightning storm i've ever been in. (at least in my car).  very eventful night.

   i do have some pictures from that evening...

us on the ferry

at Prov Co

watching the gorgeous sunset...much different from HI, but equally as stunning--and i'd have to say much more peaceful--something about this place just feels like home.  my heart is more content in this tiny little town than anywhere else i've ever been. 

one happy momma

hillary

kimsay

like is said, the shopping was also good, and i couldn't resist this little hat for #3.  cute yeah?

Happy Mother's Day!

Movie Monday

He worked a little each day of the week, and finally figured it out. I especially love the "mount".

20 Week Update

i'm actually 21 weeks now, but forgot to post.  so here's the update.  can't believe i'm over halfway there.  here's to hoping we get moved in, settled and get the kids rooms all set up in time before

 #3 arrives!

Playdates outside with the Howells

My good friend Kim and her 19 mo old daughter, Adalynn, are in Randolph Co. visiting family right now while their Daddy, Jordan, is deployed.  It's been fun to have them around and let the kids have some playtime.  Adalynn isn't quite at the age where she interacts with the twins, but at least they are getting to know each other--it has been 16 months since we'd seen each other and boy have our kiddos changed!

We've been very thankful for some pretty days with perfect temps so the kids can run around outside and play!  Adalynn seems to be just like the twins and prefers to be outside whenever she can be.