Beach Day...

Our adventures with the Kempers continued with a trip to the beach.  We were lucky enough to visit Oak Island and dip our toes in the sand and enjoy a great beach day together.  The wind wasn't overly cooperative, but that didn't dampen our spirits.  We forged ahead...

Cousin picture...

Cousin picture from tallest to shortest...

(Kempers representing both ends!)

What a glorious time we had with the Kempers, not only at the beach, but all week long.  So thankful that they made the long haul to come to NC to spend time with us.  So thankful for the many memories made.  Can't wait until we can do it again!

An Amazing Visit...

The Kempers made the long and arduous trip across the country to come visit us in NC.  Aside from their van breaking down 45 minutes from our house, the trip was uneventful for them and the week here was filled with nothing but joy and happiness.  

We spent an afternoon at the pool...

The littles went to the park while the big kids went shopping...

 Some of the peeps went to a baseball game...

Lots of time at the park and going for walks...

We went down to NC State to check out Quinn's new apartment and walk around the campus...

While down there, we got the opportunity to enjoy some Raising Cane's - as the Kempers can't get it back home.  

One evening, Judson got to do what he loves to do... get outside and play in the yard.

I always say that when we all get together, the air is filled with happy chaos.  There are kids and people doing all sorts of different activities, all the while laughter and noise fill the space.  

Time spent playing games, hanging out, and making memories...

Stay tuned for part two with the Kempers - Beach Day!

Celebrating a Special Man...

We had the joy of being able to celebrate our special dad this past weekend for Father's Day.  We celebrated a day early, as both girls had to work on Father's Day itself, but nonetheless... celebrating we did! 

After a dinner out and going to see Toy Story 5, we enjoyed giving Ryan a gift he had been eyeing for quite some time.  

This is an actual vending machine made of Legos that dispenses balls filled with mini-figures.  Quinn, Sullivan, and I surprised Ryan with a few different mini-figures.  Some are of characters he loves, and the others are all of Ryan himself that we designed and put together.  

There is sporty Ryan (dressed as a Hurricanes player, b/c you know, Stanley Cup 2026 winners!!!), Outdoorsy Ryan (designed by Sulla), and Handyman Ryan (designed by Q).

I know it doesn't take one special day out of the year to realize how lucky we are to have Ryan in our lives and to celebrate him for that.  He is a steadfast, loyal, dependable, handy, undeniably witty, pretty funny (most of the time!),  wickedly smart, and has an incredibly infectious smile. We are blessed to call him ours - and are thankful for all he does for this family.  

Happy Father's Day, Ryan!  

We love you!

Alexander...

 HAMILTON....

We were lucky enough to be able to see the traveling Broadway tour of Hamilton recently.  The girls are HUGE fans and it was a joy to see them love it so much!

Junior Year in the Books...

 And just like that, Sullivan's junior year is in the books...

The school year flew by and it seems like yesterday that Sullivan was beginning her junior year.  I'm afraid to say that I feel like senior year is going to go even faster.  Sullivan isn't shy to remind us that she is now a senior and a year from now she will be on her own and at college.  I think she is slowly trying to hurt our souls.  

Beginning of her junior year vs. the end of the year...

Here's to slowing down time just a little...!

Sisterly Love...

Just to document for posterity's sake that they do love each other and genuinely enjoy each other's company....