Father's Day at Lake Lure

Last Saturday we headed to Lake Lure to celebrate our favorite Dad and Husband. First stop, pontoon rental!

I think she's going to be a good driver.

He's brave and wild but it took him a few tries to jump.

After the boat ride we headed to Rumbling Bald Resort where we killed some time at the pool before check in.

After checking into our condo and dinner, we headed out to play at the beach.

And enjoy the games. Josh recently taught the kids how to play chess so they played for real.

Kid size blocks. One of the boys many creations.

The best part of our Saturday night...free endless smores!

On Sunday we tried the other pool. There were only 3 other people there and the view was beautiful. But no shallow end for the kids.

Benny feel asleep on my lap. He must have been exhausted!

Back to the beach. We spent most of the day in the lake cooling off from the 90 degree temps.

On Monday we swam at the beach one last time.

We also went mini golfing at the resort but I didn't take any pictures.

Benny practically learned how to swim. He kept going underwater over and over again.

And one last picnic before heading home.

Dan River Tubing Trip

Yesterday we took a day trip to Danbury, NC to go water tubing on the Dan River. 1st time for all of us.

The weather's been in the 90s so it was the perfect day to go.

We stopped for lunch and played in the water.

Getting off the tube and playing around was fun.

Rapids and hitting large rocks was also a big thrill.

Floating was surprisingly relaxing. Benny even ate while he floated along.

Benny and the cooler were attached to me by a rope. Addy just came by for a visit.

Half way through the trip, which was about 3 hours, we came upon these beautiful bluffs.

Of course Josh had to climb them.

Josh and Jackson explored the lower cave together.

We watched safely from shore while the boys threw rocks and Addy caught tadpoles.

The biggest dragonfly ever landed on Benny's hat.

Wilmington Trip

Sunday we went to Wilmington, NC. Our first stop was Airlie Gardens (free w/pass). Here's our family by the 400+ year old Airlie Oak.

We walked around the gardens. Jackson's favorite part was an old graveyard.

We packed a picnic and ate lunch there.

This sculpture was so neat. It was made with old glass bottles.

The walk to this lake was heavenly like you were actually walking on a path to heaven.

Next we went to the Cape Fear Museum (free w/pass) and learned about the history of the area.

One of the most interesting exhibits was about Michael Jordan. He's from Wilmington and donated some of his personal things to the museum. The kids are playing with a toy venus flytrap.

After checking into our hotel and dinner, we headed to Wrightsville Beach.

clear water + big waves = fun swimming

Before bedtime, the kids played in the hotel pool and hot tub.

After free breakfast at the hotel, we visited Carolina Beach State Park and walked an easy loop looking for venus flytraps.

Instead Josh found a carnivorous pitcher plant.

Next stop, the Fort Fisher Aqarium, free with pass but they made us pay for 2 kids?

The alligators were actually moving and there was an albino one.

After the aquarium, we spent time at Fort Fisher State Park.

Mostly playing in the sand.

We walked around the area. The museum was closed.

Here's the site of a major civil war battle. These mounds are where the soldiers fought.

Instead of driving back up the coast, we took the ferry back to the mainland for only $5.

We spent most of our time on the upper deck. The best part was seeing tons of jellyfish in the water below.

The ferry dropped us off in Southport, NC where we ate at a local pizza place before heading back home.

Start of Summer Vacation

Memorial Day weekend, we went a parade in Mint Hill. We were able to park at Joyce's and walk. The Murdock Family joined us. Addy had her first NC sleepover with Quin the night before to celebrate her birthday.

On Memorial Day, we had some friends over for a BBQ. Here's the guys.

On May 21st Aaron graudated from Kindergarten.

We all went to an evening graduation ceremony complete with songs and refreshments afterward.

Addy and Jackson's last day was the 28th which included an awards ceremony. These are some of Addy's closest girl friends. Friday they had a pool party at Reagan's house to celebrate the end of the school year.

Addy also got a $50 prize for winning a Christmas card making contest.

Here's how Jackson spent his first day of summer break. Books and an outdoor nap.

Our first day trip of the summer was to South Mountains State Park.

Our hike took us to High Shoals Falls.

There were several mini falls along the way.

There were also large boulder fields and tons of stairs near the falls.

Made it to the falls!

Josh and Jackson were late arriving because they were busy boulder climbing.

Family picture with Jackson's eyes closed.

Our hike continued to the top of the falls.

Peaceful view from the top.

Stopped for a break to play in the water.

The way back down. So proud of the kids for making a 2.7 mile loop.

Before leaving, we had a picnic.