Parasailing

Teresa and her mom flew down at the end of July to stay with us for a few days. One of the things Teresa wanted to do while here was go parasailing. I was certainly game! That was something I had always wanted to do and you certainly can't get much better than the beautiful waters of Destin. We left my mother in law and the kids home as Sailor was running a slight fever that morning and Teresa and I headed off to Destin. I have to say we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day, sunny, hot and gorgeous blue water. While waiting for the boat we got to watch a mama duck and her babies, so sweet!

Our view of the harbor while waiting to leave.

Here we go!

We were the only ones to see fish and dolphins while up in the air.

A little dip to cool us off.

And back to the boat for our landing.

A couple of the nice boats parked in the harbor.

School Days

Yesterday was the first day of school for all three of my kids. Tucker's started 6th grade, Sailor started 1st grade and Cutter started pre-k. We actually had a very smooth morning and everyone was up and cooperative. The schools here start at different times to allow the same buses to be used, which means although we have to be up very early for Tucker to catch the bus, I am able to get all the kids ready in shifts. Tucker catches the bus at 6:30 in the morning but was home by 2 yesterday afternoon. I was very worried how Cutter would handle his first day of school since he hasn't been to daycare or anywhere away from me for any length of time, but he had a great day! He was very excited about going and never looked back when I left him and didn't shed one tear, I on the other hand had a harder time leaving him but am so glad I did. I get 4 hours a day 3 days a week with no kids and it's amazing how great that feels. At the end of the day everyone came home very excited about their day and I can only pray that this is the beginning of a wonderful year for all three.

Such a happy toothless grin!

I think his favorite part of school is carrying a backpack.

Flying airplanes

Mom and dad bought the kids each a styrofoam airplane while we were visiting, who would have thought a $1 airplane would have entertained so much. The kids (and dad) spent hours decorating and flying their planes, not to mention the time spent on rescue missions retrieving them from the roof of the house!

Dad trying to give Cutter some flying pointers.

One of the rescue missions.

My three little pilots with their planes.

Cutter decided the fishing pole looked like more fun than the airplane.

Boat Ride

While we were in Elizabeth City we took dad's boat out for a little joy ride. Cutter was a little scared when we would pick up speed but overall loved the ride. We had a nice time just riding and enjoying the scenery.

I think my truck looks pretty good pulling a boat, I know what we need to start saving for!

Heading out of town.

Cutter especially loved driving the boat.

We even got a little bit of fishing in, Tucker was in heaven.

The one time I don't have my zoom lens and we see a pair of eagles! He's a little hard to see but he's sitting in the tree.

Keeping a look out for more eagles.

Cutter giving it a try.

Turak Girls

While we were in NC my sister and her girls were also there visiting. I think Tucker was only a couple of years old the last time we saw them. The girls have grown so much and are absolutely gorgeous!

Swimming - Elizabeth City

Although the kids enjoyed seeing some things at the beach, they were more excited to get to moms for another chance to swim. After supper that night with the whole family all the kids got in the pool.

Rachel, Lindsey, and Whitley

No rain fell but we did get a little portion of a rainbow.

Tucker and his goofy self.

Sailor loved blowing water on Whitley.

Grave Digger

One of our other stops on our beach trip was to check out Grave Digger's shop. Tucker and Sailor have been here before but this was Cutter's first time. We have several of the toy trucks at home from when Tucker was little so Cutter immediately recognized the truck and seemed to get a little excited.

Checking out the trucks getting worked on.

That's one big tire and one cute little boy!

Cutter was more impressed with this truck than any of the others, he said it was upside down.

Jennette's Pier

On our way to Elizabeth City for a few days we took the beach route in order to do a little sight seeing. With Tucker's new love of pier fishing I thought it would be great to take him to see what other fishing pier's look like. I am so glad we did, we all enjoyed the trip and absolute beauty of the new pier.

Gorgeous!

Love this!

The kids were a little disappointed that the aquariums weren't open yet.

Tucker checking out the local fish.