End of Summer Beach Fun!!

Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of our friends, the Hawthornes, we were able to spend last weekend at the Outer Banks. We stayed in Nags Head. If you've never been to that part of the US, you should go. It is beautiful all along that far eastern edge of North Carolina.

This was Allie's first beach experience, and she LOVED it!! I'm pretty sure she would have no trouble being a beach bum baby!! She loved playing in the sand; and, no, she didn't try to eat it. When we stood her on the packed sand near the water, she would stand there for a minute and then take off running toward the water.

The only two times she was really grumpy was when Joy tried to take her one-year portraits. Despite Allie's best attempts to undermine the photo shoots, we got a few good ones. We'll do a special one-year post with all those pics.

Thanks to our good friend Valerie, we also got some family portraits--first time since Christmas! They turned out really well, and Joy's considering hiring her as a second photographer for Joyful Seasons Photography!!

Allie also loved playing with the Hawthorne's dog, Bailey. He was a sweetheart; and, although I know he grew tired of her constantly wanting to play with him, he was very patient with her.

Here are a few pictures from last weekend and a couple of Allie feeding herself lunch at home--always a messy experience!!

These first pictures are at the aquarium in Manteo (pronounced maneeow). It is not nearly as big as the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, but it was great for Allie. She thoroughly enjoyed the fish, sharks, turtles, otters, etc. She also liked dipping her hand in the petting area where Joy got to pet a sting ray.







These pictures are in Nags Head at the beach and beach house:









These pictures were taken at Jockey's Ridge, an almost-100-foot sand dune. From the top you can see the sound on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.








Here are a few pictures from Thursday at home. Allie was feeding herself her entire lunch: cheese, sandwich, vienna sausage and tomato. She didn't eat it all (actually, she doesn't like the tomatoes or sausages), but she did pretty well. Of course, she did make a mess!!




Now that the summer is officially over, we are getting back in school mode. Tony's first class is Monday morning. He will be taking Theology III, New Testament I and Philosophy this semester. We are also getting ready for company in a couple of weeks. We're looking forward to spending some time with the Rancatores and with Jane and Jacob while they're here for Allie's first birthday on Sept. 2. Also, Joy and Allie will be concentrating very hard on potty training beginning Monday. We're both as ready as we can be!! We're open to suggestions (as long as they don't include "don't even consider potty training until she's at least two years old" because, quite frankly, I will give you plenty of proof that that's not a very good view to hold)!

Life As We Know It

Since starting to really walk a month and a half ago, Allie has learned so much and started doing so many more adorable things. Let us share some of her daily activities with you via pictures:

Last week, we went to the Kids' Exchange: The Exchange provides a venue for people all around the Triangle to sell their "gently used" furniture (cribs, toddler beds, high chairs, swings, rocking chairs, etc., etc.), strollers, clothes (babies and kids), bedding, decorations, toys, stuffed animals, books, videos, games...and more!! As a perk, sellers get to shop on Thursdays, but anyone who wants can shop on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (1/2 off day). It doesn't cost anything to get in and they do this twice a year (in January and July). We got to go on Thursday, thanks to a friend. I got Allie a plush rocking horse that makes noise (probably $70-$100, brand new) for $10. I got her an outdoor swing for $5. Also, I got her a bag FULL of toys; and my total was only $36!! One of the "toys" I got was a BRAND NEW plush Noah's ark with all the animals from POTTERY BARN for only $7. All of the stuff I got looks virtually brand new.

She LOVES her horse, Neigh-Neigh!! She's quite a little cowgirl!





She's enjoying her new swing, too.


Allie thoroughly enjoyed a blueberry muffin made by our friend Valerie!



Boxes make the best toys!!


Allie loves books, whether they're hers, Mama's or Daddy's. Here she's trying to share her book with Neigh-Neigh:





Allie knows the word "hairbrush." When we ask her where her her hairbrush is, she'll pick it up if it's nearby and start to "brush" her hair or she'll put her hand on her hair. A couple of days ago she found a ponytail holder in Joy's purse. Without prompting, she picked it up, held it on her head and walked toward Joy. She is precious with her little ponytail!






Allie has learned that she can instantly see the pictures I take of her. She gets very excited when she sees her image on the screen!


Allie is constantly trying to get into things. She also does cute, random things like lying on the floor.



We're about to embark on the potty training adventure, so Pappy and Grammy sent Allie money to get her potty chair. We also got a special book about learning to use the potty, some big girl panties and some pretty lacy white tights!



Here are some pictures of Allie's room for those of you who haven't seen it: