Rehoboth Beach 2022

We had a wonderful week at Rehoboth Beach, DE and enjoyed carrying on this beloved family tradition.  This year, Maya was not able to come, as she is off to college, so the Winterhoff cousins left a space for her in their picture below:

The first evening of vacation, it is tradition to get a treat on the boardwalk.  These kids look so grown up these days!

Photo credit to Uncle Bob.  Awesome shot of the boardwalk at night!

Back at the beach house, there were crafts, puzzles, and Bingo.  It makes our hearts happy at how much fun they all have together!

Bingo with Bean!

Our family rented a bicycle built for four one morning.  The kids (and Mark) will tell you that this was harder than it looks.  I thought it was a lovely and quaint way to get around, which means that apparently I wasn't pedaling hard enough to be helpful!

Kids driving while Daddy and I sit in the backseat.

We had great weather and hours were spent on the beach playing games, riding waves, and being with cousins:

Spike Ball was a favorite this year.

Donut Days with Poppy are another favorite beach tradition.  This year, the kids decided instead of separate boy and girl outings that they'd all go together.  They confessed that their motive was to get donuts twice, and they talked Poppy into two group Donut Days:

Leah jumping off the lifeguard stand.

Luke's turn.

After a two year break from Funland due to COVID, we were BACK!  The arcade games did not disappoint, and these kids won lots of prizes!

Luke's favorite: The Goblet Game.

Skeeball.

Whack a Mole.

Leah vs. the Claw Machine.

The cousins' favorite ride is called the Super Flip.  It's awful to watch, but they absolutely love it:

Leah rode the Haunted Mansion ride for the first time!

Moms/Grandmas watching.

Someone's gotta hold all those prizes while kids are on rides.

Rehoboth Beach is always a highlight of our summer. The memories that these cousins make at the beach each year are priceless and Rehoboth is an special part of their childhood traditions:

Thank you for a great beach week, Bean and Poppy!

Lake Life- Doodle Edition

One of our favorite summer traditions is renting a boat at Smith Mountain Lake and going tubing.  This year, we decided to take Millie with us.  Since there aren't many things cuter than a dog in a life jacket, we will let the pictures speak for themselves.  Enjoy our photo blog of "Lake Life: Doodle Edition":

It was a great day for the whole family, and we can't wait to go back again!

Oak Ridge Elementary Graduation

 

It's the end of an era!  We no longer have elementary aged children in our house.  Leah graduated from Oak Ridge Elementary with all the pomp and circumstance that one could imagine for a 5th grade celebration.  

I vividly remember her getting on the bus on her first day of kindergarten.  

Here's how it started:

August 2016

And here's her last day of 5th grade:

One last wave to Mom.  Sniff sniff.

As Student Council Vice President, Leah spoke at graduation and led the Pledge of Allegiance:

The graduates processed down the red carpet and their names were announced as they received their diplomas:

It was fun to have Mimi and Gawa celebrate this special day with us:

Posing by the Spirit Rock.

After the ceremony, the 5th graders headed to Oak Ridge Swim Club for their end of year pool party.  It was a great way to end the school year and was a blast for the kiddos:

I have so many feelings about Leah's 5th grade graduation, but most of all, I am thankful for this sweet school that is so dear to us.  Oak Ridge Elementary teachers and staff are beloved by our family, and we have been a part of this special place for 8 years.  Through a pandemic, cancer diagnosis, and lots of change in the world, ORES has given my children a sense of community and has been a place for them to grow and thrive.  I still can recall shortly after our move to NC, when we were in temporary housing and I was touring schools.  The moment I walked into ORES, I knew that it was the one.  We chose our house based on this school, and could never have imagined the blessings that would abound.  

There are so many people who love you at Oak Ridge Elementary, Leah.  They know that you are going to do BIG things with your life, and you've had many amazing educators who have given you a great start.  

"There's a Million Things I Haven't Done... Just You Wait"

We are so proud of you, Peanut, and can't wait to watch your next exciting chapter as you begin middle school: 

Cheers to our graduate!  We love you so much!