VACATION!!

It's been 4 years since J & I took our last vacation. On our Honeymoon. And it was fabulous. We were long overdue....so, we headed to the Outer Banks with my family the first week of September. And it was fabulous too. Fabulous in a family-friendly, incredibly relaxing (minus the 12 hour drive) way.
There were 10 adults and 4 kids (under age 4), lots of space (and bathrooms), a pool and the beach just steps from our back door. Delicious food and drinks, good books to read and I couldn't have dreamed of better company. :)

ahh...cousins!

Our girls weren't huge into the ocean, it was loud and the waves were strong. But, they did enjoy the sand and the sun. And we had a pool to satisfy the need to get wet. I've pretty much forgotten the mild trauma of driving home with 2 kids..a long 14 hours. It was well worth the week away. Here are a few moments from our week....

yes...that is me & J on kickboards ridin the waves

collecting shells

beach bum

sightseeing to the pier

the view

googles :)

chillin in the pool

to the aquarium

life's a beach

Look what Audrey did today!

~ Heather

As promised...

A CAKE SMASHING!!

 by the official birthday...she's got it down. ONE!!

The Cake!

This was so fun. And I have Pinterest and this site to thank for it. :-) I do not ever have much success when in the kitchen, so if I can do it, it must be easy!! haha. I think every cake I ever make again may have to come with a surprise from now on. Here's how I did it...

I made a boxed white cake mix as directed. Divided the mix into four (less or more would be ok) bowls. Add food coloring. I used Wilton Jar food coloring. It's a gel-type and I thought it did an awesome job making vibrant colors! Add spoonfuls to your cake pan(s) of choice. Bake as directed.

See...easy! And so fun! I made Emma a mini "smash" cake and cupcakes too!

You can make one for any event. This week...Red, White & Blue? Red & Green for Christmas? hmmm...the possibilities are endless.


....the "mini smash" cake did get smashed. face first...no fingers. pictures are coming. i promise...

Happy Birthday Sweet Emma!

Who can even believe it's been a whole year already??!!
Happy First Birthday to the sweetest, most lovable baby I could imagine. Emma, you are an angel. I thank God for you every day. You are so calm, so thoughtful, so, so sweet and I am madly in love with you. You are becoming quite the explorer and are choosy with who you share your smiles and giggles sometimes, but it's so worth it. You've been called "wise" and "soulful" by people that hardly know you and they are spot on. You are so cuddly and loving with Mommy, Daddy and especially Audrey. You light up when you just hear your big sister's little voice and glow when she's talking to you. We can hardly wait to hear what you'll have to say once you start making words. In the meantime, we will continue to enjoy every babble, every growl, every sound you make. Your little personality is really starting to blossom and we are loving every glimpse we get. And while it's been the fastest year or our lives, it has only been a year, but we can't even imagine life before you.
I hope you remember always how loved you are by everyone that knows you. This is the song I sing to you every night when I am putting you down to sleep...
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. I hope you know dear how much I love you. I won't let that sun go away.
Oh how I love you, oh yes I love you. I love you more with every day. I can't imagine life without you. You make my days."
Good night sweet angel. God bless you. And Happy Birthday.

....pictures from the fabulous birthday weekend coming soon....