March Madness

The various pictures and videos from the rest of March that didn't fit in with Spring Forward, Beauty Parlor, March Weekend in Richmond, or Mommy Returns to the Pool but were too cute not to include.

3/4 - Super! Meghan zooms

3/14 - Making her PJ's fancy

3/16 - Obviously not quite as warm as they thought it was going to be.

Headed out in between rain showers on a quick walk to get some exercise.

Uh-oh, Meghan was a little upset because she tripped but was a trooper enough to get her picture taken on the hugie-Mama rock.

In the aftermath of the Beauty Parlor, Jack pauses to take some snapshots with Daddy.

3/18 - Can you guess who didn't nap today?

3/19 - Meghan playing some form of kickball/soccer in the house.

3/20 - Nothing like a perfectly timed late afternoon nap on the walk home from the playground.

3/25 - The first of many of Jack's clock creations.

That about does it for March! Next up, Spring Break in Raleigh.

Mommy Returns to the Pool

On the last Saturday in March (and the first Saturday of the kids' spring break), I returned to the pool to race in a swim meet for the first time since NCAA's back in March 2000. I began swimming masters again in November in Raleigh after having taken a few months shy of 7 years off from swimming. Our team hosted the NC short course championship at a local facility, so it seemed as good a time as any to take the plunge back into competition. And I had a crowd in the stands supporting me! 

I swam three individual events plus a relay. The 100 fly was first and completed before my cheering squad arrived. I went 1:03.10. 

Next came the 200 free.

And my last individual event was the 100 IM.

The kids were obviously super-psyched to be there for my big comeback.

March Weekend in Richmond (Mar. 21 - 23)

We traveled to Richmond for the first time since Christmas the fourth weekend in March so that I could attend Anna Zimmerman-so-to-be-(and-now-is)-Fashandi's bridal shower. It was fun to be back if only for a brief trip.

On Friday night before bedtime Clara and Pop-pop sought Waldo.

While Nay-nay & I went to the shower Saturday, Daddy & Pop-pop took the kids around the lake at UR to feed the ducks.

We returned to Raleigh early in the afternoon Sunday to make it home in time for Clara & Daddy to take part in their Y-Guides troops trip to the roller skating rink.

Spring Forward with Gramby & Su-su

In an effort to keep the blog train rolling, we're picking up from February and moving on to the second weekend in March (8-9) when Gramby & Su-su visited us from Richmond.

Trick-a-doo running out to the swings on Sat. morning, kicked outside so Mommy could clean the house!

Nobody will humor Gramby when he's trying to take their picture.

The kids took a trip to Isabella Cannon park with Daddy, Gramby, & Su-su. Jack surveying his kingdom atop the climbing rock.

Meghan scooting & walking & sitting.

Gramby reads to Jack & Meghan before bedtime.

Around the house Sunday morning

Super Meghan! walks Sydney around the house.

Sunday morning we walked down to Banbury park enjoying the late winter sunshine.

The kids fished in the drainage stream by the playground.

In the sandbox with Grambles

Jack and Clara work through the maze.

Mommy and Daddy chillin' against the tree.

We found a new pathway down to the creek that led to a much larger "beach" area. 

Throwing rocks

Emerald Isle 2014 (Wed. - Fri.)

Wednesday, August 13

Clara made a list early in the week of things she wanted to do at the beach. One of her items was to see the sun rise. So on Wednesday morning Gramby & Su-su woke her up and were able to drag her out of bed to see the sights, not quite as impressive as one might have hoped, but she was there!

Later that morning the kids took a trip to the aquarium with their grandparents. They came back from it shouting that there was a store at the aquarium where you could buy stuff! With Gramby and Su-su they discovered the wonders of the gift shop.

Little crabs!

Checking out the Queen Anne's Revenge

Jellyfish, yikes!

A little blurry but too cute not to include. 

Clara gazes longingly into the big tank.

Meghan is mesmerized by the sea turtle video.

Back from the aquarium applying sunscreen before heading out onto the beach for the afternoon.

Jack boogie boarding

Clara and Jack boogie boarding

Meghan jumping with Daddy

Meghan flies the kite.

Thursday, August 14

Meghan gets buried and Brec attempts to make her a mermaid.

Clara tries to get warmed up in the sun.

Everyone gets buried! (Alright see ya kids, I'm going for a walk.)

Gorgeous day.

Sydney fetching by land and by sea (so glad to see her recovered from her knee surgery 11 months ago.)

Waiting not-so-patiently for dessert.

Friday, August 15

 Last day on the beach, couldn't have been nicer.

Unburying herself

Clara navigates the breakers.

Jack's digging a hole for himself.

Action shot!

Sydney was very worried about all the hootin' and hollerin' that was going on out in the waves, so she investigates and plays with Clara and Jack.

Clara's sand city.

Teamwork.

Family photo.

Nighty-night, beach!