Not-So-Mad Scientist

Haley is obsessed with volcanos right now. Every craft or picture that comes home from school is a somehow, in an artsy kinda way, related to a volcano. We've checked out books about volcanos and practiced some science projects at home. Here is our mentos and diet coke project:

And here is the old baking soda and vinegar project:

It makes me laugh to see how excited she is over this subject, but I am so happy that she loves to learn! This girl loves math and science, much like Scott and I. Thank goodness, because I can't help at all when it comes to history or language arts.

This one's for the girls

This year I have Friday mornings set aside for just Haley and I to hang out. I have promised myself to adhere to these rules....no errands, no exercise, no talking on the phone. I am excited to see where Miss H takes us. For the first week, we went to dunkin donuts, bought her new pink sparkle shoes, the park and the library! Admittedly, I am totally probing her for a mommy/daughter pedicure, but this day was all about the donuts so I had to comply...give, give, give!

Enjoy the yumminess...

First Day of School

Summer is over and school has started. As much as I love a routine, I am bummed to see the lazy days of summer behind us. Don't get me wrong, I love some time to myself, but the beginning of school actually stresses me out. I feel like I have so much to remember...bring in supplies, pictures, fill out forms, volunteer for carpool, chapel, treats for teachers, sign up for holiday parties, make play doh...the list goes on and on! It is all worth it in the end though. I see how much they have learned and look forward to all they will learn this year.

Compare how much they have grown by looking at last year. Wow!

Carolina Beach Pics

During our trip to Carolina Beach, we ventured down to the Fort Fisher Aquarium to see the albino alligator on exhibit. Look closely in the background to see the white alligator...Freaky!

I mean, that is way too close for comfort! That gator is thinking "chicken nugget"...

As soon as Haley would sit down by this tank, this cowfish would come up to her and try to smooch the glass. We told her that he was her "buddy" and that he seemed to like her. She ate it up and kept coming back to her "buddy" to talk to him and wanted us to take a picture of them together...
Saying Bye-bye to beach until next year...

Britt's Donuts

They were open for the holiday weekend and we partook! Is "partook" a word? Seriously, these are the best donuts around. Britt's donuts opened in 1939 and is a Carolina Beach tradition. The menu is simple...donuts and drinks, that is it. As you sit at the counter, you see the donuts fry in the one small fryer and watch the servers wait on the ridiculous line that forms each morning of the weekend. The boardwalk is filled with hungry beachcombers waiting for the next dozen to cool just enough to get placed into a simple white paper bag before getting devoured! During our short stay in Carolina Beach, we visited the shop each day and the kids quickly learned to ask for the donuts by name...delish!

2009 Football Opener

Talk about a blast from the past...we went to the opening game at NCSU this past week and relived some college days in Raleigh. We tailgated in a sea of red and watched the pack take on the gamecocks under the stars on a perfect Thursday night! It was so funny to watch all the college girls that were literally in uniform, white sundresses with cowboy boots. They all looked so young, yet I still feel like I am young...hmmm. I absolutely loved all the excitement surrounding the season opener and feeling a little more connected to my Alma mater. It was so fun to reconnect with so many friends from the past and enjoy some pure NC State tailgating. Hopefully we will start going to more games...maybe even buy some season tickets and anxiously await a long overdue stellar wolfpack season!

Old Friends

I just spent some time reminiscing college days looking over old pictures from NCSU. These girls are still great friends of mine 9 years later! In fact, just this week all these girls, minus Danae (in Texas) and plus Shawn (who didn't make this pic) all got together for dinner and we laughed about many stories from our past. I think I am a little nostalgic this week because a small taste of fall has hit the Carolinas and football season is beginning! It reminds me of starting school each year at NC State and looking forward to football games and fun college days!

These girls are super special to me...love you all and here's to many more years of friendship!

Anna, don't you love this pic in our old apartment? Love those sun and moon prints in the background and our awesome patio furniture!