Fireworks on the Beach

Carolina Beach just put on the best fireworks show! Nothing like sitting on a blanket with your little family while watching 25 minutes of fireworks and listening to the waves crashing. We went out early so Alex could run around and get some energy out. Good thing we did – it was super high tide and Alex was in love with the ocean. Thank goodness! Last weekend, Alex shook his head, “no” every time a wave came in! Alex sat down to eat a sandwich just before the first of the fireworks started. He immediately looked up and was entranced. I was very impressed with him – he only got up a few times to wander around, but he always came back and kept 1 eye on the sky.

Happy 4th of July!

Watching the waves come in.	Exploring!
Preparing to throw a shell into the waves.	Look at our cute family of foot prints!
The rising moon was gorgeous!	There was just enough light to see his look of awe!

Our First Art Project

Last week, Alex and I did a little painting at Fit For Fun, and for the first time, he seemed really interested in it. So, while he was napping that day, I started looking on various other blogs for art ideas for toddlers. I found some really neat ideas that I’m really excited to try! Well, we tried our first project yesterday afternoon.  I made liquid sidewalk chalk from water, corn starch, and food coloring. I brought the paint and our “paint brushes” downstairs first, then brought Alex down. He sat right down and started dipping his fingers, Q-tips and cotton balls in the paint like he had been painting for years. The fun lasted long enough for me to take some pictures, then he started playing with the broom. Oh well, at least he went back and played with the paint a few more times! Here’s a peek at the fun!

Alex’s masterpiece!

Watching the Waves

Alex and I ventured out to the ocean side of Fort Fisher today. A storm sat off the coast all day, so there was a constant breeze and we were able to see some great waves. The temperature was actually in the 70’s all day, making it a perfect beach day if it hadn’t been so breezy. So, Alex and I just walked around. I ended up with some fantastic photos:

Watching the waves crashing just below the rocks.

Alex loves to lead the way.

My sweet, sweet boy.

Feeding Kovu

Alex wanted to help me scoop Kovu’s food yesterday. He knew exactly what to do: he grabbed the scoop, stuck it in the box of food … and pulled out maybe 3 pieces. Kovu was going crazy watching Alex scoop just a few pieces at a time.

I want to do it!	Oops, I dropped a piece.
I’ll put it in the scoop …	… then I’ll drop it in the bowl.

This is What We Do

This is why I love staying at home with my baby – I get to do this all day long!

Here Mommy, read another one!

Uh-oh … Daddy caught us!

Fort Fisher in June

I was going to take Alex to the Aquarium today, but as soon as I saw vacationers parking in the over-flow parking lot, we changed plans and headed the few miles down the road to Fort Fisher instead. We’ve been to Fort Fisher several times. It’s a great place to walk on a pretty day (and it’s free!), so Alex and I tend to go there when we’re bored. This is the first time I didn’t start him in his stroller or bike – we just held hands through the welcome center and started exploring. Man, we had tons of fun! He was very interested in the old ships’ anchors and loved seeing the view of the river from the boardwalk on the back side of the Fort. What impressed me the most is that he even looked at some of the exhibits inside the welcome center. Here are pictures of the fun.

Alex had been grasping my hand pretty tightly, until he saw the huge anchors!	Wow, look at this!
Trying to climb up.	Inspecting the inside of the cannon.
My little history buff.	What’s next?

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day to my wonderful hubby and to our Daddies!

Tim – you are an amazing Daddy and I’m so glad you take time out for all the little things … like reading a book to our son. We love you!

Dad and Art – thank you for always being supportive in our roles as new parents. We appreciate the love and advice! I love how Alex lights up when he hears your voices and sees your faces. We love you!