Guess who is a beach dog?

Full House

We had a great time last weekend when my family came to visit us. It has been a very long time since we were all together since we are currently scattered all over the country. My mom flew in from KC on Thursday night and Aaron and Niki got to the house on Friday morning. Anytime we get to see our nieces is so much fun, but having them at my house was a special treat.

Friday -
We went to the park in my neighborhood and then to the mall for Grandma's surprise - Build- A- Bear! We made dinner together and finished the night with toasting marshmellows!

Taylor & Grandma playing bubbles
Maddie at the park

Taylor at the park
Whoa, Madison!
Warming up their bear hearts.
Giving them a bath
Grandma! How many eggs did I put in the brownies?
Marshmallow time
Doug & Taylor go for round two with the marshmallows

Saturday -
We headed to the pool, which had gotten a bit cold with our cold nights the past few weeks. That night we went to our neighborhood BBQ and spent more time at the park.

Madison gets friendly with Willie
Playground climbing wall

Sunday -
We took the girls on a picnic and to a kids park in Raleigh. Besides the normal swings, this park had a carasel, water boats and a train! We had so much fun. That evening we went out to dinner to cap off a great vacation and to celebrate my mom's retirement (way to go, Mom!)

Madison on the carousel
Taylor waving on the train

Taylor getting a good push from Uncle Doug

Picnicing at the parkAfter dinner with the whole family

We had three full days together, but it's was still sad to see them go on Monday morning. We can't wait for the next time!

Welcome to Miami

Our friends Erin and Jon moved to Miami earlier this summer for Jon's fellowship. We threw a going away, Pool Party for them in July. My friends Trisha, Gretchen and I promised to visit and we were able to make that happen last weekend.

If you are girls of a certain age, a trip to Miami is not complete without singing that Will Smith song (you know which one!) over and over.

Friday night we got in late to Miami and went to dinner right on the water with Erin and Jon. It was so good to catch up with them. Saturday, we woke up and walked around the island of Key Biscayne and grabbed breakfast. We spent Saturday at the beach - chilling on the sandbar outside the apartment. An afternoon rainstorm sent us inside where we had an impromptu baby shower for Erin. Their little boy is due in December. Saturday night we headed out to South Beach for a great dinner and little clubbing. Sunday we spent our time at the beach again before we had to head to the airport.

As Will says: "only came for two days of playing" but we had such a great time. Thanks to Erin and Jon for the fun times and hospitality. Miss you guys already!

Friday night dinner & Mojitos

Key Biscayne - the view from Erin & Jon's balcony!

Baby Shower

Going to South BeachAt the DelanoPool party (way too cool for us!)

Summertime and the living's easy

We had such a great summer! The cooler temperatures from the past few days make me feel that a summer wrap up is due. We have so much to look forward to this September - my family coming to visit and our beach trip to the Outer Banks with Doug's parents and friends. Can't wait!

Willie after the FURminator - if you have a dog that sheds - you need to buy one of these!

Willie on his bed. Yes he sleeps on the ottoman at the end of our bed.

Night with friends at the Federal

The mascot tug-o-war at the Bulls game. There were so many!

Doug and Willie at the outdoor concert we went to in the Tobacco District

Carnivore Preservation Trust

Earlier this summer, we went to the Carnivore Preservation Trust with our friends Justin and Trisha. CPT is a wildlife sanctuary that cares for Carnivores (mostly Tigers) who no longer have a home. I just snagged the pics from them a few days ago, so this is a pretty outdated post. Nonetheless, it is a great place to visit. We highly recommend it to any of the Triangle readers of my blog (all two of you!) Check out CPT and be sure to go on the Twilight Tour. Very cool to see the great work this organization is doing with the amazing volunteer staff there.

Hit Bull, Win Steak

The famous Bull at the Durham ballpark - which reads "Hit Bull, Win Steak". Tuesday night when we went to the game, someone smacked a home run to left field which hit the bull! Nothing special really happened- such a disappointment.

Swimming at Jordan

A few weeks ago - enjoying one of our favorite little places in Durham - this beautiful beach at Jordan Lake. Willie is always excited to show off his amazing swimming skills and it's been a great place to beat the heat. We are still having fun playing with our new camera - I start my photography class on Monday which should be fun.

Have a great weekend!