Hurricane

We've had our fill of natural disasters for the week!  This one didn't turn out so bad for us though.  We lost several big tree limbs, but no trees and nothing got hit by the limbs. 

 More importantly, we only lost power for about 12 hours.  Ours has been back on since about 2am and we are some of the few that have it.  Dave is most grateful for this and those of us that have to live with him are happy about it too :)

Don't the kids look thrilled?  They have no clue what's been going on.  Taylor keeps the umbrella handy, just in case!  If she had it outside yesterday she would probably have flown to a different county! 

Super lucky for us, Dave and I went to a reception this afternoon and when we got back home the "tree fairies" had attacked our yard and all the branches have disappeared!!  Here's hoping the yard stays clear and the power stays on for a good long time!

A Birthday and More Beach

 I finally sat down yesterday to put up a few pictures and was distracted by none other than an earthquake.  Seriously.  I couldn't figure out what was going on but it seemed bad so I decided that if the end was coming I would rather be eating a brownie than blogging!!  So today I'm out of brownies and the ground is still for the moment so here are the pictures.  These courtesy of MeMaw...

First up, a birthday party.

 The happy family out for the birthday dinner.

 Taylor loves to sit with Grace when we go to restaurants. 

 The kids and I took off midweek for the beach to spend a few days with my mom's side of the family.

 The first night we went to watch some of the aunts, uncles and cousins racing go-carts. 

Chase and Taylor were very interested (and tired) spectators!

 The next night Chase begged to go back so he could ride. 

I didn't think he would do it, but he loved it.

We're headed back to Nags Head in October and he can't wait to go back to race again.

 A little blurry here but you can still see the smile goes all the way from ear to ear!

 Here they are listening to some tunes and catching up on some reading!

 Chase always finds a friend!  His favorite this week was my cousin Julie.

 They did a little fishing.  Taylor probably would have eaten it.  The poor fish was scared to move.

 Finally to make the trip complete we played a little putt-putt before we hit the road to come home.

Taylor took the easy route!

 Chase takes it pretty seriously.

High-fives after his (for real) hole-in-one.  That's his 2nd of the summer!

Photo Theft

I've had to resort to stealing photos for now.  The camera will get replaced soon enough, but for now I'll have to keep "borrowing"!  These pics courtesy of Grace...

Bryce invited Chase over to slip n' slide on Saturday.  Taylor came too, even though "girls are not allowed."  Luckily, he still let her in!  She didn't care for slipping or sliding, but had plenty of fun.

 Bryce was right in the middle of the action.

 Chase tried it a time or two, but preferred to just sneak by.

 They were enjoying a nice picnic lunch as it started to rain and then...

THUNDER!!!! One loud boom and they all lost it. 

Makes for a funny picture, though - thanks Grace!

A Little More Vacation

A few more pictures courtesy of Megan...

 We went for portraits on the beach one evening.  Carl snapped alongside the photographer so these are ones he took which explains why we're not exactly looking at him!

The kids did fairly well.  They got a bit overwhelmed with the constant directions but luckily a dog came by chasing a ball in the water and that kept them occupied for a bit.

 This one cracks me up.  I think it looks like Dave is trying to keep me and Taylor from blowing away or something.  Chase was having a good time.

 A new photo for Dave's desk - probably the first update since the wedding pics?

 Carl kept Chase laughing most of the week!

 Playing with some of his cousins.  He was so ready to go home with them!  I was just hoping the swimmees worked as well as shoulder pads.  He looks a little small!

 More playing.

Classic "cheeese"

 Queen Bee.

  

Chase showing off his "grandpa face" with the original.  The male Caddell genes are pretty strong.  They all make the same faces and expressions without even realizing it.

 Taylor hanging out with ladies.   

 Trying out some new shades.  Taylor doesn't look thrilled with her selection!

Myrtle Beach

So pictures of vacation came to an abrupt end when I was faced with the choice: Taylor or camera!  She went for a little swim when a wave took her down and I quickly pulled her up...with the camera on my wrist.  So the pictures I had already taken were salvageable, but that was the end of the camera.  Luckily it was near the end of the week!  Megan took plenty of pictures so I'm sure I'll have more to add later, but here are a few (ok, lots) of what I got before the big swim!!

 Unpacking the luggage was a big hit and they made sure to later up and lather up and lather up before we hit the beach!

 Once you get to the beach you immediately need juice and chips.  Taylor practically survived on chips this week.  We don't usually keep them around the house so when she got to the beach and had 10 bags to choose from she was loving life.  Avocado chips were her favorite.

She also did not mind the chips and dip.  Chase was excited to get his own "milkshake".

 Hanging out with Megan.

 Chase hanging out with the guys.  He didn't take the swimmees off very often.  He had to be ready to go to the pool on a moment's notice if anyone would take him. 

 Our little beach princess.

 Out on the town! 

 Hard to see, but they were in the photo booth.  Look to the left you can see one of their pics!

 

 Chase was quite the fish this week.  He would've stayed in the pool all day if we let him.

 At the aquarium - highlight of the trip for the kids!

       

Taylor, as usual, would have jumped in to swim with the sharks if given the chance.  Chase held on a little tighter but wanted to see the sharks again after we left.  He keeps asking me if we can take Bryce next time.

Sporting the new aquarium shirts Dave picked out for them.

Plenty of happy moments, but of course a few (picture-worthy) sad ones too!

There was a little tidal pool that filled up right in front of us each day.  It was nice for playing and surfing without getting knocked over!

Jeff worked his magic with Taylor and got her to fall asleep one afternoon on the beach.  I think she secretly has a crush on him - she wouldn't have considered letting anyone else do this! 

 Things you do while waiting at restaurants with kids....play catch with them?  I must admit I asked them to do it again so I could get a picture.  No children were harmed.  He was loving it.

 Showing off his strawberry wearing sunglasses, you just can't really see them in this picture! 

Hanging out with the aunties.

Good times - Dave and I really were there too but apparently I don't have a picture to prove it!! Highlights from Megan's collection coming soon, I'm sure!