As much as we are watching our children to see what they do with thier lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Sand, Sun and lots of Fun!

 Last week was our big Schaefer family vacation.  It was absolutely wonderful to get away for quality time with family.  The girls loved the beach and everything it had to offer.  They splashed in the ocean, "swam" in the pool, played in the sand, flew a kite and explored the many treasures found along the seashore.  The beach was our playground all week.  I loved seeing the delight in my daughters eyes as they developed a love for the beach (like us).  



So happy!
Uncle Sean builds a castle with Isabella
Sophia was excited to see the beach and squealed with delight when she could see it from the car.  At first Sophia, who had sand on her hands,  remarked "I am dirty. Please wipe my hands."  On the first day Sophia did not like feel of the sand and was afraid of the waves.  Each day Sophia continued to get more comfortable and by the end of the week was running around at the shore without holding hands or being held.  The beach was so much fun!


Since we were on vacation we let the girls get a little off schedule.  The girls stayed up late a few nights...they were able to hunt for ghost crabs in the sand.  Everything was new and exciting to the girls.  It was a great experience and a lovely trip for everyone.
Time to fly kites and hunt for ghost crabs
"I got one!"
"C'mere crabby crabby"

Not only did we enjoy the beach but we ventured into town.  In Corolla, we played mini golf, went out for ice cream, pet the wild horses and climbed the Currituck Lighthouse.  Add Crabs, fudge, taffy and the trip was complete!  Will and I were able to get alone time as well and we enjoyed late night walks, talks and gazing at the stars.  The vacation was rejuvenating, refreshing and relaxing.   It was wonderful.
Lighthouse Trip 2012
2 hot, & eager kids ready to climb the lighthouse
Light bulb used in the lighthouse
Looking up....214 steps
Excited to get to the top!
Contemplating climbing the stairs...
Enjoying the view from the top

My darling daughters
At the top with my darling husband!   Photo by Isabella
Heading down was much easier, even if we were carrying the girls!
Taking a break at the window on our climb down
Currituck Lighthouse
Hanging with the locals - the Currituck Wild Horses 
 Daddy's girls out for an evening of mini golf and ice cream!
Explorer 200 maiden voyage
A'hoy !
Happy x3
Working on letters
Hanging out in the hole 
Splashing in the Atlantic
What do you see?
Isabella , the beach mermaid
Grandmere and her girls
Ring a round a Sophie and a pocket full of Bella
Poppy & Sophie
Happy Family Beach Vacation 2012
Daddy & FiFi
Daddy & Bella-Bo
Look who is under!  Way to go Isabella!!
Sophia loves to "swim"
After Swim Hug
Bath Time Hug

The girls had 3 beds to choose from in their room and they choose the same one.  The only way to work that out was to share.  Sophia snuggled close to Isabella every night that she was not even on her side of the bed.  Sophia also woke up before 6am everyday to play with Bella.  Isabella, on the other hand, just wanted to sleep a little more.
Snuggling Sisters on Vacation

A special thanks to Grandmere and Poppy for the big Schaefer family vacation.  Plus, a big thanks for Aunt Meredith and Uncle Sean for making the trip fun!  

Families fill our lives with happiness and laughter...
Leaving us memories to treasure today and forever after



Monday, July 23, 2012

Cool Cool Summer

Its been a cool cool summer so far!  Summer Fun continues with a week of vacation bible school at our church.  Since I volunteered for the week Sophia was allowed to attend the school (rather than the nursery).  Sophia was such a big girl and loved being with Isabella in school.  Isabella had a hard time sharing Mommy with the class but got the hang of it by the end of the week.  VBS ended with a performance Will got on tape.  Enjoy!
Me and my BIG girl!

Sophia & Isabella are proud of the pictures

The girls were exhausted after each day of VBS



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Sunday, July 8, 2012

Fireworks!

"This was a great day" exclaimed Isabella on July 3rd.   The girls and I started off the day getting new haircuts.  Then we ended the day enjoying fireworks with friends. The girls loved not only being able to stay up late but also being able to play with their friends.  I am pretty sure there were multiple rounds of Ring Around the Rosy played throughout the night.  Isabella and Sophia both experienced fireworks for the FIRST TIME.  Isabella enjoyed the fireworks but wondered if it could cause a fire.  Sophia settled into Daddy's lap during the fireworks display.  The girls looked like there were enjoying themselves. However, we later discovered that Sophia was scared.  She thought the fireworks were going to fall in her eyes. I love seeing the world though my daughters eyes.

New cut on Bell


New cut on Sophia

Team U.S.A.

Sophie, Ellie & Isabella


Ready for rain

Ready for Fireworks

Snuggle & Giggle
 It was a hot holiday this year and we spent the 4th at home keeping cool with lots of water play.  We are very thankful for our freedom and to those who fought to protect it for the USA,  Happy Independence Day!
Happy 4th of July!

Painting with water

Who is Silly?

"We are!"