Outer Banks '09

Sadly, we're back from our annual Seward/Allison/Gallahan beach week. And I can't believe it--but it was actually relaxing. Amazing, I know.

Here's why: the boys are old enough to entertain themselves better than in past years...the weather was cooler (great for being on the beach, not superb for swimming--unless you are Super-Will, who is not easily affected by cold temps)...the beach was pretty empty...Colin & I escaped for a movie one night & dinner the next...lots of good food (that I wasn't responsible for cooking!)...Bad Bean burrito night...a visit to the Gap outlet...mini-golf & DQ...paperbacks & People magazine...watching my dad, husband, & bro-in-law battle on the Wii...Will's remarkable skill at skateboarding, "surfing," and big boy bike-riding...hang-out time with family...getting to see my friends Kerri & Corinne (also vacationing that week)--it was probably our best vacation post-kids. Despite the poison ivy that covered my body (and I complained about nonstop).

So we're home, and yesterday we already managed two dr. appointments (the aforementioned poison ivy & a suspected ear infection for Thomas) and a much-needed Costco run. According to Will's school note, "he isn't being a good listener," so I assume he's missing the sand and surf (and ice cream truck...and candy supply...) as well.

Here's the evidence of our fun-filled week:




Will was the happiest I'd seen him in awhile--he's definitely a beach bum.


Flying Carson
My brother was able to come down from VA Beach and stay a day...The kids LOVE him...
Cousins--next year we'll finally have a girl around! (That would be my sister's offspring, not mine.)

Ice cream truck time

I couldn't get a decent picture of Thomas--I thought he was enjoying himself, but looking back...maybe not :)

They actually played like this for awhile. Until Thomas started biting Will's hand and Will dumped shovels of sand on little bro's head. True brotherly love.

Can you tell he was happy to be there?!

Finally! A smile from Thomas. Mini-golf seems to be a family activity we all enjoy, so we played on a cooler day.

I was wrong. (AKA- What the heck was I thinking?)

I can admit it. Those of you who know me well must've seen this one coming. The puppy is gone.

My understanding husband spent seven hours in the car today to deliver Lucy to a loving family with much more time and energy than I can offer her. A week was enough to acknowledge that a challenging 3 year old and busy 18 month old are all this harried mom can manage right now, though what surprised me was how hard it was to let her go. Not usually a big crier, I totally lost it when I sent Lucy on her way. Not the best Mother's Day ever (more like a major Advil-inducing day), but certainly a memorable one. It'll be a long, long time before dog pictures appear on this blog again--I've learned my (hard) lesson.

So now I can focus on my (human) kids again. And no more stepping on poo in the backyard. Lucy, you are a delightful little puppy. We love you, and we wish you well.

Meet Lucy