Ireland learns a new trick!

Yesterday we went shopping for school clothes for the three boys. While we were looking for shoes, Ireland found a pair of pink glitter high-tops. I told Ireland I would buy them for her, but she would have to learn to tie her shoes before she could wear them. Well Ireland sat down with Monique today after church and was able to pass off how to tie her shoes. It only took a few minutes. It just shows how quick you can do something if you are motivated.




Ireland demonstrating her new talent!


Ireland in her new shoes and dance outfit.

Bike Ride

Today after work, the boys & I went on our first major bike ride in Leonardtown. We loaded our new camel water packs and took off in attempt to find the secret path to the town center. We were able to find the path and went up and down hills. We went past the St. Mary Hospital and ended up at the kids new school. It total it was about 3.5 miles long. Both boys were good sports about it and did not complain once. Not bad for their first major ride.


Still smiling even after the ride.


The water was a major help in the heat!

Leonardtown Wharf

Tonight we took the family and the Ruchs down to the Leonardtown Wharf for the first time. The kids loved it and had a great time throwing rocks into the water. The kids now want to buy a boat so they can go on the water and not just on the Wharf.


Keean & Ricky ( Cousin )!


Sun setting in the west.


View down the walk way.


Harrison trying to find his way with the compass in the brick.

The Women's Gardens

A picture of some of the kids at the statue gardens. The kids had a lot of fun playing here. They all thought the statues were a jungle gym! :) Ireland is saying "Daddy!"

The next day we got to go on a horse drawn wagon ride through the streets of Nauvoo. This was the highlight for Ireland! She still remembers her horses' names: Jed and Jasper.

The Elzinga Family got together this year in Nauvoo. Piet and Sarah have friends that own a house right across the street from the Nauvoo Temple. The house was big enough to accomodate all of us. The were able to catch a lot because the bugs are pretty slow. Above is Aedan finally catching his first lightning bug :)

The next day we went to Carthage Jail where the Prophet Jopseph Smith was martyred. It was a solemn feeling being there as the missionaries bore their testimony. I hope the kids were able to feel the spirit and know of the Prophet's love for the gospel and for Jesus Chirst.

Wright Brother's First Flight

Our last stop today was to visit Kitty Hawk, the location of the Wright Brother's First Flight. We went to the visitor center and got the kids their passport stamp. Then we climbed the long hill to see the memorial! The kids did great considering it was well over 100 degrees when we made our visit.




Group photo!


View of the memorial from the top of the hill.


A statue of the first flight!


The journey begins! Yes we walked the whole way up the sidewalk to the hill top in 100 degree temperatures.

Cape Hatteras

Today we visited the Mid & Upper Outer Banks. We traveled down the island and visited two light houses. We were able to climb the first light house which is the largest in the U.S. The boys and I went up because Ireland was not tall enough to go in. The view from above was awesome!




Group picture!


The light house!


The boys on top of the lighthouse. It was 256 steps to the top. (The boys counted just to make sure the ranger was correct!)


View looking down the middle.


The second light house!

Fort "Bacon"?

Friday afternoon, we took the kids to Fort Macon but the kids could not stop laughing that it sounded like bacon so for the rest of the trip it became "Fort Bacon". Fort Macon was built and used during the civil war. The kids loved running around the place playing war.




Yes the fort is definitely not kid friendly.


Keean loved the cannon balls!


Ireland posing in front of the visitor center.




Monique resting after chasing the kids through the fort.




The draw bridge!

Hammock Island

Friday we took the kids to Hammock Island beach near the southern part of the Outer Banks. The only way to get to the beach is to take a ferry ride and then walk .5 miles across the island to the beach. The kids loved the ferry ride and made the hike without too much complaints. We played in the water for about three hours.




View from the boat!


The kids tried to make a castle but the tide kept coming in and tearing down the walls. It became a family task that lasted for thirty minutes.


The kids enjoying the ferry ride.


The kids after walking across the island.

Boring Beaufort!

After work today, we took the kids out of the hotel and headed south to Beaufort. We walked up and down the boardwalk. The kids were upset and thought it was boring and a waste of time because we did not ride a boat or buy a toy. We did get them ice cream but that was just not good enough.










Eating ice cream!


My next Big purchase!

New Beds

We promised the kids when we moved that we would get them new beds. There old beds were old and falling apart or too big for their small rooms. Unfortunately there are not many good furniture stores near us. After weeks if looking we finally found a bed that everyone could agree on including the kids and Mom & Dad. It was painful but here are the kids the first night after delivery!




Ireland!


Keean


Harrison


Aedan
"Just let me sleep dad!"

Emerald Isle Beach (N.C)

Today we traveled to Havelock, North Carolina for my work. I have a work meeting tomorrow here so the family came down to play while I am busy. We checked in to the hotel and headed to the beach. We went to the lower Outer Banks. We picked The Emerald Isle beach for Ireland! The kids loved the water and did not want to leave.


Group picture! Say "Salt water"


There is just something about being at the beach and wanting to bury everyone in the sand!


Aedan


Harrison


Keean


Ireland



Even Monique took her turn!



Keean trying to build a sand castle. Sand castles just did not last due to the high tide water!


Ireland finds a hole in the sand!


My two swimming fish!