as promised...here are a few pics of james's birthday party at our home!! in spite of a full day of rain...we were blessed with a reprive and perfect temps for our outdoor pizza party! this year, we went with a thomas the train theme...complete with a choo-choo-train cake, per james request (stole this cake idea from my sister-in-law, amy:). there was also much fun to be had with the "rocket launcher" toy, basketball hoop shooter and train track james received as gifts. ben, ben david and i gave james a little bike, but sadly, he still cannot reach the pedals:(, so the balloon on it was the bigger hit.

we had a great time with family celebrating james turning 2!

a few weeks ago we ventured to holden beach for our first family trip since adding caroline to our crew! as you know, once you have children, vacation suddenly loses its inherent meaning. that is, however....unless you have in-laws like mine!:) beginning with their taking the boys down a whole day early, ben's parents truly allow us to have a vacation by helping so much with the kids. we were able to leave caroline for a few hours on several occasions to jet out for trips to the water slide, miniature golf, ice cream...and even a much needed date night!! we were also treated to one delicious meal after another.

per his usual...my sweet husband got up each morning with the boys who have an unfortunate habit of waking up earlier and earlier every day on vacation. hence...the "beach at sunrise" shots!;) flying kites, digging great big holes, rolling in the sand and doing headstands (james that is-please note pic below) were just some of the fun things that took place.

while we were there...james celebrated his second birthday with a yummy cake and fun presents from marmie and poppy! what better place to celebrate than at the beach.

finally...i am SO behind in my blogging, that i wanted to also go back and include a few pics from a great visit we had in june with ben's brother (my brother in law) nate, his wife bek and their 4 sweet kiddos! the kids enjoyed a bubble bath in the hot tub (cooled down:) and we even got a great shot of marmie and poppy with the grand kids.

lastly, stayed tuned for more shots from our "family birthday party" here in charlotte!! ben david with his cousins: nathan, ceci and gia (minus jude and kai:)

with marmie and poppy wheeeeeee!!!