My friend Mandy's father, Mr. Siever, pierced my ears in Kindergarten. Today he pierced the girls ears. There were some tears, but they are thrilled with the results!

We had a WONDERFUL time at the Outer Banks this past week. The weather was perfect, the kids were all great, it was relaxing and fun. I have many more pictures to post and will do so as time allows. We enjoyed the beach, pool, Pea Island Nature Conservatory, Jockey Ridge State Park, and even a fun date night with my sister and her husband. It was a great week!

Today is my firstborn's 6th birthday! Madelyn is a complete joy and is growing into such a genuine, compassionate young lady. She is beautiful, smart and really fun to be around. (I'm her mom, I'm allowed to brag!)
We celebrated last Friday with a couple friends. She really wanted a swimming party, so I limited it to two friends and Caroline. We swam for a while and then came to our house for cake and ice cream. It was laid back and perfect for her. She has been going to a church day camp all week so tonight she picked dinner (chicken pot pie), and we had cupcakes from a local bakery. She was so excited!
She got several fun gifts. We got her some L*ttlest P*t Shop sheets, some new "big girl" towels and a book she has been wanting about dogs. Caroline and Silas got her the movie "Hotel for Dogs." She is kind of in an animal phase right now. ; ) She got some cute new clothes and a gift card to Bu*ld a Be*ar from her cousins.