On Friday we drove down (and then up again) to Chincoteague Island on the Eastern Shore. We had such a wonderful time that the girls and I didn't want to come home. If you've never been there, you should make plans to go. Here are a few photos from the weekend:

Lilly and Evie enjoy a sunset together on our balcony.

Lilly received a riding lesson on a real Chincoteague pony.

Evie had a pony ride, too.

Evie didn't really like the water so she stayed in the sand.

Lilly loves playing in the water but took a little time to play with her sister.

The Assateague lighthouse was closed so we had to view it from the boat.

The blobs of color in the middle of the photo are wild ponies. I felt a little frustrated that we couldn't get a better look at them, but the next day we went for a hike and...

TaaDaa!!!!! We rounded a turn in the path and there they were!

They were so calm and sweet. We could almost get close enough to pet them.

On the last morning of our stay we woke the girls up at 5:00 am so that we could drive to the beach and see the sunrise. It was worth it. The beach was quiet and beautiful.

It took Evie a while to warm up to the feeling of sand between her toes.

But she loved running away from the waves.

Evie especially loves riding around on her Daddy's shoulders.

Lilly always has fun on the beach (we think she must be part mermaid).

Evie liked digging in the sand and watching the birds.

We walked for a while and enjoyed the beautiful morning, but the highlight came when a wave washed this lovely shell onto the sand. I feel certain that it must have been carved by a mermaid and Lilly is thrilled to add it to her box of treasures. Chincoteague is an amazing place with beauty, history and magic. We will definately go back again.

Matthew and Henry are turning 6 this weekend. We are traveling to the Eastern Shore for the weekend and will (sadly) not be at their party. We will be there in spirit, however, and for the occasion, I made them a very simple cake (no rock walls, slimy green villains, 3-D cars or chocolate skylines). I'm sure they will like it because, well...they like cake! Just one more thing for me to love about those sweet boys! Happy Birthday, guys!!!!!

The Girls (and Boy) of Summer

Photo courtesy of the Hefner family archives.

I recently celebrated my 34th birthday. (Since age is "just a number", I've decided to use a better number.) Steve made reservations at the Copper Grill and it was great! I'd definately go there again but I'd have to sell one of my children. Maybe I'll sell them both and order the lobster!

Summer Begins

On the first Monday after school let out, Peggy and I took the kids home to my Mom's house. We had a great time despite the rain and I hope we can make it back there again. Maybe next time we'll take the Dads.

Noah's Park -- a recent addition to my Mom's church.

Evie, instead of napping, was busy pouring marbles in her bed.

She also kept herself busy with a magic marker.

My Mom's lovely new hardwood floors took a hit, I'm afraid to say.

After 3 days of rain, we were running out of things to do. Mom had given Peggy a gingerbread house kit and so we put them to work. They ate more of the candy than they put on the house.

Finally! A break in the weather!

We made it out to Douthat State Park and had a great time.

After we left the park, we stopped by the Buckhorn and had some icecream.

Lilly, having fun at her school's Field DayEvie, taking a potty break at Field Day
Lilly, at Clayton Cemetary (Family Reunion)

Evelyn, also at the cemetary

Evie with Peonies