Fireworks...

Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Not only is it a summer holiday, which is a big plus in my book, but it's all about celebrating our freedom, hosting barbecues and watching fireworks. I don't know how it could get any better than that.

I love photos of fireworks, especially ones that are straight out of the camera with no editing. Amazing.

Vacation Bible School...

Games, snacks, crafts, Bible study. Vacation Bible School is a fixture of the summer for many children. It offers a chance to get out of the house for a week, make new friends, eat amazing cookies, craft, learn about the Bible and more. I can remember spending many summers at VBS and I'm pretty sure some of my crafts are still around as well. This year, I had the pleasure of attending VBS at Massaponax Baptist Church and taking pictures. And I may have snagged a cookie or two as well.

Each night started off with songs, dances and a short video.

 The leaders did amazing jobs with their rooms. My favorite was the shipwreck themed room which featured a boat in one half and the ocean in the other.

Each night the children played a different game.

Crafts were also done each night. 

Guy's fourth birthday...

In May, my nephew, Guy, celebrated his fourth birthday. Like many young children, he had a party at Chuck-e-Cheese. The interesting thing with these parties is that the adult guests seem to enjoy the games as much, if not more, than the children. It works out for the birthday child though, because the adults tend to pool all of their earned tickets together so the child can pick out something ridiculously good. Or at least that's what happened in Guy's case.

Emerald Isle...

In April, my husband and I traveled to Emerald Isle, North Carolina. It was our first time traveling to the area and we made sure to experience it all. From Emerald Isle to Beaufort to Cape Lookout, we spent a long weekend immersing ourselves in all the area has to offer.

The Beaufort boardwalk is a great place to spend an afternoon.

Wild horses, referred to as the Shackleford Banks ponies, can be found strolling the barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore.

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse rests on a private beach, which has no permanent inhabitants and is an amazing place to spend the day.

The day started off gloomy, but quickly cleared up into a truly beautiful spring day.

Preparing for Sarah...

In April, a baby shower was thrown for a friend of mine. At the time, Torie was preparing to give birth to her second daughter, Sarah, and her friends and family were happy to help. Sarah was born, happy and healthy, in early June.

Big sister Amy looks for the perfect snack. Waiting for a new family member makes one hungry.