Norfolk Children's Museum

We flew in and out of the Norfolk airport which was about 2 hours from our home in the Outerbanks.  On Saturday we had to be out of the rental by 10 am  and our flight didn't leave until 5:30 that evening so after saying good-bye to all of the delaMontaigne's and Steves we decided to check out the Children's Museum in downtown Norfolk.  It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon-we got there after lunch and stayed for a few hours leaving just in time to drop off our rental car and board the plane.  It really worked out perfect and we all had such a fun afternoon.  

Joseph's favorite part was definitely the firetruck station. He didn't want to leave but luckily we talked him into seeing the rest of the museum.

The police motorcycle was another favorite

 The fishing exhibit was definitely my favorite!  You had to climb onto a large boat and then the fishing poles were magnetic and you could catch the fish in the water below.  Joseph needed a little bit of help from Daddy but they were both so excited when they caught a fish!

Making big bubbles!

Driving the city bus

Doing lots of exploring

We stopped at an ice cream shop next to the museum before heading to the airport.  He is a pretty serious ice cream eater!

There's nothing serious about this girl-she's just all smiles!

This was the perfect way to end a great week at the beach with family!

Finishing out the vaction

To finish the posts from the Outerbanks, I had to steal a few pictures from the week from Laura's blog which were just too cute to not include.  

Pool rides with Daddy

Surfing with Daddy

And he's up!

And he's down!

This picture just makes me smile!  How cute are these two?

Cousin picture!!  

Family Photos

While in the Outerbanks we decided to try to get a few family photos.  My cousin, Michelle, is an aspiring photographer so she took some big family shots which I am anxiously awaiting!  The following are the ones that we just took with our camera and I've always said all you need is one good photo and thankfully this first picture is a good one because the rest of them are close but not quite frame-worthy :)   

Our Family 2013

Love them!

And then the stink eye begins!

I had to crop Ella in the photo above...oh my goodness, how I love this little girl!!

Joseph and his stink eye!  Can you tell he is 2 1/2?!?  Love you buddy!

Trying to convince (or bribe) Joseph into smiling.

And, Ella, is still all smiles!

Love these two!

Nani and Poppa with their grandkids.  Hoping Michelle got some better ones!

Sistas!!

Sistas and Bubs!

Cousins!! Missing a bunch but had to get a picture of those of us that could make the trip.

My mom and her siblings-Aunt Kathy, Aunt Pam and Uncle Bruce.  It was such a great week spending time with all of them!

And just one more of our little family!  Ella's smiles are contagious!!  Love these guys!

Happy 4th of July!

I love the 4th of July and nothing beats the 4th at the beach with family!  We spent all day at the beach and the pool, grilled out thanks to Rich and Dave, and then let Joseph stay up late to go down to the beach to watch the fireworks with everyone.  He was super excited and even more excited because Aunt Kathy and Uncle Derrick bought him a glowstick necklace and bracelet!  Once we got down to the beach he wasn't quite as excited since people were shooting off fireworks less than 100 yards from where we were standing but he did love the ones from a distance.  He has been pointing out American flags everywhere since the 4th and is pretty good at singing "God Bless America!"  We bought him a small flag from Target last week so he is loving playing with that, too.  

Ella sporting her red, white and blue

 Joseph, too!

 Sydney and Joseph ready to celebrate! 

Yay!  Happy 4th of July!

Messy Ella on vacation

This girl loves her food!  And it shows!  Here are a few shots from her enjoying her meals in the Outerbanks!

I do have to say that since we have been home she has been much cleaner during meals.  She has stopped grabbing the spoon everytime I put it in her mouth so most of the food is getting into her mouth these days!