Happy Independence Day!

Michael and I were at the Outer Banks last week for the annual Lysher family beach trip..  We usually always go during the week of the 4th of July but after some unfortunate work schedules this year, not everyone was able to make it and so we might be moving the annual trip to a different week next year. It has been great weather (we arrived after the rain on Tuesday!) and not too hot either.  Sadie has gotten in lots of beach time as well and behaved very well on the beach even just hanging out with us at our chairs.  Below are some (okay LOTS) of the pictures from the week - we even got a great firework show from the comfort of our deck!

Sadie loved playing Frisbee in the water!

Someone needed sunglasses!

Sadie and I lounging in the sand.

We were able to walk down the beach the morning of the 4th and watch the Town of Duck parade.  It was actually pretty cool and it was fun to watch the kids around us get so excited, plus they threw out tons of free candy and even some popsicles and donut samples!

Early morning paddle boarders on our walk to the parade - officially trying out my telephoto lens!

Michael and his mom!

Michael being super patriotic!

This guy was a three ring circus all by himself!

U.S. Coast Guard!

Christmas in July!

I thought this was pretty cute.

Our fearless leader heading back!

View from our deck!

It was a surprisingly cool evening on the 4th, perfect for sipping wine on the deck...

...and reading!

Perfect night!

We were also able to enjoy tons of awesome fireworks without moving an inch!

Friday was our last day at the beach and we ended it with a nice walk on the beach that night.  Sadie loved running in the water and crab-chasing!

Sadie chased every crab we came up to!  Luckily she knew not to get too close.

Sadie did not really want to pose for pictures, but we got a few in!

Hope you had a great 4th of July and enjoyed time with family and friends and remembered all those who have sacrificed for this country!

Erin

Memorial Weekend 2013

I have been MIA these past few months as my life was taken over by teaching, but I LOVE it and I am so excited to finally be a teacher.  I have missed this blog though and so I am hoping to revive it now that school is winding down for the summer.

This past weekend was truly a wonderful weekend.  It was very busy but it was really great to spend time with friends and family.  At the same time, it was a great time to remember those that have served and be thankful for the life you have.  Saturday was spent outdoors working on my garden (more on that to come!) and doing a little shopping.  Sunday was spent having a wonderful Memorial Day BBQ at my parents' house and the weather was perfect!  Monday we headed over to Westmoreland State Park to go fishing with Michael's grandparents.

Since this is my first post back in the swing of things, I will make it short and sweet, ending with some photos from the weekend.  I have lots to share this summer as well as some exciting projects coming up!

Baby birds nesting in a hanging pot, so cute!

Michael's first catch of the day, 2 minutes after we put our rods in!

I was excited to catch a fish since I only caught 2 of the 24 fish we caught!

24 fish in total! We made some great fish tacos with these. 

Michael and I at my parents' BBQ.

My sisters and I - everyone was home!

This picture just cracks me up, someone was taking too long to take a picture ;)

My brother and his two friends - he can't take a normal picture to save his life.

Sneak preview from my garden!

We were quite tired on Monday evening but it was well worth it!  This weekend we are playing it pretty low key with some more gardening, finishing up some Etsy projects, and a brunch out on the river tomorrow!

Erin

Holidays 2012

Well the holidays have come and gone, and while I had big plans to blog about all the craftiness I accomplished for Christmas - the time has flown by and so now I am cutting my losses and moving on to the new year!  Michael and I really enjoyed spending time with family and cutting down/decorating our first Christmas tree.  This past year seems like it flew by - I can't believe we got married almost 9 months ago!  I am very excited for 2013 and all the changes that are coming.  I will be finishing up my teaching certification in April and with any luck start my new teaching position in the fall :)  I also hope to improve upon this blog and make it a regular staple of my life, as I really love blogging.  Finally, I want to focus on my overall health and keeping life as stress free as possible with a new attitude and a bit of organization in the house and in my life.  I have never been one for New Years resolutions, but I am really feeling it this year, and I am excited to get started!  So as not to completely skip over some of the holiday excitement, here are a few photos to sum up the past month.

Erin