Spring Break

Despite all the snow days we've had this year, Paul still managed to get a whole week off for spring break. The weather couldn't have been more perfect and we had some really special days with Gray. There are a lot of pictures on this post-sorry but I'm not sorry! ;)

Monday was pretty busy trying to finish up some last minute things around the house since we were about to put it back on the market and I had to tutor that afternoon. But we found time to take a lunch to Tanglewood and let Gray visit the dog park and ride his four-wheeler.

Thanks to longer days and sunlight until after 7:00, we played bubbles that evening after dinner.

Tuesday we were off early to the Science Center in Greensboro. Gray loves it and we get half off with our zoo/aquarium pass so it's a win/win. We hadn't been since last fall so everything seemed brand new to Gray.

These two make my heart so full!

As much as there was to see at the museum, Gray's favorite part was seeing the school buses on the way out. That is so our boy!

Wednesday we were off early again to the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, which is about an hour from our house. We took Gray last summer when he was barely a year old and he loved it then but fell asleep half way through the wagon ride. We knew he'd get so much more out of it now and it was something we really wanted to do before it gets too hot and baby brother comes along making outings like this a little more challenging for a while. We had a 10:15 wagon reservation which ended up being perfect-it was warm but not hot yet and our wagon wasn't even half full. Gray was in animal heaven.

Like at the Science Center the day before, this was Gray's favorite part of the whole day. Our boy is obsessed with tractors and anything else with wheels!

Thursday morning we were off to Wilmington/Sneads Ferry. My Gram rode with us and stayed with her sister and her husband in Southport for the weekend. They met us in Wilmington to pick her up and then we went to see my cousin and her family for the day and evening, who we haven't seen in way, way too long. My aunt was also there which was an added bonus! Gray was so excited he missed a nap for the very first time since the 'ol colic days. He handled it like a champ though and played long, hard and sweet nonstop until we left that evening.

 

Ruby, Gray and Cole-third cousins!

I can't even stand the sweetness in these faces!!

After a long day of playing outside and grilling out, we headed to Paul's parents for the rest of the weekend. Thursday we headed back to Wilmington for the day. Gray ran around on the boardwalk admiring the boats and water and the many dogs who were out for a walk. We had a delicious seafood lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

On the way home Nana and Grandpa took us to Belk to buy Gray some summer clothes. Gray was such a trooper considering we didn't even get in the car to head home until after 3:00. He slept the whole way home, woke up sweet as sugar and ready to play for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Grandpa let Gray drive his convertible!

And his truck!

Reading books with "Nanny". First time we've ever seen him with his hands down his pants. Certainly won't be the last!

Gray LOVES their big boxers! Sharing milk with Jack.

Saturday morning Gray played outside with the dogs and then we went to watch Grandpa's soccer game, which was at the school that he and Nana teach and coach at. He wasn't one bit interested in the game but the buses were a whole 'nother story!

After the game we enjoyed yet another seafood lunch at our favorite local restaurant. They might have the best fried shrimp I have ever had. I made the mistake of sharing my lunch with Gray-that boy can throw down some food y'all!

After two days in a row of missing naps in his pack n play, Gray took a good long nap that afternoon. As soon as he woke up we headed for the beach. Paul's parents live less than 10 minutes from Topsail Island, which couldn't make me any happier! Gray hadn't seen the beach since last summer so I could hardly wait to see if he would love it the way his mama does. He certainly did and was completely fearless of the water. This day wasn't as warm as the day before but we were certain he wouldn't want to get in the freezing cold water. We were sure wrong! Thankfully we had a change of clothes in the diaper bag. Seeing him on the beach that day got me so excited for this summer!



This picture makes my heart want to burst.

We ended the night playing outside and making s'mores. No surprise that Gray was a fan and is still asking for "mar-mars".

Sunday we drove to Southport to pick up my Gram and see my great aunt and uncle's new house. It was such a cool little town and I wish we would have had more time to spend there. We did get to try out a delicious, water front local restaurant on our way out. It made for the perfect ending to a wonderful long weekend.

And this was our sweet boy just a few minutes into our drive home.

Next time we're at the beach we will have two little boys and I can hardly wait!