The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas is fun and birthdays, OK-but nothing compares to the love my family has for the annual Voorhees "Beach Week" in Duck, NC. Alongside Geof's mother and sibling and every relative that comes with them we play in the sand, swim in the ocean and party like rock stars all over the town for  7 days.  This year proved to be extra special as we celebrated Jay's retirement from the Army after 26 successful years. We had a great time and are already making plans for next year.

The 3 best beach buddies ever!  Kacie, Carly and Kami played non-stop the whole week.

#TotsAdorab

Some rain drove the game in but couldn't chase the fun out. Cornhole in the garage is just as entertaining as on the beach.

If Avery ever goes missing, I'm checking Kate and Reilly's closets first.

#Prec

Kathryn is 7 months older and 7 inches shorter than Reilly, but it doesn't keep them from being attached at the hip all week.

Happy 4th!  The annual parade always promises lots of candy and even more sweat.

Trouble

Double Trouble

I scream, You scream...

We all scream for Uncle Evan! 

(you made it brother, cheers;))

Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day kicked off a week of fun with Elizabeth, Jason, Claire, Ally and Asher.  We started by celebrating what great dads they are on Sunday with breakfast, gifts and sweet handmade cards.  Then we partied it up on the lake, at the water park and the zoo.  Ally and Kami pretty much disappeared for most of the time-loving getting to play together. We always have the best time when our cousins come to visit!

(Not pictured:  Jackson; on a mission trip in Bulgaria)

Happy, Happy, Happy

Camping out on the back porch 

In Other News...

Joshua starting taking piano this year (whether he wants to or not is of no consideration) and he did a GREAT job at his recital!

Kami learned to ride her bike.

And this is what it looked like the night Kathryn decided to become "taken bacon" as she put it (meaning she said "yes" to a boy who asked if she would be his girlfriend).  This was only OK because in middle school, when you are "going out," it simply means you never talk to each other and run the other direction as fast as you can if they come towards you in the hall.

Not available for viewing:  the picture of the night we decided to go back to being "Single Pringle."  

The Graduates

We celebrated two graduations this past month.  Baby Kami got her Pre-K diploma and Jackson for middle school.  It included lots a parties and fun times with friends.  So proud of all our kiddos and how hard they have worked in school this year!

Grandma Carol got to see Kami graduate.

Jackson had a very official ceremony with a real certificate and real tears from his mom.  It seems like last year I was at his Pre-K graduation, taking his toothless picture in a tiny white cap and gown.

And now we have this handsome young man...

and the gray hair to prove how much fun it has been!

Jack with his long time friend Bailey.

Time flies.

A Mother's Day Brunch

Geof, Jack, Kate, Josh and Kami spoiled two moms this year on Mother's Day.  They hosted a fantastic champagne brunch on the porch for Grandma Carol and me and we had a sweet time of sharing some of our favorite things about our moms.