Road Trip!

Our attempt at a family picture. Not centered, not focused, we are not ready.... Still Awesome!

Looking at the stars on the beach at night. Watching the crabs come in!

Cian sick of getting his photo taken!

Cian and Daddy Boogey Boarding. Cian loved this!

We really enjoyed relaxing in the hotels too! We really needed this recharge!

We arrived back home last night after a spur of the moment road trip down the Atlantic Coast. Kevin was able to meet a deadline last Sunday and his boss told him now would be a good time to take a week off. Now being that day! I am usually a planner but we left the house that night and headed to the beaches along the coast. We stopped in Ocean City, Maryland, Virginia Beach, Virginia and The Outer Banks, NC. We had a great time being together and I actually really enjoyed not having the stress of having to be somewhere at a certain time. We just went with the flow and stopped in hotels at night. We really enjoyed the beaches, especially the outer banks. We hope to go back there next year, hopefully rent a house for a week. It was so awesome to have miles and miles of beach. No one was around and it was not crowded at all like the northern beaches. Kevin and I thought that it was probably because there was so much beach to choose from. Everyone could spread out! We had a great time. I love my family. How did I get so lucky!

On a second note:

Dear Construction, Why did you have to delay our trip by almost three extra hours last night. Endless delays in the middle of the night. Sitting still at 1:00 am...trying to fight to stay awake! We were supposed to get back last night at 11:00 and did not pull in the driveway until 2:05. Dragging today!!! -Erin

Greg Comes Home!

It was so fun to see Greg after almost a whole year. We had a great time hearing his stories of his new adventure! One thing is for sure, Greg has a plan and he is making it happen! Keep holding on to your dreams, Greg!

Speed Racer!

After celebrating Grandma and Grandpa's 60th wedding anniversary (I hope I have one of those!!!!), we stopped at a race way for a little fun. One thing is for sure...The Doyle boys are competitive! It was so funny to see their personalities on the race track!

Cian's Cousins Lily and Connor

Of course the first two pics are of Cianie! The last two are of Cian's cousins Lily and Connor. These kids are so adorable! I can't get over it each time I see them. I just want to SQUEEZE them :).

Wouldn't You Like to Ride in My Beautiful Balloon!

The Annual Spiedies Fest was this weekend in our area. It celebrates a local food that originated here. It also has a Balloon Rally twice a day for the weekend. We love this part. We have gone to the Saturday morning lift for the last three years and look forward to it. It is amazing to be right up close to the sights and sounds of these huge balloons. The first year we went, I was little shocked that you could basically walk up and touch them, let alone stand right near the baskets as they flew up. I thought it was kind of a safety hazard, but once I got used to the noises and the heat it was really fun. This year was no different. We woke up at 5:00 and got to the grounds by 6:00. We had to walk a good distance! Unfortunately this year it was foggy, so we sat around for a couple of hours before anything really happened. Then the fun started.
Cian yawning from waking up so early. 5:00 used to be his normal time.....now it is 7:00. Yeah for me!

Eyes to the sky!

I love this picture for some reason. It might be that Cian has such a big smile with Daddy right behind him!

Kevin has gotten us here every year since we moved to the area. I am so glad he is so active in finding fun things to do with us!

Kyle and Nicole came with us too! It was fun to share the experience with them.


Cian and I are keeping busy too. I can't believe that we have five weeks off and Kevin can't use any of his vacation time (his work has some crazy deadlines this summer. ) Cian and I are trying to make the most of it. We do a lot of play dates, trips to the park and crafts galore. I told Cian that we are going to start doing 15 minutes of "school" a day too, starting this week. We will see how this turns out. He and I kind of butt heads in this area.

Dear Cian,
I know you would rather be playing, but meet me half way here! I am not asking you to do things that are too hard for you. I am just trying to solidify your skills. Fifteen minutes out of the whole day will fly by fast. All I ask is that you try. I love you sugar lump!
Love,
Mommy