Ella Taylor - T W E L V E

Today, Ella turned T W E L V E!

We let Ella decide if she wanted to wake up in Wilmington on her birthday or Surf City. She said that IF Dad had the bunk room finished, she would pick Surf City. So Jake worked hard to finish up the bunks over Memorial Day and Thursday we headed out with all the bedding and decor for the girls bunk room.

Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast, Ella's usual pick

We spent most of the morning at the beach. We also went to a couple of shops to look for a few more pieces for the bunk room. 

Ella's Dinner Pick: Island Delights

After dinner walk out to the beach.

On Saturday, June 1, Ella invited some friends out to Surf City for a beach day. Friends plus their families since it's 45 minutes from Wilmington. It was a fun day! The first friends arrived around 10:30am and the last family left at 8:30pm. We are thankful for each of these friendships and their families.

Readers are Leaders

 

These four love looking at and reading new books. Especially at Barnes & Nobles.

My Employees Champions Trip 2024: MEXICO

    

Jake was awarded Employee of the Year which meant we were invited on the Champions Trip again this year. We went back to our usual spot that everyone thoroughly enjoys.

We had an early morning flight so we were in Cancun by 9:30am and at the Valentin Imperial Maya Resort by 11am. Our first lunch was at the ocean front Mar y Tierra.

Night One - Dinner at the Sushi Bar

Night Two - Dinner at Ginger with friends 

11am beach volleyball - a daily favorite

The sunsets & full moon were so beautiful.

Wednesday morning Jake & I ran the 5k at the resort.

Meg 27:40

 2nd place for women & 2nd place overall

Jake 27:48 

1st place for men and 3rd place overall

This was dropped off at our room later that afternoon.

Night Three - Dinner at L'Alsace 

 

Night Four - Dinner at the Sushi Bar

Night Five - Company Dinner at L'Olivio 

Last Day of School 2023-2024

This week while we were in Mexico, the kids were finishing up their last week of school. Last week as a 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 8th grader. Our sweet friend Georgia, stayed with the kids this week. They had a blast!

Wren's wax museum project - Noah Lyles

Teaching Georgia "Kings in the Corner"

Last day of school 2023-2024: Field Day

Aunt Bekah visit's NC

Aunt Bekah flew in on Sunday afternoon, Mother's Day and was here until Saturday afternoon. We packed in some fun and lots of beach trips.

Dinner at Tower Seven and then we walked out to Wrightsville Beach

We met up with a childhood friend in Raleigh.

Wrightsville Beach (3 trips total)

More fun not pictured: multiple trips to the park, many games were played, reading to Aunt Bekah, manicures & pedicures, walks around the lake, all the meals shared, and a quick trip to Surf City to see the beach house. We so enjoyed having Aunt Bekah here. Come again soon!

Sports Awards

So proud of these two girls.

They are 2 of the 3 girls, in the entire school, that played all three sports.

Lily got the sportsmanship award for JV volleyball.

Lily & Ella got the sportsmanship award for basketball.

 

Mother's Day 2024

 

It was a full mother's day with serving at the 8:30 gathering, attending the 10am gathering and Aunt Bekah flying in at 12:30. We did head to Tower Seven at Wrightsville Beach for dinner Sunday night. I also was gifted a new dress and some amazing homemade cards from the kids.

I'm not sure which he loves best: pizza or Mom!

Family portrait by Wren

one cool kid

Wren's had an amazing 2nd grade teacher this year!

 

A weekend with Lily

 

Lily & I were able to grab a few pockets of alone time over this past weekend. We enjoyed some mom/daugher time and conversations, watching a movie, a really yummy breakfast together at Our Crepe's and More, her pick, and then a drive to Charlotte for two dear friend's bridal showers.

Jessie & Jenny are both getting married this summer.