Anna & Claire in Surf City

Anna & Claire came to Surf City this past week. They arrived late late Monday night (really early early Tuesday morning). The kids & I spent the day with them on Wednesday. Then all of us went out again on Friday and stayed the weekend. 

We enjoyed the beach, the sunshine, conversations by the ocean, looking for shells and sharks teeth, sharing meals together, boogie boarding with Aunt Claire, a few dance parties and lots of games of UNO and Rummikub. It was extra special that we got to celebrate Anna's birthday while they were here.

Patio Playground mini golf

DJ & The Macarena after mini golf

summer

 

Yay for summer! This evening we enjoyed a Bridge Kids end of school party at Boombalatti's. They have amazing ice cream.

Beach House Update: Bunk Room

 

Our short term plan for the beach house was to close in part of the underneath for storage plus a toilet room. Our long term plan was to finish off part of that space for an extra bedroom. Jake had the week of Christmas off and paid - Company wide for hitting their goal! After our family headed out, Jake started the construction. The initial storage room was finished by early February, with the roll up garage door. This space is a game changer. We have our surf boards, kayak, bikes, beach gear all in there and organized! No more plywood box to unscrew and store it all.

Then we started thinking. Jake & I were talking one evening and he said we should probably just do it all. The kids are getting bigger and this can give us more room to spread out. 

So we started phase two - the bunk room.

Triple bunks. 

We're still looking for a dresser for this space.

Toilet Room. 

The door, pedestal sink (notice the sink in the background of the second photo with me & Wren) & medicine cabinet is original to the 1958 house above.

These sweet little lights I grabbed, at Restore, years ago for $3 each. 

Finally using them.

It was pretty fun having Lily & Ella help me with the install. We made beds. Arranged the space and hung some art. This could be a future business. 

Each of the girls in "their" bunk.

Here's to a summer full of memories and sweet dreams at night.

ECVA

This summer both Lily & Ella are doing a summer recreational volleyball league with East Coast Volleyball Academy. The league is from June 1 to July 1. They are guaranteed 10 games with their team. They each have a few friends from school on their team which makes it fun.

They are both off to a great start and we are already seeing big improvements since last season! Both Ella & Lily are mastering their overhand serve, as well as working on setting.

Ella's team: The Dolphins

Lily's Team

 

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