Our Family Hilton Head Trip!!

This is the trip we have all been waiting for, a chance to get away with just the four of us . . . to relax, to not be on a schedule, and to enjoy our favorite beach in Hilton Head!

We left Wednesday and made it through some crazy rain before finally arriving.  Thankfully the
weather cleared enough for a walk on the beach and then a walk to the grocery store.

Of course we had to stop for our favorite ice-cream too! Can you tell what kind Preston had?

The next day, we hit the beach early and enjoy many hours playing, relaxing, reading, and of course digging holes.

We decided to head to Sea Pines Thursday afternoon.

We went to our usual spots including Crazy Crab for dinner, Salty Dog for t-shirts, and even caught the sunset on the marina side this year.

Friday we were back on the beach for a super long day of fun!

More massive holes and some time just hanging out in the wade pools.

We hit mini golf after dinner at Pirate's Cove

Then, sadly it was time to come home.  It was such a fabulous trip, one where we could just relax and unwind before the busyness of school and sports starts back.  So thankful for our little getaway to HHI!

My BIG 40th!!

Today has been such an amazing day!!  It started with lots of love from my family and ended with this amazing peach cobbler Dave bought just for me. YUMM!!!

The kids surprised me with their own special gifts, including a handmade bookmark from Preston and fitbit bands from Savannah.  They both made super sweet cards too.

We had dinner at my choice of places, Red Robin, and then came home for special desserts.

The thirties were interesting, filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, and more craziness than I ever thought possible.  So here's to a decade of wonderful memories, good health, joy, laughter, and more blessings than I can even imagine.  I know God is good and has a plan . . . so ready to see what is in store for the 40s!!

Carmel Kidz Worship

The second graders always end the year at Carmel in a big way!  On Saturday afternoon (after we got back from Carowinds) Preston had worship practice and then a big pizza/pool party for second graders.  They had a blast!

Then, bright and early Sunday morning, he had to be at church to prepare to lead worship in all three services. It was such a fun, busy, and special morning.

Surprise Birthday Trip

So for my birthday, Dave worked super hard to plan a surprise birthday trip for me!  He researched where to eat, hike, etc and just told me to clear my calendar for the day.  So after a later than normal start (due to renovation meetings) we finally hit the road and were on our way to  . . . BOONE! 

Unfortunately, by the time we arrived the weather was not cooperating and then it started pouring.  I opted to eat at Macado's instead of Makatos (trying to be good for my birthday) and then we did some shopping around downtown.  After driving through campus, we decided that the rain was not going to clear for a hike so we headed home.  Although we didn't get to do all Dave planned, it was such a special day knowing all he did to organize a fun day for me.  And, as always, it was good to be back on campus at ASU!

Charlotte Knights Game

Thanks to a promotion from Bush's beans, I scored 4 free tickets to any Charlotte Knights game. We were all super excited to head to the ballpark and enjoy a night of baseball uptown!

What?  This isn't how YOU eat funnel cake?

Afterwards we went to a cool park across the street from the ballpark and took some fun pictures in the waterfall.  It was a super fun night!

Edisto Island 2018

We were all excited to finally arrive in Edisto for the 2018 Bachmann Family Vacation with Dave's parents.  It felt like Preston had been counting down forever so our little guy was over the moon ready to hit the sand and start digging holes with his daddy!

After one afternoon in the sun, the littles were ready for some down time.  Ashley and Preston immediately made a fort to climb in and watch TV.

We biked to see the sunset one afternoon and took our annual picture with Edna

And then the next morning we got up early enough to see the sunrise . . but unfortunately the clouds didn't cooperate.  Preston wanted a picture anyway. :)

The next day Preston and Dave were busted by the beach patrol for having a hole that was too deep.  oops!  Apparently the rule is that it cannot be over 12" deep even if we fill it in before leaving.

Thursday night ended in a bit $150 Bingo win for Dave!!!

 We were back at the beach for more digging the next day . . and of course some turtle feeding action.

Family Pictures

 This little guy could live in the sand . . . so thankful for his energy and spirit.

 The next hole was a bit more shallow, but filled with fish from the fisherman next to us!

What a fabulous trip!  We are so thankful for the time we were able to spend with the Weninger girls and Dave's parents too.  It's always nice to get away and spend time together as a family.

Celebrating Family Birthdays in Bur-vegas

We were so glad to finally find a date that we could all meet up to celebrate the summer birthdays at Great Grandma's house!  After church today we headed to Elon and met the Page crew there too.  It was so much fun watching the cousins play and enjoy time together . .  I can't believe I didn't get a big family picture! :(