OBX Highlight Reel

Here are a few highlights from our summer vacation at the beach. Grayson had lots of "firsts" like first time in the ocean, first time to eat sand, and first time to push up and stand independently (for about 10 seconds).

We had a blast reuniting with our buddies John & Whitney, plus hanging out with John's amazing family. They have been going to the Outer Banks for the last 17 years and welcomed us with open arms (even though we totally honed in on their family tradition). We couldn't have asked for a better first family vacation.

Grayson and John's nephew Lucas in the kiddie pool. Luke was not a fan of Grayson's splashing enthusiasm.

My baby has turned in to a boy.

We actually had to strip him down to his birthday suit and hose him off after this. I thought it would be years before that day would come.

First time in the ocean.

Grayson figuring out that sand sticks to drool and isn't much fun to eat.

Back view of our beach house

Our pals Whitney & John (Random fun fact: John & Grayson were born at the same hospital even though his parents moved to Indiana shortly after. They attended OU and lived in Norman several years...we were meant to be friends).

Whitney on the bridge that leads to the Sound

Sightseeing at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse

We even passed by the home and body shop of the Monster Truck Gravedigger. Michael was pumped and our lives are now complete.

Back to Reality (and blogging)

We returned this evening from our week-long vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Despite Grayson's meltdown on our last plane ride home, it was a great vacation. Our week consisted of a beach house full of fun people, amazing food, relaxing by the ocean, and even a few afternoon naps thrown in for good measure.

I'm way too exhausted to upload pictures tonight, but I promise to have some up soon. For now, I need to spend some quality cuddle time with Roxy.

Another baby boy!

The Solomon family (my stepdad's side) now has another boy in its ranks. Eric Ladd Elgin (aka Ladd) was born to my cousin Julie and her husband Eric today. He is 7 lbs. 10 oz. and 20 inches of pure sweetness. I'm sure big brother Van is so proud, as are we. Can't wait to meet the little guy!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

This Saturday we leave for a week-long vacation to the Outerbanks of North Carolina. We CANNOT WAIT to take our first official family vacation, introduce Grayson to the ocean and beach, plus be reunited with John & Whitney (two pals from our days in St. Louis).

But before we can relax by the ocean, we have to pack up all our clothes and baby gear, board two flights to get to Norfolk, VA, and drive an hour or two to the beach house. I will admit, I'm a little nervous about taking Grayson on an airplane. I just don't want to be "that" family with the inconsolable child -- trapped at 30,000 feet in the sky.

So, say a few prayers for our travel day on Saturday. Between worrying about remembering the car seat, baby food, and the kitchen sink, I'm definitely going to need a vacation from preparing for our vacation. Luckily, the only thing on our agenda next week is to relax, so it will all be worth it in the end.

I don't know if we'll have internet service at the beach house so my blog posts may be on hiatus as well, but I promise to keep you updated via the Twitter feed in the margin.

A Whirlwind Week

We've had an extremely busy week hanging out with my sister Amy and nephew Holten, plus about 30 members of our extended family and friends. It was great meeting Holt and watching Grayson check him out. They are leaving today to head back to North Carolina, and I'm sure my brother-in-law Ben is counting the hours until he can see them again.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

The next generation three amigos. Cousins = BFFs

Our growing family (minus Levi and Ben). Finally, the boys will outnumber the girls!

Grayson hamming it up as always

Welcome Miss Cora Mae!

Today our friends Rob & Courtney welcomed their daughter, Cora Mae, into the world. She was born at 4:29 p.m. and weighed in at 8 lbs. 5 oz. and 19.5 inches long. Though she's not showing them in this picture, I think she has her mama's eyes which means she's sure to be a heartbreaker. After an outbreak of baby boys, I'm just so happy we now have a girl in the mix.

Dental Hygiene

Now that Grayson has four (and a half) teeth, I've switched from wiping off his teeth with a wet washcloth to actually brushing them. After buying several different styles of infant toothbrushes, the finger brush seems to work well for now.

Of course, he's so busying trying to teethe on the rubber finger, he doesn't seem to notice that this contraption actually serves a purpose. Here are some shots of his first brushing experience:

Challenge #1: Getting Grayson to stop talking long enough to brush his teeth

Inspecting the finger brush as it approaches his face (and likely thinking to himself, "Whatever that is, it looks tasty!"

This is different

Not so sure about this

Hmm, quite fun to bite on!