FIRST TRIP TO TOPSAIL. . .CHECK

Grayson has officially experienced his first football game, first trip to topsail island, first family vacation, first time in the ocean (only his toes), first nor-easter at the coast (like a tropical storm), first time in his little pool, and too many more for me to count.

The vacation was great. Grayson was awesome even though he had a bit of a cold. He seemed to enjoy the beach (sand and water)once he had a couple of days to get used to it. The family seemed to enjoyed getting to spend some time with him. 13 in all, in and out all week. Daddy and Grandpa Royal gigged some flounder so Grayson got his first taste of that (via Mommy's milk). All in all it was a wonderful time. We really are blessed to be able to experience such times as a family.

On the horizon

I am exhausted but way excited. We have a lot of fun just ahead of us. Tomorrow Grayson will be attending his first NC State game to cheer on the Wolfpack. This is a VERY big deal in our family. We have his little wolfpack gear all ready complete with socks, outfit, sweatshirt (to go over top in the am when it is chilly), bib, pacifier, and hat. OH BOY!!!

On Sunday we will be leaving for our vacation. Grayson will be taking his first trip to Topsail Island, which has been my family's beach-of-choice since I was a little one. We will spend the week there with lots of different family members coming down throughout the week to spend a few days with us. As I said, I am exhausted and still have tons to do before we are ready to leave. All of the stress that goes in to getting a baby ready for a full day of football and a week of vacation will be worth it when we can look back on the amazing memories we are making. My prayer is that I remember to stop all the hustle so that I can take it all in. These firsts only happen once.

ON THE HORIZON

I am exhausted but way excited. We have a lot of fun just ahead of us. Tomorrow Grayson will be attending his first NC State game to cheer on the Wolfpack. This is a VERY big deal in our family. We have his little wolfpack gear all ready complete with socks, outfit, sweatshirt (to go over top in the am when it is chilly), bib, pacifier, and hat. OH BOY!!!

On Sunday we will be leaving for our vacation. Grayson will be taking his first trip to Topsail Island, which has been my family's beach-of-choice since I was a little one. We will spend the week there with lots of different family members coming down throughout the week to spend a few days with us. As I said, I am exhausted and still have tons to do before we are ready to leave. All of the stress that goes in to getting a baby ready for a full day of football and a week of vacation will be worth it when we can look back on the amazing memories we are making. My prayer is that I remember to stop all the hustle so that I can take it all in. These firsts only happen once.

HOLIDAY, CELEBRATE

Well, Justin and I survived our first weekend away from Grayson. We spent Labor Day weekend in Asheville/Greensboro/Thomasville. We were in Asheville for Liam and Kelly's wedding while Grayson stayed at his Grandma Cindy and Papa Jack's house. We missed him, but I must say that I think the little guy had a blast. Our trip to Asheville was nice and the wedding was beautiful, but I was very ready to get home to little Gray Bear.

I must include here that while in Asheville we were able to meet up with Auntie Sarah to see her new house and meet the mysterious man, Sean. Both were amazing, the house and Sean. I can't explain how great it is to see one of your dearest friends doing so well and full of such joy even after a super stressful weekend of closing and moving. Thanks for letting us drop in for a few Sarah.

After our return from Asheville we had a busy couple of days. Kelly and Wez were up from SC with little Louis. They were staying with Beth, Matt, and Levi. We were able to visit with them on Sunday evening for dinner. It was so amazing to see the little boys together and to know that they will be pals for many years to come.

On Monday we had to say good-bye to Greensboro. Before our departure we were able to go over to see Uncle Jason and Soon-To-Be Aunt Luci's new home. Congrats to them!!! After that we went to say good-bye to Uncle Travis because he is leaving for deployment today. We are so proud of what he is doing to protect us and the rest of America. We headed back to Raleigh Monday afternoon for an evening of celebration with my mom, Troy, Aunt Ret, Aunt B, and Peyton for my birthday.

Aunt B and Peyton are still with us and today we will be celebrating my birthday. My first birthday as a mom. I guess the point of all of this is to remind myself how blessed we are. It all seems like a lot of chaos and business, but the bottom line is that we wouldn't be so busy if we weren't blessed with such an amazing family and so many friends that are as close to family to us. These are the people that make life so enjoyable.

Holiday. . .Celebrate!

Well, Justin and I survived our first weekend away from Grayson. We spent Labor Day weekend in Asheville/Greensboro/Thomasville. We were in Asheville for Liam and Kelly's wedding while Grayson stayed at his Grandma Cindy and Papa Jack's house. We missed him, but I must say that I think the little guy had a blast. Our trip to Asheville was nice and the wedding was beautiful, but I was very ready to get home to little Gray Bear.

I must include here that while in Asheville we were able to meet up with Auntie Sarah to see her new house and meet the mysterious man, Sean. Both were amazing, the house and Sean. I can't explain how great it is to see one of your dearest friends doing so well and full of such joy even after a super stressful weekend of closing and moving. Thanks for letting us drop in for a few Sarah.

After our return from Asheville we had a busy couple of days. Kelly and Wez were up from SC with little Louis. They were staying with Beth, Matt, and Levi. We were able to visit with them on Sunday evening for dinner. It was so amazing to see the little boys together and to know that they will be pals for many years to come.

On Monday we had to say good-bye to Greensboro. Before our departure we were able to go over to see Uncle Jason and Soon-To-Be Aunt Luci's new home. Congrats to them!!! After that we went to say good-bye to Uncle Travis because he is leaving for deployment today. We are so proud of what he is doing to protect us and the rest of America. We headed back to Raleigh Monday afternoon for an evening of celebration with my mom, Troy, Aunt Ret, Aunt B, and Peyton for my birthday.

Aunt B and Peyton are still with us and today we will be celebrating my birthday. My first birthday as a mom. I guess the point of all of this is to remind myself how blessed we are. It all seems like a lot of chaos and business, but the bottom line is that we wouldn't be so busy if we weren't blessed with such an amazing family and so many friends that are as close to family to us. These are the people that make life so enjoyable.