July 4th 2011

We celebrated the 4th at Crabijeans this year again. It is hard to believe that it will probably be our last time visiting crabis since it is for sale:( So many great memories. Nothing can compare to the celebrating the fourth of July on the water! Our kids got to stay up 2 nights in a row very late to enjoy fireworks. Saturday night we went to Kinsale to sit on top of the bridge over the water and watch the town's fireworks. The town shuts down the road and bridge for the event. It was Mason's first time seeing fireworks, so it was so amazing to watch his joy and eyes light up saying, " ohhh I like that one and I like that one and..." Regan slept through the whole thing in the stroller. Then on Sunday night we put the kids to bed but soon after we started to hear fireworks across the water. Logan and I ended up getting the boys up b/c the display outside was spectacular. There were like 8 different firework displays and two others, one on each side of crabijeans. We took the boys out onto the dock at 1000pm to watch them and see all the reflections in the water. They were so excited we got them out of bed. They weren't sleeping anyways:) River enjoyed fishing a bunch and caught about 12 fish with Logan. He even had 2 double catches! Needless to say, he was a very happy boy. Regan got to experience Crabijeans for the first time and probably the last. We also enjoyed tying the tube to the dock and floating on it with the kids. River and Mason loved jumping in the water from the dock. Doah had a quick swim too. Logan was our cook on the grill both nights and we enjoyed delicious dinners. Although we did return with a ton of bug bites, we made some nice memories.

Nags Head 2011

This year we all decided to finally rent a house ON the beach. It was the best decision and well worth the money. Although on arrival day, we did hit a bump in the road. Let's just say a rather large bump. The trip down was great and the kids were wonderful. Regan slept the entire way. I would wake her to feed and then we would continue. We stayed with Liz and Hunter and we all had a wonderful time with them. The kids just love their cat and of course, Hunter. Aunt Liz spoiled them with snacks and juice boxes and goodie bags for the trip in the car.

When we arrived at the beach house, we noticed a beautiful home, gorgeous pool and porches and then we walked up the steps over the sand dune and there it was. Huge pipes, heavy loaders, bull dozers, a complete construction site at work with consistent beeping expanding the beach, a 36 million dollar project. We were not informed of this. After all of us returning to the rental agency to return the key and complain, we returned back to the beach house with no other option. They would not give us a new house, a refund, or even an apology. We were told that they sent out an email explaining the beach construction was going to take place. Needless to say, we decided to laugh at the situation b/c we felt we were on a hidden camera show and enjoy our time as best as we could. We were elated to see in the morning that the construction crew had moved down past our home which was a blessing. We thought we would spend the whole week unable to utilize our beach access, etc. So that worked out. Then we woke up the next morning to a fog of smoke outside. The smell was enough to make you cough and quite disgusting. This smell was from the huge brush fires miles away. Thank God, the smoke cleared every morning for us to go to the beach and returned each evening when we were done outside. Oh, forgot to mention that as we unpacked on Saturday, River was looking wasted. Yep, a fever which reached 103 during the middle of the night. He and Mason both got this weird virus, along with others. Thank God it was only a fever on and off for 2 days. Ibuprofen did the trick and no one missed the beach or pool any day. Thank God again!

So with the few bumps, we had a blast as always. Incredible 80-85 degree weather, pool and ocean view from our porches. Unbelieveable. Being right on the beach was not only gorgeous and convenient but it allowed us to really use the beach way more. We would go back for evening walks, pictures, you name it. The pool was a huge hit too each afternoon and evening. Mason took off with swimming with the floaties. No fear ever. The hot tub or "hot pool" as Mason would call it was a favorite as well. Mason and River did great sharing a bed for the first time and Regan slept wonderfully. She made it most mornings until 5/530am. Thank you Lord. I appreciated Chris making coffee early every morning and enjoyed Kevin and Chris' jam sessions. Some awesome praise and worship time with the family. Kevin's voice is really improving. Such talented brothers. Dad and Mom took us out to Miller's on the water for some incredible food one evening. We also ate out at a new place across from our house. Amazing wings, fish tacos, and crab bisque. The other two restaurants we visited were old favorites, Tortugas (gotta have the fish tacos-ordered to enjoy poolside) and The Brewery. Yum. Makes Chick-Fa-Lei seem pretty boring back at home. I snuck away a few times to Tropical Smoothie Cafe and the beloved Outlet Mall. Some other highlights included Ed Bassmaster's Snappin Turtle, the new Pier, Regan sleeping in the tent, go cart riding, 3 family dinners "in", squirt guns, naptime, and I think I have mentioned the ocean view! A huge thank you to Dad and Mom. Logan and I had a very difficult time returning home this year. We treasure that time and only hope and pray for more with the 16 of us all healthy. You really feel spoiled to get just adult time together with your siblings and parents when all the kids go to bed each evening. So so very nice. Glad God gave us yet another year together at the beach!

Family Beach Trip 2011

John Henry and Regan, first date!

Mother's Day and Regan's Baby Dedication

Mother's Day was very sweet this year b/c it was River's actual birthday and Regan's baby dedication. Mimi, Pop, Poppa, and Gaga all came to church with us. Then Logan and Dad took Mom and I out to brunch to Pine Grove. It was delious as always. Mom and Dad gave Regan a bible, booties, lamb that play Jesus Loves Me and a gorgeous picture frame for her dedication. We came back home to take pictures outside and exchange Mother's Day gifts. It was the perfect day!

Easter and peeps

River turns 5

River turned 5 May 8th and I realized I never posted. He had a dinosaur theme birthday party...been asking for one for 6 months. We found dino eggs outside, enjoyed the new trampoline, dino cupcakes, an ice cream bar and pizza. Logan and I told him he could invite friends this year but he wanted only his family and cousins. Easy enough! There will be plenty of time for friend parties in the future. The cousins had a blast together and River loved all his presents especially his dino stuff. River requested that we would just say "Happy Birthday River" this year instead of singing. Simple enough. So we did. He is not a fan of everyone starring at him. So, we may have set a new birthday trend in the Welsh household. Although, I do not think that would fly with Mason. He loves the attention. Isn't God so good? He made them so different from one another and special in their own way. Here are a few pics...