Camping Memorial Day Weekend

Having family vacations are fun.  Having family vacations camping are FANTASTIC!!!  Fresh air, water, and good food.  It can't possibly get any better.  The Raleigh Sanford's met the Knoxville Sanford's at the Cherokee KOA.

Last year we had a blast and I think we topped that this year...I don't know how, but we did!!!

We extended the trip by one day by taking Madison out of school early on Thursday and had a full day Friday.  Friday morning Madison and Carson helped make breakfast.  A good hearty meal of eggs, hash browns, and bacon to get the day started.

While the men cooked breakfast, the kids took some time to see if they could catch trout for lunch!

Madison trying to catch a fish

David having to make a few line adjustments

Breakfast was behind us...about 10am or so...it was time to plan the rest of our day.  We threw around a lot of things...fishing, letterboxing, gambling (just kidding)...but we all agreed on HORSEBACK RIDING!  No quick trip here.  A two and a half hour trip on the horse is what we signed up for.  A trip to a waterfall and back.  

Madison showing off her riding moves

With very sore bottoms we make our final 1/4 mile trek to the waterfall on foot.

Madison and Carson hanging out at the waterfall

Tiff and Jeff posing by the waterfall

You have to look closely but we're all in the picture.  Madison, Tiff, Carson, David and Jeff

Heading back to the barn

The best way to heal those sore bottoms was to head back to the campsite and go for a dip in the pool! 

The good thing about the KOA is that there are PLENTY of children activities to do scattered t/o the day.  Here are Carson and Madison making a bird feeder out of peanut better and bird seed.  That crazy Carson wanted to taste the peanut butter.

Madison and Carson were all over the campsite checking things out.  While out and about, Madison made a new friend.  During that time I spent time with Lucy playing in the water. Lucy loved the water and couldn't get enough.

Seeing Lucy in the water.  * With her new friend Olivia

David cooking dinner

More water time. That's our cabin in the inset!

Topping off a well earned and delicious meal with super S'mores!

Madison and Mommy eating smores

David and Carson keeping warm by the fire

Saturday

It was a late night for everyone. This is what waking up a little late after a fun filled day and night looks like...

This is what eating the best breakfast, made by the best uncle ever looks like...

And this is what photobombing looks like...

We started out the day with making tie-dyed t-shirts for everyone.

And then played with a different kind of horse power for a bit...

Today we stayed a little bit closer to the campsite.  David and Carson had fun throwing ice cream at each other!  Showed the kids how to make ice cream with milk, vanilla, two freezer bags, salt, and a little bit of ice.  Lucy had fun trying to catch "the ball"!

Again, to kill a little time while dinner cooked, Jeff and I took the kids to the local "fishing hole." And again, despite being stocked, we caught NOTHING!

Not quite sure what was going on here but I think Madison was teaching Uncle David how to roll his eyes! 

Sunday

The day before leaving and still so much to do.  Carson tried to catch Lucy while fishing.

Jumping on the jump pillow with Olivia.

This is the best definition of a lazy river....Daddy holding on to a string that is attached to the raft.

Last year, not so good with the banana bike.  This year...aced it!

And to finish the day off...A night time movie...Paddington!

Another relaxing...despite how it looked...and fun filled Memorial day weekend!!!!

Recital Week

For MONTHS Madison has been practicing for her recital that took place over the weekend. Mom and dad came in on Wednesday to watch her recital on Sunday and to spend some time with her.

Dad helping Madison with her homework!

 Recital rehearsal was Wednesday night.  This was the best night for pictures and taking the video.  Madison was very excited and was eager to show her moves on stage.

To keep her mind off her performance and to put her at ease, we made the most of the morning. Having a good friend by your side makes it easy...

And to have all your good friends and family with you makes it even better!!!

Madison make us VERY proud.  She went right through her performance with smiles and grace!!!

Posing with Alli after the performance.

Two proud grandparents :-)

Mother's Day 2015

For the past three years on Mother's Day, a group of us would awake early and trek our way to Northern Wake County (about 45 minutes away) to run the Run Like A Mother 5K.  This year we decided we would all sleep in and try something different.

A group of us met early and went for a walk around the neighborhood with our kids.

 

Madison and Sam

One thing that didn't change was us gorging ourselves on pasta, pizza, and desserts!

Sitting pretty outside the restaurant

The day continued with pedicures and just hanging out with our kids.  What a great day!!!

A little bit of everything

Spring has hit full force and we can't get enough of being outside!  The longer days leave just enough time in the evenings to get out for a walk and/or scoot.  

Check out the girls in the latest scooter gear :-)

Alli and Madison

The goggles are to keep the bugs out of their 

eyes when they are going SO FAST!!!

Emma spent the night Friday night.  And, of course, it was Pizza and a Movie!

Photo bomb

The last day of acting class and Madison had to look her best for the performance.  Nothing like having your best friend help with painting your nails...and you hers.

What tops HAVING to go shopping with mom at BJs?  

Going to PetSmart and checking out the animals!  This was the first time a salmon-crested cockatoo was there.  And Maggie was so much fun.  Look at that face!!!

The evening was spent playing outside and taking advantage of the picture perfect weather.  

With summer only a few weeks away, any free time pool committee members have is spent prepping the pool for the opening over Memorial Day weekend.  Jeff and I helped with the painting for a few hours Sunday.  It's going to be time well spent in the pool this summer!