4th of July Cookout

We all got together at Cami and Jeremy's for a low key cookout last night. There were burgers, dog, my famous cowboy baked beans, watermelon and of course fireworks. We decided to fore go the big display that uncle Jeremy and I are known for until we go to the Topsail in a couple of weeks. Something about burning the neighbors house down??

Mad's and Lil's with sparklers.

Everyone loves watermelon.

Happy birthday USA!!

Julian was decked out in his 4th of July outfit and Jack was very impressed.

4th of July at the beach

We battled the crowds and traffic to hit the beach yesterday. It was a nice morning. Jack made good use of our new beach tent after playing in the surf.

The girls had a blast as usual. They are defiantly beach baby's. They had fun boogie boarding and snorkeling.

And sunbathing of course.

Jack relaxing!

Jack's New Trick

Jack is learning new tricks every day. Everything he gets in his hands goes straight in his mouth. He found his feet the other day and I think that if he could he put those in his mouth too. Something his dad is very good at.

Siggie's Birthday Fiesta!

We all gathered at a local watering hole last night to celebrate Siggie's birthday. I'm not going to say how old she is because I want Christmas presents next year, but lets just shy she getting up there. It was a lot of fun. We asked our waiter if they could sing her happy birthday and they rolled out of the kitchen with a flaming apple pie shot! Check it out.

After that she was out of control.

All right I may not get Christmas presents next year. It was a lot of fun anyway.

Happy Birthday Mom!

The Simpson Girls Big Day

Here are the aforementioned pictures from Maddie's violin recital and Anna's preschool graduation. It was a big day for our whole family.

Maddie is a natural. She had the twinkly rhythms down.

Grandpa and little brother showing support on Anna's big morning.

Anna and her teacher Ms. Lyles. We really enjoyed having both girls at Wesley for pre-school. It is a great school and the teachers love the kids. We will miss everyone.

The proud graduate!

Mommy's Birthday Weekend

Briar's birthday was Saturday so we made a weekend out of it. Friday was Anna's pre school graduation and Maddie's violin recital (that's a whole different post... stay tuned). After the days events we went to dinner at mommy's favorite restaurant Hiro for some Hibachi. Actually Briar and I are kind of over that but the kids seemed to enjoy watching the guy cook on the table. Briar got a new camera for her birthday and we had a lot of fun taking hundreds of photos of just about everything this weekend. Here are a few of my favorites, of course they are of our beautiful children. What else!

Say "cheese" Banana

Jack dreaming of the day when he can chase down and tackle one of the girls.

Maddie is growing up so fast.


Life guard on duty.

On Saturday night (Briars Birthday) we cooked some crabs and had a great time pickin and eatin. I was surprised that Maddie and Anna really enjoyed them. We did most of the pickin for her but she tried. Anna just had fun playing girlfriend and boyfriend with two crabs. Jack couldn't hang. Maybe next year buddy.

Chip off the old block

Roll Tide Roll!!

Jack's Special Day

On May 16th we had a double christening for Jack and Griffin at St. Marys. It was a very nice family ceremony. Briar and I are Griffins god parents and Ashby and Tracy are Jacks god parents so it worked out nicely. I do think that it confused Father Bob a little.

Our happy family

The moms with the dynamic duo. They are gonna be trouble when they get together.

Mamas boy

We took a few pictures of our beautiful children before Briar went back to work so she would have one to take with her. This is one of the good ones.

St. Marys Field Day

I know its been a while since I posted so I have a lot of catchin up to do. Briar, Jack and I got to go to Maddie's field day a few weeks ago. It was a lot of fun for the kids and we enjoyed watching the kids.

Some sort of relay race. Maddie is a natural athlete cant you tell.

Of course there were the not so happy moments and mommy and Jack were there to lend their support.

Go Team!!

Of course there was a water play station and if you know Maddie she was all over that.

Family Beach Trip

This past Sunday we took a trip to the beach to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. It was Jacks first beach visit but I don't think he was all that impressed.

Hi Mom
Surfs up Dad!

Maddie and Anna had a ball running and playing around the dunes.

I thought this was a cute picture of the banana.

A few more Easter pics...

Jack has just started to develop a little personality. He started smiling at us and makes the occasional sound. He is still really low key and easy going and is sleeping 5-6 hours at a time .........when we are lucky.

Smile buddy!

Daddy and the girls dying Easter eggs.

Maddie and Anna went to a friends farm on Good Friday and got to ride Lightning, see the pigs and..........

......hold Easter chicks.

Of course they wanted to bring one home with us and if anyone has seen our back yard, a chicken would fit in just fine. Didn't Fred Sanford have one?

The week after Easter we got to visit with Robyn, Ryan and Maddox. The girls loved playing with their cousin Maddox. This was a good preview of what they can expect in a few short months.

Final Four Weekend and Aunt Teris' Suprise Party

We went to Raleigh to help Uncle Ashby throw Aunt Teri a surprise party. We called it Operation Sombrero and it was a big success. She was very surprised and everyone enjoyed tacos, margaritas and mariachi music.

Aunt Teri and Jack

Ole!!

The day after the party we stopped on Franklin Street and Briar bought shirts and stuff for the kids and herself.... not me.

This was Tuesday after Carolina won the National Championship game. No its not our front yard!! Mads was excited that UNC was number one. Anna really didn't understand, I think she is ok with them being number 2.

A busy early spring weekened.

Maddie and Anna went to a birthday party at Wonderland Farms last Saturday. They loved riding the ponies, feeding goats and going on a hay ride. I ran my first 5k earlier that morning. It was a lot of fun. I didn't set any land speed records but I did finish, which I consider an accomplishment. I plan on running in some more races this year. Jack didn't have such a good weekend though. We had him at the Children's Clinic both Saturday and Sunday for blood work to find out why his jaundice has not gone away. After a long few days (and nights) they have determined that he is going to be just fine.

Ride em Cowgirl!!

She's a natural.

Maddie and Chloe

Poor little Jack is wiped out.

Our best baby sitter.