obx 2017

For the past couple of years our family of four has joined some of our immediate family for a week at the beach in North Carolina. This year we also had my aunt and uncle as well as my cousin and her family. We had a great week even with 6 kids under the age of 6 running around the house. I took this picture the night we arrived. The clouds were so amazing and fluffy that evening.

The first day we were at the beach there were these neat little tidal pool areas where the kids were able to play without being too close to the waves.

My cousin's son Tanner really enjoyed running up and down the beach. He was pretty fearless for a 3 year old.

Had to get a picture with mom. Big thanks to my parents for making this trip happen every year.

My cousin, her husband and daughter posing by the pier.

These next two are of my nieces.

My sister and her husband.

We had a couple of hot tub days when the weather turned chilly. The kids loved their miniature pool.

Bunch of busy bodies.

My cousin made some great shirts that the kids colored with markers. She personalized each shirt with things each kid was interested in. Lots of fun on a rainy day at the beach.

We all took a trip to the local aquarium.

This is one my favorites. So much wonder in these kids.

And you can't go to the beach without playing a round of miniature golf.

Hot tub selfie.

This was the best and biggest apple fritter we have ever had. They called it an apple ugly.

On the ferry to Ocracoke Island.

Family picture on the beach quilt that Melissa made years ago.

The four of us spent a day on Ocracoke Island. It was a great way to end our week.

The weather didn't cooperate the first time we tried to get these, but the kids were ready for a beach photoshoot on our last day at the beach and I think we captured some good ones. I love when they hold hands.

I think by the look of it, vacation was awesome!

apples and pumpkins oh my!

It's seems like Fall is finally here and so we headed off to our favorites locations for apples and pumpkins. We love having traditions and it is so much fun to look back over the years to see how the kids have grown. First off...A & M Apple Orchard (yes, I know that Ollie has a pumpkin in his hands below)

Charlotte couldn't wait to see the pumpkin patch at the orchard even though we were there for apples only.

And our favorite for pumpkins...Shaw Farms.

Charlotte's not the only one who knows how to lay down some hop scotch.

Butt cracks and chickens just go together, don't they?

Happy Fall from the Hess Family!

2nd 1st day of preschool

It is back to school time at the Hess house. Professor Melissa headed back to school this afternoon, but not before Charlotte headed back to school for her second year of preschool this morning. Yes, that means that next year, Kindergarten will begin...don't get me started. Here are a couple pics of Charlotte that we took this morning and after picking her up.

She picked out her dress for the first day. It has doggies all over it. Oh, and her shoes light up too. You are only 4 once...right?

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We may or may not have been eliciting smiles by flying pieces of candy into her mouth while shooting. Just a little tip if your kids aren't smiling.

She insisted we do a picture with "golden" her newest favorite stuffed animal. Charlotte can't wait to take golden to show and tell.

That's the Charlotte smirk we all know and love...

A shot by the brick wall at school.

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Charlotte's teacher had a special box for Charlotte to keep all of her own supplies in...pretty cool!

Just checking things out...

Getting to work on her paper...

Parents brimming with pride after practicing writing her name every morning, all summer. And she nailed it!

And to cap things off...lunch at Skyline Chili...her favorite!

Ollie even got to partake.

And time to update the growth chart.

Mommy pointing out how much she's grown since last August.

And, "oggie too"