Our final week of summer was spent at our favorite beach, New Smyrna. I guess we can say that we wrapped up the summer, just like we started it. Crab hunts, pool days, sandcastles, and spending time together. We did add in a few things that we have never done including kayaking, surf lessons, and the Kennedy Space Center.
Jillian joined us for the day and had no idea that when we said we caught crabs, that we actually caught them :)
Kayaking was interesting. Ellison and I saw 2 dolphins and at least 10 manatees. However, once the manatee came right up to our boat, Ellison tapped out.
The boys decided to fish from the kayak. Bad idea. Dylan saw a dolphin and started freaking out. After the current took them a decent way from the dock, the lines snapped, and Dylan couldn't recover, Graham tapped out.
After being inspired by our friend Joe Tucker after a quick surf demonstration, the kids were hard pressed to continue surfing. Of course, first time on the board and Dylan was up and riding the waves. Ellison took a few more tries, but got it at the end. I definitely think I have future surfers on my hand. Which is freaky after the show we watched about Florida shore and bull sharks upon our return.
There are a couple of memories from our trip to NC that I may never live down. Seriously, ask my children about the water buffalo. Or ask my husband about white water rafting. They should thank me for the material I give them and the memories I have so graciously created.
During our trip, we went on our first, and definitely not our last, white water rapid excursion. We had a blast.
Beech Mountain Club's Fourth Family Fun Day was something that the Clark Family planned for this year. We were determined to do better then last year at the boat race. We also were excited to participate in all of the fun games again.
Some families didn't feel like a paddleboard was a boat. But listen, this wasn't our first rodeo. We have done this before and we know what it takes.
Ellison raced the boat first taking us into the finals.
Dylan raced in the finals. Leading the "Cl'argh'k" to victory... second place!
The summer literally flew by. Partly because the kids spent a week in NC with Nana. Their trip was then followed with an additional week with us in NC. Heaven. And so much fun...
I feel like we spent our entire week enjoying the mountains to their fullest glory. Ellison jammed out several times. Dylan and Graham fished to their hearts content. I enjoyed spending a week smelling that sweet mountain air.
Ashe Dairy (slightly or highly overrated)
We ventured to a new blueberry farm.
Highly epic car ride... memories at my expense to last a lifetime.
Worth the drive... gorgeous farm and delicious blueberries.
My evening view.
Canoeing at Moses Cone Park.
Graham felt like he was constantly chasing E and I.
Hiking with my gal while the boys fished.
They joined us at the very end to dip their feet.
They obliged me the opportunity to visit with my favorite ducks.
After an incident with a slug (now termed Slug-a-gedon), a trip to our favorite creek did wonders.
Nothing better then a brewery, a view, and some music.
Mom, wife, attorney, volunteerer (if even a word) of all things... and so much more. Somedays my life is filled with crazy and chaos, but I always take the time to enjoy my surroundings. As for my wishes and dreams - a clean house, a daily hair blow out, and kids with a normal bedtime!
