Neuse River Picnic

We are so blessed to have the Greenway Trail less than 5 miles away from our house. It has been our go to spot for bike rides. It is a HUGE trail and we have only explored small parts of it, but each time we go we discover something new.

This last time we packed a picnic lunch. We knew that there was a small little spot with picnic tables. What we didn't know was that there was also a small sandy beach area right there by the river bank. Jackpot!!! We had such a great time playing around in this area. Blake was able to put his toes in the sand for the first time! :)

We are so lucky to have such a beautiful place to visit anytime we like...and for free!!

Lake Bums

Every year, my moms side of the family gets together for her birthday at Lake Gaston. I would say this is the annual family vacation for the Dixon side of the family. For the past two years I have missed out on the fun, but this year I got to bring along my two guys!

 

 

 

 

We had tons of fun!! Plus we got to experience a lot for "firsts". This was the first time that Blake has been on a boat. He loved sitting with everyone. He even got to drive! Big Boy!!

 

 

 

It was also Blake's first time in a large body of water! He was totally not a fan to begin with, but then he warmed right up to it. I wouldn't say he is a little fish just yet, but he will get there one day.

 

 

 

It was even a "first" for us big kids. We got to ride the tube together! :)

 

 

 

And the fun didn't stop there. Of course we hit up the playground, feeding the fish, and long walks by the lake.

 





 

 

And only naturally... we were totally exhausted. It's a typical side effect for first time lakers. ;)

 







Durham Life and Science Museum

Megan has been visiting for the past few days and we took her and Blake to the Durham Life and Science Museum. I was the only one who has ever been there before, and that was when I was on a school field trip in Elementary School...so this was an adventure for all of us!!

Blake got to explore and learn many new things...

He learned how clouds are made and he even got to play in one!

 

He got to play on his favorite thing...the slide!!

 

He even got to race balls with Daddy!!

 

He loved hearing how different sizes and shapes can make different noises.

 

Megan loved exploring the butterfly garden. She was lucky enough to have some land on her!

This one looks plain on the outside but it was a gorgeous bright blue when open.

 

We enjoyed taking in the beauty of the butterfly garden!

 

 

The best part was the Dinosaur Trail! Yikes!

 

Nothing like Jurassic Park images constantly flashing into your mind...

 

 

The Wildlife Walk was fun too!

 

Of course they spotted turtles...

 

And we topped off the day with a cool mist. Perfect for a hot summer day!

Rain is a Good Thing

 

Luke Bryan says in one of his country songs that "Rain is a good thing." He is right...unless you are trying to watch a Luke Bryan Concert outside. LOL!

Yesterday Ryan and I got to go see Florida Georgia Line, Thompson Square, and Luke Bryan in concert. Rain was pouring all day but thankfully the skies cleared when it was time for the music to start. We had such a great time! Normally Country isn't Ryan's music genre of choice, but I think he had a really good time trying something new. This was also our first concert together!! So much fun.

We also weren't the only ones to have a great time. Blake stayed at his Granny and Papa's house with Aunt T too! It was his first sleepover. Yep, he is 17 months old and this was the first night that I ever stayed away from him for the whole night. I think he had so much fun that he wasn't that excited to come home. Haha.

Just another great Summer night for the Larsen Family!!

Sailing Date

Ryan and I FINALLY got to go on his birthday sailing trip. We had it scheduled for last week but it rained so we rescheduled. I think it worked out perfectly because yesterday was the most beautiful day. Blake got to spend the day with G-Daddy, so this was just Ryan and I. We really needed a day of just us.

We woke up nice and early to drive to the small sea-side town of Beaufort, NC. At noon we took off on a chartered sail boat. There were the most amazing views!

Our first stop was at an island beach. We got to pick up sea shells, see wild horses, swim, and eat some yummy lunch.

Next we went to Cape Lookout! We were able to walk around the grounds of the Lighthouse and see the Keepers Quarters.

Being at the beach with Ryan for the day has made me SO excited to take Blake to the beach in two weeks. I really can't wait to see him for the first time at the ocean. We are in love with our family summer!!