The Beach!

As I was getting closer and closer to my due date, the overwhelming urge to dip my toes in the ocean one more time got stronger and stronger! To help assuage my growing urges, Eric called his grandmother Thursday, and was able to get her place at the beach for the Memorial Day weekend for us. I was so grateful! Eric wasn't able to join us (he went to Greensboro on Sunday for a guy's day to celebrate his brother Scott's upcoming wedding), but Jackson and I were able to pick up my mom in Wilmington, who accompanied us for the long weekend. Jackson loves being with his grandma, so this worked out perfectly!

We arrived Saturday afternoon, and did a little shopping for supplies at the local IGA (of course, Grandma had to buy Jackson SOMETHING, so he got a new football and truck, both of which he chose for himself!). We just hung out and talked for the rest of the afternoon, watched Jackson play and explore, and enjoyed Outback takeout for dinner. I just had to take advantage of Eric not being there for this one; he really can't stand Outback, but I love their BBQ chicken and veggies.

Sunday, we hit the outlets. I was able to get some great deals on clothes for Eric and Jackson, and a couple of maternity things for myself. I forgot an entire pile of vital wardrobe pieces while packing, and I had very little to get me through the weekend. Not smart- but we'll blame it on preggo brain! Ella was the only one of the 4 of us who was left out of the outlet deals- but that's ok! She received so many cute clothes at my baby shower, that believe it or not, I don't think she needs many more... for now! One of the most exciting purchases of the day was made by Grandma- Jackson's first underwear. He was most excited about the ones he chose himself- some Cars themed pairs with Lightning McQueen on them- in size 4T! He wore them around the condo that afternoon after his nap, and seemed quite proud of himself. It was really cute! He even kept them dry. I don't know if he's really ready for potty training, but it can't hurt to take steps toward it. His best friend Scott, at age 25 months, just trained himself... completely! Maybe Scott can talk to Jackson about that. ;) We ate at a surprisingly empty Spring House for dinner, and Jackson went absolutely crazy over his spaghetti. He started out using his fork, but quickly abandoned it in favor of shoving the spaghetti in hand over fist. He made a spectacular mess, and Grandma and I couldn't stop laughing. Many wipes and napkins later, we had cleaned everything up, but it was definitely a sight to see. His entire face was completely orange from the sauce, and I'm not sure that outfit will ever be wearable again.

Monday, we woke up to pouring rain. We had been staying so busy, that we hadn't even made it out onto the beach yet! Luckily, it cleared up, and after a yummy breakfast out at Atlantis, the three of us were able to walk on the beach, and do some wading. My bathing suit was forgotten in that aforementioned pile of clothes, but that was ok after all! The water was too chilly for my taste (maybe 71 degrees or so?). However, we just had a great time getting our feet wet, and Jackson laughed and laughed as the waves hit his feet. That salt water was wonderful for my feet, which are just now starting to swell! Here's hoping I won't end up with Fred Flintstone feet, like I did with Jackson.

While we had an awesome time at the beach, I couldn't wait to get home to see Eric. Plus, while we had been gone, Eric painted not one room, but TWO rooms! He wanted to surprise me with the 2nd one, but in true Eric style, could never keep a secret from me. :) He painted Jackson's bedroom a beautiful medium blue (perfect for a big boy room!), and the playroom downstairs a fantastic sage green . My husband is truly THE MAN! He did a great job, and the paint adds so much. We're working on pulling Jackson's room together. Thanks to my friend Elizabeth, I found some really cool navy blue transportation bedding at Home Goods. I've learned that it's super hard to find transportation bedding that isn't a) a million bucks, or b) trashy looking. Of course, after falling in love with the set, I was only able to find a full/queen size quilt (I checked all of our area Home Goods, and my mom checked hers in Wilmington- boo!), but my mom will cut it down to a twin size and use her sewing machine magic to make it all work. I'm going to add in these curtains in red, and Jackson will have a navy/white/red/medium blue transportation themed room. I think it'll all look fantastic with his new furniture. Eric said it was a little sad taking down the baby decor to paint, but we think Jackson will love his big boy room. :) I'll post some pictures when it comes together.