the playhouse

We picked up this playhouse from Costco and put Ben's dad to work assembling it during his visit. It took many hours to assemble but the kids absolutely love it. The girls didn't waste any time turning it into a restaurant. It was built in the garage and we eventually moved it out to the backyard after Ben put down some paver stones.

 

I also got my bike tuned up (finally) and went for a short ride with Amelia on our street.

birthday celebrations.

Ben surprised me with a few fun birthday celebrations. We were able to go out for a delicious brunch a few days before my birthday while his mom watched the kids. Then he took me to see Oberhofer in Chapel Hill that night while the kids got to have a movie night with Grandma and Grandpa Black.

Oberhofer. (Small Black opened for them.)

On my actual birthday we picked up dinner at a Mediterranean place and ate it at Pullen Park. We got to ride the train and then headed home for dessert and presents.

My delicious birthday tart from La Farm Bakery.

the beach

We spent some time relaxing on the beach after our visit to the aquarium. The water was freezing but the weather was ideal for playing in the sand and enjoying the view. Simon loved crawling through the sand (and eating the sand) and watching the birds (and attempting to chase them).

Oliver found great pleasure in repeatedly jumping into this hole.

wilmington + aquarium

We let the girls skip a day of school so we could go on a little day trip with Ben's parents on their last full day here. It was a gorgeous day so we headed to the coast. We stopped in Wilmington and walked along the riverfront and had lunch. Then we drove to the North Carolina Aquarium in Kure Beach.