Hike to Rufus Morgan Falls

This is our second attempt to hike Rufus Morgan Falls. The first time we came here the gate was closed and we had to go home disappointed. This time the weather was great and the trail was open. We planned to hike this trail before going to the lake for the afternoon. All was going well but right after this last photo above was taken Nicole got stung through her shorts by a mean yellow jacket. She was a trooper and continued to the top still. We used cold rocks from the creek to help ease the pain. It seemed to help her deal with it. We enjoyed lunch by the waterfall and hiked back. These kinds of events remind me why I love living here. Except for the yellow jacket sting.

Summer garden time

These are a few of my favorite things....Summer gardens

This is the harvest we took home tonight from the garden.

Katelyn was shucking the corn on the back porch. (just a reminder of why I love it here)

We got to see a foal in the field near the garden. It was not afraid of us and stayed close to the mother. ( another reminder of why NC is great)

Mr. Bruce dug up the potatoes and the girls put them in a bucket.

Nicole looked for ripe corn in the garden.

Nicole found some cherry tomatoes for the salad we want to have. She promised to eat one.

Katelyn is picking beans with a smile.

Two rows of beans to pick is so much easier when you have a few helpers.

This is "our" garden.

Picking beans and peas together.

Myrtle Beach SC Girls Trip- Zoe's 2nd Birthday Party

Zoe's birthday was July 10th. I hope I got that right. We had missed her party but decided when you are two why not have two parties! So pizza, fabulous cupcakes and some gifts were in order.
I also did not notice how well Brittany matched the condo decor till I saw this photo. Made me smile.

Brother Zimmie wanted to help blow out the candles. It looks like a group effort.

While out doing a little shopping we found a bakery that had fabulous cupcakes. That purchase led to the purchase of the cute candle plate we found to hold the cupcakes. That led to the extra running we will be doing this week to burn off the cupcakes. :) Oh the hard life we have.

Myrtle Beach SC Girls trip- Dinner out

We found a wonderful place to have dinner. The weather was a little warm but we dinned outside because of the kids. It just seemed to nice of a place inside to have five kids eating.

Lucky us we arrived within happy hour!

We loved the table they gave us. We had a little black and white kitten visit us every now and then. The kids could be kids.

Brittany Murphy was looking beautiful as always.

The only time we were in one car all eight at the same time. Love the Honda eight passenger Odyssey. It was a "fun" ride home. We even made a stop to get Zimmie a sword that he wanted.

Myrtle Beach SC Girls Beach Trip- Pool time

We loved the feeling of fresh water on our skin after spending time on the beach. The water made you feel so clean and cool. We enjoyed the water play area so much that the little ones took naps on the lawn chairs. That is the hard life.