Weekend in Wilmington

This past weekend, Harry, Alaina, and I visited my parents in Wilmington for some end-of-summer fun. Despite the uncooperative weather, we had a great time visiting the aquarium and the beach. 

The main bridge into Wilmington was closed for road work, so we decided to take the ferry to Ft. Fisher and the aquarium. Alaina really enjoyed being on the boat.

Yes, we made her wear her life jacket. I always used to wonder why my parents made us wear a life jacket on the ferry growing up, but when it was our little one Harry and I felt the same way... better safe than sorry. She doesn't mind, I can't get her out of it sometimes. 

After a delicious lunch at Big Daddy's, we headed over to the aquarium. Alaina was excited to see the alligators. The gators were quite active and this one swam up and gave Alaina a long look.

Next was the touch tank. Alaina tried to pet a baby shark but it was too deep. 

One of Alaina's favorite parts of the aquarium was the playground. 

Today was still overcast, but we were still able to go to the beach. 

This has to be one of my favorite pictures of Alaina. It shows so much of her personality.

We really enjoyed our weekend; thanks to my parents for having us!

Alaina was exhausted afterwards and slept a good part of the way home.

Fishy Time

Today Alaina got a fish to put in her new fishbowl. She was so excited for, "fishy time!" She picked out a white and orange spotted goldfish that she declared was a boy. When asked what she wanted to name her fish, Alaina declared, "Fishy!!" 

Meet Fishy!

The Memphis Belle

Today, Harry, Alaina, and I headed out to the Concord Airport to see the Memphis Belle (not the real plane, but the one used in the movie; the real Memphis Belle is not in flying condition). It was an amazing airplane. The weather didn't really cooperate (it was rainy all morning) but that worked out in our favor because we were able to tour the airplane since it couldn't go out for flight tours (we couldn't afford the flight tours at $450 per person for a 30 minute flight). 

This is the Memphis Belle (yesterday) flying over our house.

The Memphis Belle, today (notice how the weather changed).

This gun turret was underneath the plane and SO tiny! I had to take the picture because the area was too small for Harry to climb underneath the plane.

 Due to the bad weather, they opened up the airplane to ground tours while we where there... bonus!

This is where the bombardier sat. It was in the front of the plane underneath where the pilots sat.

The cockpit

Alaina and me at the radio operator table. On a side note, this is the first airplane Alaina has ever been in... that's going to be a funny story later on. 

This was how you accessed the rear of the plane (the rear gunners and the tail gunner had to walk down their tiny plank over the bombs to access their equipment. It was scary to walk over without it being airborne, loaded with active bombs, and being shot at. I can't imagine what it was like in battle. 

The hatch for the gun turret underneath. 

Rear Gunner

 Harry at the rear gunner window. There was another gun directly to his left, as well.

Alaina and me at the wheel (not the steering, but landing).

Fishy, Fishy

Today, Alaina was all about fish. Harry, Alaina, and I started the day running at the Huntersville Business Park. While Harry extended his run, Alaina and ran and played at the pond in the park. She was excited to look for turtles, cranes, and fish while eating her goldfish.

Here is Alaina, holding her fish, sporting her Clemson t-shirt.

The rest of our fishy afternoon centered around getting Alaina a fish. She loves feeding the fish at Stephanie's (her babysitter) each day and we thought it would be a nice pet for Alaina to keep in her room. We were able to get her bowl set up today, but need to wait 3 days before putting a fish in so the fish will be healthy.

 

This is Alaina's bowl, sans fishy. She picked out the castle and the stones herself. The bowl has a lid and lights up different colors so when Alaina does get a fish, it will be safe from Joey and Phoebe. Alaina was so excited about getting a fish she was yelling "fishy time" when we went to the pet store. 

The Water Table

Harry and I got Alaina a water table for her birthday and she has been enjoying it every evening when we get home. Check out her playtime this evening.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Alaina!

Today, Alaina turned two. It is so hard to believe that our once little baby is now two. We celebrated by playing outside, having a picnic and presents, and cookies. She loved it and so did Harry and I. 

Princess slippers and a pinwheel... our little lady is all girl. 

But this little lady isn't afraid to get dirty; she will use the grill while still hanging on to her pinwheel. 

Pure Joy

Daddy Hugs

Helping mommy do laundry (not really, just playing like we do when we do laundry). 

Presents! 

Cookies! Alaina doesn't like (or won't try) cake so she had a sugar cookie with 2 candles. 

A picture with mommy just before bed.

Happy 2nd birthday to our sweet little girl. We love you Alaina!

The Lake Davidson Triathlon

Today, Harry completed his second triathlon. It was a beautiful day in Charlotte so Alaina and I were able to go along and cheer him on. Harry took about an hour and forty minutes to complete the triathlon, but thanks to my photography skills (sorry the pictures are blurry) you can watch him like it took just a few seconds. 

Harry and Alaina on their way to the transition area/starting line. 

Harry, getting everything ready for the transitions. He has his bike shoes laid out (socks in them), helmet and towel ready for when he returns from the swim. He also has his tennis shoes ready for when he comes in from the bike ride. 

Harry completing the swim. 

Here he is coming out of the transition area ready for his bike ride. 

Alaina, do you like triathlons? Yeah! They are awesome!

Harry leaving the transition area while attaching his running number (and saying hi to Alaina). 

Finished! Way to go Harry!! We are so proud of you! 

Alaina enjoyed spending the morning out in the cool air cheering for her daddy (and I did, too).

Turning Two

It has been almost 2 years since Alaina was born. It seems hard to believe! Time sure does fly and our little lady is getting bigger every day. Today we had Alaina's birthday party and we were blessed to have family and friends with us to celebrate.

Balloons! I love balloons!

Alaina and Austin at her water table. Austin is the son of Alaina's nanny, Stephanie. The water table was one of Alaina's birthday gifts from Harry and me. 

Alaina also got a big wheel from grandma and grandpa. 

Minnie Mouse was the theme of the party so Alaina had a chocolate Minnie cake and pink frosted yellow cupcakes. She didn't eat either (Alaina won't try cake) so the cookie bow was for her.

She also got a bike helmet from us that she insisted that she wear to blow out her candles. 

Harry and me (dressed in our Clemson colors)

Our cool (almost) 2 year old.

Her actual birthday is on Monday, September 10. Happy Birthday, sweet Alaina!