Odds and Ends

I recently got a new phone that has a pretty good camera, so I've been taking more pictures with that. I finally figured out how to take them off the phone and put them on my computer. Yes, I love technology. I'm trying really hard to not be one of those people who is constantly attached to and checking their phones. But, I will admit that having the internet while on a road trip has definitely come in handy! So these are random pictures from my phone.

We had our first real hurricane here at the end of August. Our town declared a mandatory evacuation, so we headed up to Chapel Hill for the weekend and stayed at Phoebe's house. The storm ended up not being as strong as was predicted, so we came through relatively unscathed. The only damage was a large branch across our driveway and our mailbox was ripped out of the ground. We feel very lucky that we didn't have more damage or flooding. As far as natural disasters go, I'm glad that hurricanes give you lots of warning. We had several days to prepare for it, unlike with an earthquake that happens without warning. I don't like earthquakes.

We went to the aquarium one afternoon with our friends, the Miller's. My kids never tire of that place!

After the hurricane, I took the girls down to the beach thinking there would be some really cool shells that had washed up. No such luck. All we found were lots of washed up tires and dying sea creatures. I'm pretty sure they were the animal that lives inside the clam shells. There were tons of them. It was kind of sad.

Ella had a little half-day orientation at her school, so we took some cute pictures before we left.


Annie's a little jealous that she doesn't have a back pack and Twinkle Toes, so she puts them on when the girls get home from school.


It's taken some adjusting for her after Ella leaves for school and then we drop Ruby off. The first day they were both gone, she threw this lovely little fit in the car:


This little sweetheart is very intense some times. That intensity shines through when she says "No!" or makes a giant mess while she looks you right in the eye. It has landed her in time out a few times. Usually, when we tell her to go put her nose on the wall, she says, "Ok Mommy." and goes and does it. It is the funniest thing ever!!! She's so cute with her face totally smooshed up against the wall.

I've been experimenting with Ella and Ruby's hair lately. I watched youtube videos to learn how to French Braid and I've seen a couple different hairstyles online that I've tried. Some of the girl's hairstyle websites are a little out of control for me, but I like some of them. It especially helps with Ruby's hair. It always looks scraggly to me and I'd love to get her bob back again, but she really wants long hair like Rapunzel, so we'll see.



Sometimes when Ella and Ruby are at school, I take Annie down to the beach for the morning. She enjoyed herself for a few minutes, then wanted to go. I guess playing with me isn't as fun as playing with her sisters. I can't really blame her!