The Mattingley Family: July 2009

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Passing the Torch

That would be the lawn-mowing torch, passing from father to son. Father is very happy.

The grass was extra long because we'd been at the beach, and the self-propelling feature on the mower has ceased functioning. This builds character and helps son appreciate new mower.

Son with blisters. Hopes new lawn mower arrives soon.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Our annual trip to the beach with Jason's family is one of our favorite weeks of the year. At this point, we're up to 25 people (11 adults and 14 kids). We travel from NC, VA, WV, and OH and converge on a big beach house in the Outer Banks.

The week is filled with plenty of sun (both at the beach and the pool), bike riding, fireworks, water balloons, ice cream cones, late bedtimes, and cousin bonding. We're already counting down the days until next year.

Despite taking 200+ pictures, we'll just post a few highlights... =)

Playing on the beach

Courtney goes airborne thanks to Uncle Jared

Alyssa wanted to try it, too

Relaxing with drinks on their hand-crafted sand couch

Lighting sparklers

Alyssa and Dad

Pool baseball against Dad and Uncle Jared was pretty popular

Alyssa and Corinne on the go

Courtney loved boogie boarding this year

Jordan and Tyler

If you lift off the hot tub lid, they will come...

You're never too old to torment your brother

Alyssa enjoying the surf

Jordan and Tyler boogie boarding

Julia and Courtney

The Mattingley cousins

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Good Times for the Girls

The close of the school year brought exciting news for Alyssa and Courtney. Both girls ended up being the top reader for their grade levels - Alyssa for 3rd grade and Courtney for 1st grade. Guess their love of reading really paid off! =)

Courtney got a second thrill when her artwork was chosen as the first grade entry from her school for the district K-2 art exhibit. The entries from all over the district were on display downtown for a whole month. (We were a little surprised to discover it was a real gallery!) =) Courtney was so excited to see her picture on display!