NC Summer, Take-Two...

I'm back in North Carolina and it is way hotter here than I remember, I just checked the weather and thanks to the humidity, it says that it feels like 111 degrees outside! Whew! I said that I would blog this summer... and I don't know what I've been waiting for! I'm hoping that this post with the be the first of many over the next few months. That being said, I think I owe my audience a little catching up!

I've been here for nearly 7 weeks now, but it sure doesn't seem like it has been that long. When I first arrived, I was staying in a small cabin at the beach on base. I had a very busy schedule these first few days though; I needed to find somewhere to live! My first full day here I met Rosemary, my realtor, who was such a blessing. We still see eachother time to time, for lunch or open house crashing. After spending three days looking at houses, we found this one:

It was exactly what I was looking for! Tile floors, granite counters, high ceilings, plenty of storage, french doors to the big backyard. I wouldn't have chosen a couple of the paint colors, but hey, I can live with a purple wall in the kitchen and a chocolate brown bedroom.

Thankfully, the application process was a breeze. I had all the paperwork done in a couple hours and picked up the keys a couple days later, after getting the utilities turned on and scheduling the delivery of our PODS container. I must say that we had a great experience with PODS and I would definitely recommend them! We took advantage of their special offer for military members, which allowed us to only pay for the monthly storage fee and even got free next day delivery of the container, both times!

This place could use a bit more furniture than we already own, and I've had a little fun picking out a few new pieces. Like this desk that I'm sitting at right now and the side table that is a happy home for my computer tower and printer:

I was able to stay at a gracious friend's house while getting the place set up. Our friends, Nathan and Robin, helped me move all of the furniture in, which I am so thankful for! And when we couldn't figure out how to hook up the washer and dryer, Justin came to rescue!

I just love how tight-knit the military community it here, and I'm so happy to have supportive friends (and friends of friends) that helped make my move possible.

I had a wonderful Independence Day and made some festive rice krispie treats with red and blue sprinkles to bring to the festivities. Camp Lejeune has a a large fair-like celebration for the 4th, with live music and food.

We enjoyed some free BBQ, thanks to the regiment Michael is currently attached to, and found a nice spot on the grass. We spread out a big blanket for the little ones and set up our lawn chairs. Here's Amanda and Mason:


Erica and Audrey:

And Grace:

Once it begins to get dark, the Marine Corps band starts to play and then the night ends with fireworks, of course. Much to our surprise, we had perfect seats for the show; we didn't even know where the fireworks show was set up.

Hope you all had enjoyable 4ths as well! Check back soon, I'll do my best to be updating more frequently! :)