Town of Oriental, North Carolina - a day trip

I know what you are thinking.. the town is called Oriental?? Yes it is and here is why:

WHAT’S IN A NAME?
First settled in the early 1700’s and later known as Smith Creek, the name “Oriental” was suggested by Rebecca “Aunt Becky” Midyette, wife of Louis “Uncle Lou” Midyette. Mrs. Midyette was inspired by the name of a Union Civil War ship that sank off the Outer Banks in 1862 while carrying Gideonites and soldiers from Boston to Georgia. On a trip to Manteo, she saw the ship’s name board hanging in a residence she was visiting. Taken with the name, she returned home with an idea that would change Smith Creek forever. The new name was approved in 1886. The Town of Oriental was incorporated in 1899. “Uncle Lou” served as its first Postmaster.

We have gone over to this little town a few times. It's very quaint and picturesque. I took a series of photos of Brenden and Dave that really capture Brenden's personality. I love these photos for many reasons one of which shows Brenden's new favorite thing to do which is run away from you while laughing hysterically. Glad I left the point and shoot at home and took the DSLR this trip. They have this great little boardwalk which is perfect for shooting pictures.

I have to say that we are really enjoying living here in Cherry Point, N.C. It's so beautiful and it's great to be able to expose Brenden to these types of outdoors. I know in Arizona it will be the polar opposite of forests and ocean so we are taking advantage of what is here now.

Sunny Sweet San Diego

Brenden and I had spent such a great week and a half in Salt Lake and on the 4th of July, it was time to fly to San Diego to see Dave's parents and spend a little time there. We thought we would stay over a month there and see Dave on the weekends in Yuma, AZ where he would be training for six weeks but it was not to be. A few days into the trip to San Diego we found out that Dave was very sick with what appeared to be Hepatitis A. He went into the hospital in North Carolina where he stayed for five days. We cut the trip short and flew back home to take care of him. Happy to say he is feeling much better now. It was very nice to see friends and family on our three week jaunt out West - I do miss that place...

On the 4th, we managed to spend a few hours at the annual party that the Slays go to at their friend's house in North County, S.D. Brenden's cousins Jordan and Conor and Aunt Kristen were there to play with. There was also an anteater and kangaroo (kept by a man who is licensed to rehabilitate wild animals) there which amused the kids:
Blowing bubbles with Aunt Kristen and cousin Jordan: We also fit in a trip to Sea World a few days after the 4th with my friend Pita! So so much fun to spend the day with her.

Pita showed The Cute dolphins which he absolutely LOVED: O.k I know this is so cheesy but I couldn't help myself: Finally - some rest for the wild one:

The greatest toddler activity I have ever seen...

.....is in Liberty Park located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is called the Seven Canyons Fountain and it's awesome! Seven Canyons is a maze of water which starts as seven small pools that symbolize the water peaks at their summit in each of the seven canyons that run into the Salt Lake valley. They all end at a small water pool that symbolizes the Great Salt Lake. The pool is one foot deep and the "canyons" running out of it are only about three inches deep. The water is treated, so children are welcome to play in it. Swim diapers are required for young ones thank God! I went with my friend Kat and her two adorable kiddos Sebastian (3) and Alexandre (10.5 months). It was the play date I had been waiting for since our kids were born. What a great time.. although I was chasing Brenden around like a mad woman the whole time and I couldn't really enjoy Mom time with Kat.

Alexandre, Kat and Sebastian:
I wish we had this stuff in North Carolina...SO cool! They really should be twins:
I cannot forget to mention seeing my friend Melanie for lunch this week as well. We went to high school together and she is literally as sweet as can be. We have so much history together. I can't believe her oldest daughter is going to go to high school next year. I truly feel old.... I have missed her dearly: