It doesn't feel like summer until we have picked peaches.  They are by far my favorite fruit and nothing beats eating them right off the tree.  We discovered this adorable little family farm last year and it is our new favorite.  Nonna and Great Aunt Carmelina joined us for our outing - which made it all the better!

 We grabbed our boxes to fill with yummy peaches and boarded the tractor.

 Before long we were out in the orchard picking those delicious red haven peaches.

 Our haul wasn't too shabby at all!

 These boys are just growing up so fast.  Before I know it Max will be as tall as me!

I love these two ladies so much - I couldn't imagine raising my boys without their love and support.

 After peach picking we played on the playground and met some adorable farm cats.  Max loved it! 

He is so gentle and kind to these sweet creatures.  It just warmed my heart.  He showed Jack how to hold and care for them too.  So sweet!

 I love Williams imagination.  He is king of make believe and was totally content to play with the trucks and pretend to deliver things.

Smelly Sam

 There was a super fun pirate cruise in Hilton Head.  The kids were able to have their faces pained, carry a sword and wear some pirate gear. 

 They practiced some pirate words and moves on land before we boarded the ship to find the stolen treasure.

 It was super cute.  The captain would throw clues off the back of the boat and we would turn around and the kids would spot them in the water.  Eventually Smelly Sam the pirate showed up with our treasure and the kids went to work on the water cannons.  Smelly Sam fell into the water and the kids retrieved the treasure. 

Max is getting a bit old for these types of things, but the little boys ate it up - I think Max liked it more than he let on. 

Hilton Head Beach Day

Apparently it rains a lot in Hilton Head in July.  Every day we had to contend with storms.  One day we loaded up, headed to the beach, hauled all of our gear, only to be called out of the water literally 10 minutes later. 

We did get one beach day in where the weather held out - even though it looked super iffy.  The boys loved every second of it.  Between boogie boarding, jumping the waves, and playing in the sand, it was pretty much perfect.  I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.

Savannah

While in Hilton Head we made a little side trip to check out Savannah, Georgia.  What a beautiful city! 

 We booked an on off bus tour of the city and it was pretty perfect.  Although Brian couldn't believe there was no air conditioning. 

 We saw lots of cute little squares all over the place surrounded by these beautiful old trees.  The boys were amazed to see so many things growing ON the tree limbs. 

 We were all pretty fascinated with the Spanish moss until they told us it is full of bugs - apparently during the civil war the soldiers would use it as pillows and bedding.  Poor guys were eaten alive by the little bugs. 

Lunch was at The Pirate House - one of the oldest structures in Savannah.  This place was built in the late 1700's.  It was amazing to be in a city that had so much history!

 We visited St. John the Baptist Cathedral, which was beautiful.  The boys all lit a candle and said a prayer - before William knocked over the chain around the alter.  It was not our finest moment. 

After all that touring we ended up at Leopold's Ice cream. 

We ended the day with about an hour and a half at Tybee island.  It was just gorgeous!

Hilton Head Adventures

Brian's parents were generous enough to gift us a week at their time share on Hilton Head Island.  We packed up the van in July for the long drive.  Always the planner, Brian had found a couple activities he couldn't wait to try out.  First up was a catamaran adventure through the bay.  We arrived at the marina all ready to go.  I was, as always, a nervous wreck.  Jack was exhausted and wanted nothing to do with anyone.  The big boys couldn't wait!

I about had a panic attack when I realized there were no seat belts - we were so close to the water I was sure someone would fall out! 

We boarded these zippy little two person catamarans.  Max had the added bonus of riding with the guide since we had an odd number in our party.   

Our guided led us like little ducks on a two hour ride.  We saw several pods of dolphins - we even saw a few babies! 

I was terrified the entire time, but everyone else just loved it! Jack kept telling me to go faster and faster.  It was a great way to explore the waterways between the island and the mainland.  I don't think I need to do it again, but I'm glad we did it once.

 I'm glad I wasn't present for adventure number two - parasailing.  Friends from home were in Hilton Head the same time as us.  One of them joined Max, William, and Brian for a parasailing adventure. 

William and Max were actually able to go up twice on the ride.  Max wasn't so sure at first, but by the end of the ride both boys were having the time of their lives. 

 Brian just kept saying how tiny the boat looked and how high they were.  I think he was shocked they were that high. 

Max and WIlliam would do it again in a heartbeat - Brian not so much :)