Hard to believe

...that on our family beach trip next year this little family of 3

will be a family of FOUR!

The little "Otto Bean," as my mom and middle sister have been affectionately calling it, will be here in March 2014.  I've been a little shocked and scared (and if we are being honest, quite awkward), but we are excited and feel incredibly blessed.

XO,
Whit

Hello from the beach!

We are at Topsail for our annual Collins family beach trip.

We've gotten quite a lot of entertainment from harassing the dogs -- mainly Gertie and Olive.

Gertie was buried and looked like a little sea turtle emerging.

Then they modeled a child's bikini

XO,
Whit

Congratulations...again!

This time to Josh's middle brother, Jason, and his fiancee -- Marie!  They got engaged Saturday in Asheville.

We can't wait for two family weddings in 2014.

XO,
Whit

Happy ending!

If you saw my post on Facebook about 3 chickens showing up in the backyard tonight (excuse the pile that Josh is eyeing, we are in the process of cleaning up)

you will be thrilled to know that we found their owners (in case you are curious, a little coop of 4 on Cowper -- next door to our back door neighbor).

We were thrilled to meet new neighbors (the humans and the birds) and that the owners came back over with 6 of their eggs as a thank you.

XO,
Whit

Congratulations!

To my sis and her FIANCE!

Let the celebrations and festivities begin!

XO,

Whit

Happiness

Someone went on her first boat ride at Badin Lake this weekend.

I think it's safe to say this is what pure happiness looks like.  Oh, the life of a dog!

Thanks for hosting us Magees. (and for letting Olivia "Catfish" Otto borrow a lifejacket #safetyfirst)

Happy Monday!

XO,
Whit

Can't stop staring

I literally can't bring myself to close my browser with these pictures.  I don't know that I'm brave enough to do this in my own house, but I absolutely LOVE it in theory.

I wish they had this wallpaper in a fabric.  Maybe I could find something similar on Spoonflower.

See more from the Aug/Sept issue of Adore here.

XO,

Whit