We have had so much fun these last two weeks visiting great friends and family.
Our first stop was Hilton Head Island, SC to visit my best girl from college! Her family was so generous to let my three crazy kids and myself stay with them. The girls had a blast playing with lil' D! What a wild man! The kids all had a blast. Lil D even shared his beloved trains with Kai. We went to the beach, swam in the pool, had yummy ice cream and climbed to the top of a light house! One of the highlights for me was being able to go out and see The Proposal while my friends parents watched the kiddies. What a treat to go out!
Hello Ryan Reynolds!! The late night chit chat and laughter was just what I needed. I miss my roomie and wished we lived closer. Thank you for an awesome few days! :)
Our next stop was to see Peyton's sweet friend in Charleston. The poor girl had a ruptured appendix and was in the hospital, so we didn't spend much time with them. The few hours we did get to see them were wonderful. The girls met when they were 9 months old and then we moved away on Peys third birthday. We finally got to meet their son who is now 2 1/2. I got to see what I am in for with my own son. He was hilarious, very busy and too cute for his own good. I don't think I will ever forgive my husband for moving us away from there. Love you honey buns! Anyway, seeing Peyton and Caroline together was great and the news that she was released from the hospital was even better. What a wonderful family Caroline is a part of. We are so blessed to have them in our lives!
Onto Summerville to see my dearest friend from childhood. Friends since the age of three. I can't believe that! My godson welcomed us with open arms, lots of laughs and silly growls. He is a total hoot. Little sis Lee-Lee is just as animated and adorable and comes complete with her moms beautiful curls. Lucky girl. The kids chased each other around taking turns being the sheriff and the jail birds. They played on slip n' slide, walked to the park, got eaten by mosquitoes, and took a trip to Middleton Place Plantation to see the animals and the beautiful grounds. Eliza got into trouble by one of the workers for chasing the free roaming sheep. Too bad Ben was at camp, because the two of them probably could have caused some damage. It seemed as though the sheep enjoyed the run around. She wasn't teasing them, well maybe just a little! Wouldn't every kid chase a flock or herd of animals/birds? It is in their kid makeup. Nobody got hurt, kid or animal, so all was fine in my eyes. The grounds are beautiful there. If you get the chance to go to Charleston you must go check out this plantation. It was wonderful to catch up with Jess and very special to have our little ones play and get to know one another. I am looking forward to seeing them again soon when they are visiting their family in NY. YEAH!!! Thank you for your wonderful southern hospitality!
Next stop Norfolk, VA! We are slowly making our way up the coast! We couldn't wait to get to Virginia because Andy would be meeting us there. He missed out on the SC fun, but was ready for great times in Virginia. We hadn't been back in nearly 3 years to see his family and was what was even better was the fact that his sister, Erica, and her family were in town from Australia. Our nephew, Ethan was 9 months the last time we saw him and now he is over 3. He has a new sister, Ashleigh who is 9 1/2 months and just cute as can be. She is also my god-daughter. I am so lucky! The kids had a blast playing outside, crabbing, learning to sail, row, play on slip n' slide, took a trip to the zoo with Granny, water fights with the daddies, going to a water park, and collecting bugs. The best for us was simply spending time with loved ones and enjoying our week together. I love my husbands family and being able to spend a full week with my sister in law was very special. When she tells you a story about anything you will be rolling on the floor laughing so hard you may pee a little. She is just that comical. I can tell her son is on the same path. Ethan's word for the week was Holy Shit! Hearing that come out in his Australian accent was hilarious. I know we shouldn't have laughed, but come on. You would too! The girls never picked up on it, and we never made a big deal out of it because he is 3 and doesn't really know better just yet. He would use it in the right way in a sentence and that would be that. Ashleigh was baptized in Granddaddy's backyard and I was thrilled to have been able to be there. I missed out on my god-sons baptism and was saddened by that, so was overjoyed to participate in this one. It was a special day. We had a great week with fantastic food and fun. We miss you all already and wish Erica, Steve, Ethan, and Ashleigh safe travels back to Australia.
He used his own method to empty out the flatware. It wasn't one I would have used, but it sure worked for him.
Playing
Lunch with Papa Don. Excuse the massive bags under my eyes. Not really sure what is going on with those.
Eliza loved Daisy....I thought that was a good name for the cow.
This goose begged for our lunch. I might have slipped him a tasty snack after mom and the girls went off to the park. Don't tell.
Super fun playground!
surely, they are not mine :)
(Andy--this is what I want for xmas)
Eliza loved wearing her headdress and Peyton's was nowhere to be found. No surprise there. I believe that was the same day she returned home with only one bathing suit as well. The poor child inherited my forgetfulness and bad memory. Oh well, she has many other wonderful traits and talents that I need to focus on.
The kids enjoyed yummy ice cream after camp yesterday! Kai even got to taste, but sadly his stomach didn't agree and I paid for it later. He did love my mint chip and hollered at me when we were done. We then headed to the library where the kids picked out every book on animals imaginable. On our way out, we thought it would be fun for the girls to run around on the lawn in front of the library. As usual, Eliza fell, so we headed home.
