A Day in the Park

The water park that is. One Friday, Chi and I decided to take the kids to Whirlin Waters waterpark in North Charleston. None of us had ever been to the park, so the thrill of the unknown was so much fun. The kids were in their bathing suits, the car filled with the smell of sunscreen and snacks :) and we were on our way. When we arrived at the park, we couldn't believe our eyes. It was huge. There were extremely tall open slides, a large wave pool, a lazy river , a huge tree house with slides coming off of it, a huge baby and toddler area (even having its own mini slides), and closed winding tubes. We spent the day enjoying the water, the sun and each other. It was a great day despite the thunder clouds that rolled in during the early afternoon (but hey, we did get free tickets for another visit...woo hoo). We ended the day with a stop at Chic Fil A for a snack and some play time in the indoor play ground.

Just Hanging Out

We haven't spent much time at home this summer, but when we were, we made the best of every minute. This particular weekend, I had just gotten my first DSLR Nikon camera. I had so much fun just snapping pics of the kids at play. Every time I look at these shots, all I see is how big Ayden and Ally Brynn are getting. I wish sometimes, that I could just freeze time and keep them as my babies forever.

The Jungle Book

Ayden's first theatrical performance in The Jungle Book play, put on by the Junior Part Time Players was fabulous. I was a little unsure about Ayden's willingness to perform on stage in front of a large crowd, but as usual, he quickly put my fears at ease. He is a natural entertainer and loves being the center of attention. We spent about 5 weeks practicing and rehearsing for Ayden's role as an elephant and tree in the Jungle Book. He had several dances and many songs to learn in such a short period of time. He had so much fun and can't wait until his next opportunity to perform. Thank you to all our family and friends for coming and supporting Ayden. It meant so much to him and to us. Here are the pics...

Swimming Lessons Part 2

Ayden,

You are a little fish an LOVE the water, just like your daddy. This year was your second year of swimming lessons. You were so excited for mommy to come watch all of the new water tricks you can do. I was amazed to see you doing flips in the water, going to the bottom, doing the dead man's float and swimming with your face down in the water. You make me so proud. Here are some pics of your water accomplishments.....

Back to Edisto 7/09

This weekend, Papa received a call that the share house at Edisto was open for the weekend. I had been scheduled to work on Sat, but a last minute email let me know I would not be needed after all. WOO HOO. Daddy and I rushed home and packed everthing up. We headed to Edisto. We spent the weekend with Aunt Camie, Uncle Greg, Keith, Michelle and Skylar Stillinger. We didn't arrive until late Friday night, we spent Saturday on the beach and Sunday we packed up. Here are a few of the pics.

July 4th 2009 Weekend

Our weekdend for the 4th started off early. I took off Thursday to spend some time with you guys before we headed to the lake with family and friends. Mimi joined us for a fun filled day at the spray park. We had sooo much fun splashing in the water, playing on the play ground and snacking. Ayden, the bus from OP pulled up while we were there, and your whole daycare class began to unload. I had no idea that you guys were having a field trip to the spray park that day, so we were thrilled to see them. FINALLY, mommy gets to join one of your many field trips this summer. My summer work schedule is so hectic, and taking a day off is impossible. It breaks my heart that I have not been able to join you at Edventure, the museum, skating and all of the other fun trips you have been on this summer. However, spending some time with you and your class at the spray park was a treat.
Ally Brynn, you weren't so crazy about the spray park. You played a little with Mimi on some of the smaller spouts, but you were just as content snacking under the tent. :) I did run you through a few of the big sprinklers and we even had a bucket of water dumped on us. You didn't cry, you just didn't care to do it again. I think it will grow on you.
Mimi and I had so much fun playing with you two and watching all of your beautiful smiles and laughs. It was a great day.
Thursday night- Sunday: Daddy and I loaded up the house and headed to the lake for the weekend. Nana and Pa decided to grill hamburgers on Saturday and we had tons of friends and family stop by. The weather was perfect and the water was smooth. Your days were spent swimming and playing with Laken, Clay, Tori, and many other friends and family that came to visit. On Sat. night, the fourth, we sat on the dock and watched the July 4th fireworks over the water. Ayden, you fell asleep in the chair and Ally B, you kept your ears covered beacuse of the loud pops. We sometimes take for granted the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. To all of the men and women that fight for our freedoms, thank you! Happy Independence Day!

Happy Father's Day!!!

To My Daddy with all my Love:
Life Lessons
You may have thought I didn't see, Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me, But I got every word.
Perhaps you thought I missed it all, And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything, It's written on my heart.
Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be The woman I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.
I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.
By Joanna Fuchs

To Andy (The Best Father & Husband in the World):

Words can't express the love and admiration we have for you. On this day, Father's Day, a day we are so happy to celebrate, we want to thank you. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your guidance. Thank you for your kind heart. Thank you for your comfort. Thank you for your support. Thank you for being you, for loving us all unconditionally and being the BEST father any child/wife could ask for. We are so blessed to have you. WE LOVE YOU!

Amy, Ayden and Ally Brynn