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

Happy Birthday Papa!!

Papa's birthday was on June 13th. For his birthday celebration, he had a pool party. We joined Annie, Aunt Camie, Uncle Greg, Mama Jackie, John David, Liz, Melissa, Mrs. Connie Varn, Mr Billie Varn, Katie Varn and Sara Boyles around the pool to celebrate Papa's special day with him. You guys swam and swam and enjoyed doing cannonballs off the side of the pool. The sound of "1-2-3....CANNONBALL" filled the air throughout the day.

Ayden, you haven't been in the pool but once or twice so far this summer, but your swimming skills have come right back to you. After last years swimming lessons, you were swimming under water. You will start your second year of lessons July 12th. We are all very excited! Ally Brynn, you love the water just like your big brother. You try to put your face in and LOVED jumping of the side of the pool. Mommy is very nervous with you around the pool, because you are FEARLESS! You will walk right into the pool and not think twice. I can't wait to get you in some swimming lessons.

Being a July baby, I have always LOVED having my birthday in the summer. Being in the water with friends, was always so much fun. I wish that you guys could have been born in the warmer months. I joke with your daddy sometimes about having Ally Brynn's birthday party either 6 months earlier or later than her birthday, so that we can have a pool/lake or spray park party. Maybe one year, we will work it out. I know that you both would LOVE it!

We had such a great time with Papa, family and friends on Papa's birthday. We love you Papa and hope you had a great day too!

Edisto Beach June 2009

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We had a great time with the Bonnett's, Walling's, Edmonds, Russ Hewitt and Mandy Fairy at Edisto Beach this weekend. We arrived on Thursday night and stayed until Sunday in Clam Sand. We enjoyed beautiful sunsets, breakfast at Sea Cow, days on the beach, supper at The Variety, shopping, riding in the boat, adventure at Botany Bay and creating wonderful memories with our best friends. You guys loved looking for crabs, shells and sharks teeth on the beach. It was another fabulous weekend at Edisto and we are so grateful to Chuck and Parrish for inviting us to share it with them.

The Lake - June 09

Just a last minute trip to the lake in June. We had a beautiful sunset cruise with some awesome pics.

Minus Wedding

Congratulations Nikki and Chris! We had a great time and are soooo happy for you two.

Happy Birthday Mimi!!!

Sunday, June 7th, was Mimi's birthday. We joined her for a delicious meal at Chestnut Grill. You guys were so excited to see Mimi and she was just as excited to see you both too. Ally Brynn, you have an unbelievable appetite and helped all of us eat our supper:) Ayden, you are a sweet eater just like mommy and really enjoyed the cheesecake we had for dessert. We all had a great evening and hope Mimi did too. Here are a few pics from the celebration.

Santee - The Locks

Ok, so I know that it has been almost a month since my last post and I apologize. You see, I lost my battery charger for my camera and have been lost without a camera glooed to my side. I have finally gotten a new one and will be posting more from here on out.

Summer is here and the sun is shining bright. Last weekend we took you guys on your first trip to The Locks. The Locks are located between Lake Moultrie and the Tail Race Canal (this canal leads into the Cooper River). We stopped on the other side of the Locks for lunch at Gilligans and headed back to the lake house. We had a gorgeous day with great water conditions and everyone had a blast. You two were soooo tired on the way home and you both fell asleep on the ride back. Here are a few pics from the day.

On Sunday, Chi and Carley called to tell us about auditions being held at the Bluebird Theater for The Jungle Book play being put on by the part time players. We decided to rush home from the lake and take Ayden to audition. Ayden, you fell asleep on the way home and did not want to go. Daddy and I cam up with a plan to get you a milkshake from McD's and see how you would feel. IT WORKED! Ha Ha. You perked right up and we took you in the theater for your audition. you really amazed mommy with your eagerness to learn the song the director taught you and two other little girls. She asked each of you to tell a little about yourselves, and you weren't shy a bit. You even volunteered to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" for her. We were floored. You are our little entertainer and can always make us smile. They have even nicknamed you "SMILES" at daycare:) We received a call from the theater two nights after auditions and you got TWO parts in the play. Your big role is one of the elephants marching through the woods and then the other role, will be part of the jungle that sings. Both parts are singing parts. Practice starts next week and I know you will be FABULOUS. Can't wait!

Mother's Day 2009

As a little girl, I dreamed of being a mommy. I would play with my baby dolls and treat them just like they were my real children. As I grew into an adult, that dream never changed. In fact, my desire to be a mother, grew and grew. When daddy and I were ready to begin our family, God wasn't quite ready. For the two and a half years we were trying to start our family, there were many many nights filled with sorrow and tears. There was a huge realization that we may never be able to have the children I had always dreamed of having. When we did get pregnant and lost the baby after only a few short weeks, I was so devastated yet relieved. Relieved that I could get pregnant and that all hope was not lost. It was only a few months after that horrible experience that I became pregnant with you Ayden. Daddy and I had no idea how much our lives would change when you arrived.
Some of my favorite memories of you are/were:

*Your bald head as a baby, You were almost 2 before you got any hair and when it came, it was a little cotton top.

*Your rolls - you were so heavy and I couldn't wait for you to outgrow the car seat. But the rolls on your arms and legs were almost edible. I would just kiss and kiss on those precious rolls.

*Falling asleep at the table, sometimes in your food - you would and still never admit when you are tired. You just keep going and going until you literally drop. A few times, you have dropped into your plate of food, giving daddy and I great chuckles and photo ops.

* Your personality - I have never met a child with a personality like yours. You have never met a stranger and love to meet new people. Your outgoing spirit and fun loving character have always made my heart swell with love for you.

* Story Time - we have been reading books since you were just a small baby. You have grown to love books and stories. At the end of story time each night, you would always ask daddy or I to tell you a story about when we were little. I think you may know more about our childhoods than we do :)

* Hugs and Kisses - You are so loving and always have been. You have never shy'd away from anyone who wanted a hug or kiss and I pray this never changes. On Sunday, you gave me the best gift in the world and it was so funny because you told me "Mama, I thought I would give you the greatest gift in the world for Mother's Day - a great big hug and kiss from me." You were right baby, there is nothing else in this world I will ever need.

* Your funny questions and statements - You are a little comedian and always have us in stitches. I wish I could post all of them but would be typing forever. Maybe some of our blog readers will post some funny memories they have of you and things you have said and done.

*Bedtime routine - Every night after giving your hugs and kisses, it takes you a good 5 minute to go thru a little routine you have. If I am putting you to bed you tell me to "make sure to tell daddy to come back and lay with you after he is finished folding clothes or taking his shower. I love you, good night, don't let the bed bugs bite. See ya in the morning, one more hug, one more kiss.....and it continues on and on. If daddy is putting you to bed you say "Don't forget to tell mommy to come back and lay with me after she has finished folding clothes or taking her shower. I love you. Good night, don't let the bed bugs bite. One more hug, one more kiss, can I have something to drink....and on and on."

Of course there have been so many wonderful moments with you over these past 5 years. I love you immensly and can't imagine what my life would be like without you. Most mornings daddy and I awake to you snuggled up in our bed. You are always wedged right underneath me and sound asleep. I love to wake up every morning just to see you beside me.

And then came Ally Brynn.

Baby girl you were the best surprise I have ever been given. Daddy and I thought that trying to have another child would take a little time, as it did with Ayden. Boy, were we surprised when there were two lines on that little stick. It was too funny because I had always said I never wanted to have a baby at Christmas time. Guess what, you were due the first week of January. Never say Never huh. Pregnancy with you was very similar to my pregnancy with Ayden only with alot more heartburn. I knew you were gonna have lots of hair - and you did. Women without children and men, will never know the joy for a woman to have a little girl. To have a life long best friend to play dolls, have tea parties, paint our fingers and toes and to shop with. I think these feelings relates alot to my relationship with Nana. I know that our relationship will hit a rocky area somewhere in your teenage years, but I also know that once that era fades away, our relationship will grow, just like mine and Nana's. Nana has become my best friend and I can't imagine what life would be like without her.

Ally Brynn, you and Ayden have so many similiar traits but here are a few of my favorite memories of you. The first one, besides learning you were a girl, was the head full of dark hair you were born with. I couldn't believe it, especially since Ayden was bald for so long. However, at about 5 months, all of that beautiful brown hair began to fall out and light little strands of blonde began to grow. Now with your head full of blonde curls, when anyone sees the baby pictures of you, they think it is me as a baby.

* Your adoration for Ayden. He was the first person to make you laugh and has always been able to get a smile out of you. You follow him, copy him, hug and kiss him and do not like to be away from him. He is your "Bubba." I have no doubt that you two will continue to be this close as you grow older.

* Your lack of teeth. It took you forever for your teeth to come in! I remember Dr. MacPherson saying "The later, the straighter." You were about 10 months when some of your teeth finally began to show.

* Your rolls - like Ayden's, you had and still have rolls on your arms and legs. They are slowly thinning out as you have become more active but those little legs of your are still just as kissable.
* Mommy's girl- you are a definite Mommy's girl. There aren't many places I can go without you and if I fuss at you, your heart is broken. I have a feeling that you will use this to your advantage :) I love that you want your mommy and love to do the things I like. Ayden was never much of a shopper and showed no interest in girly things, but you watch everything I do from putting on lotion to painting my fingers and toes. You want to do it all.

* Your pacy and Ellie. You have become so attached to these two items that I am scared. I have tried to coax them away, but when the pacy is taken, you start sucking your thumb - something I am trying whole heartedly to avoid since I was a thumb sucker. I do love to see you loving your Ellie. You rub your little fingers together with Ellie in the middle. You will also put it right to your face, just like I put my hand to my face when going to sleep at night.

*Your walk - the black ladies at daycare call you JUICY. You have a way of twisiting your little heiny when you walk and it is just so sassy. You are my little angel and I love everything about you.

On this Mother's Day, I thank God for blessing me with the two of you. You will never know how much joy and love you have given me until you one day become parents. In honor of Mother's Day, we decided to take our Mother's and head to the beach for the day. Nana ended up cooking diner at her house and couldn't join us, but Mimi, Daddy, Ayden, Ally Brynn and I headed to Sullivan's Island for a day of fun on the beach. Once we arrived, we unpacked the car and hiked down to the beach (which was a good little hike from the car). We put our chairs out, dumped the kids toys and began playing in the sand, when the clouds began to gather and drops of rain began to fall on our heads. A few minutes later, after we had thrown everything back in the bags and was running back to the car, the sky fell. So that was our beach trip. We spent the rest of the day riding around the islands and then heading to Summerville for supper. Despite the change of plans, we still had a wonderful day together, which is what we had planned. I only got a few pics on the beach with my cell phone (my camera batteries died). A big thank you to MiMi for also sharing her pics from our few minutes on the beach :)I love you both so much and I am so proud to be your mommy.

Ponds Wedding

Jessica and Matthew's Rehearsal

Rose Festival 2009

On Saturday morning, we started the morning off to an early start. I went to participate in the 5k Rose Festival Road Race and left you guys home with daddy. When I got home, we got you guys ready and headed back to the festival. It was a warm day but the sprinkles started soon after we arrived. We did get to roam thru the roses before the rain came. We had corn dogs and snow cones and had fun playing with the animals in the petting zoo. Here are a few of the pics....

Strength Team

Friday night was date night for Ayden and I. Ayden had been raving over a group of "strong men" that visited OP on Thursday. The men displayed their strength thru several feats and the kids just LOVED it. Ayden was sooo excited about how strong they each were and begged to go. So we decided that the two of us would spend the evening together. I had no idea what I was in for as I had not heard anything about this group. The event took place at St. George Baptist Church. As we sat patiently in our chairs, waiting for the show to begin, we gazed at the tall stacks of concrete blocks, bricks, boards and thick sheets of ice. Ayden couldn't keep still he was soo excited. The show began and it was AMAZING. These men were not only strong but also servants of the Lord. They were there not only to entertain, but to spread the message of Christ and what it means to have him in your heart. They shared their testimonies and sent out a wonderful message of Christ's love for us. We both had a great time and Ayden, you were asleep before we got to the end of the road. I guess all that block breaking, ice chopping, metal bending and can crushing wore you out!!! Here are some of the pics.

Orangeburg Relay for Life

On Friday April 24th, I took you two out to William J. Clark for the Orangeburg Chapter Relay for Life Cancer Walk. I have been involved with this event for 7 years now and love being a part of helping cancer survivors, cancer victims and those that will be affected by cancer. The money raised from the event is given to the American Cancer Society. The majority of the money raised in our area will stay in our area to help with transportation, wigs, chemotherapy, radiation treatments and other programs dedicated to help those diagnosed with cancer. The rest of the money is given to cancer research.

Cancer is a disease that touches everyone's life, rather it be personally or through a family member or a friend. Being a mammographer, there were so many women that would come in for their mammogram, and my eyes would be the first to see this disease infecting their bodies. To see this persons life was about to change in such a dramatic way and that only God could control the outcome. Having a career in Imaging Sciences really has put me in the middle of this terrible disease. Everyday, new diagnoses are made through the xrays, MRI's, CT's, Mammograms, Ultrasounds and other imaging modalities. But not all are diagnoses' of a new cancer, some are also diagnoses' of remission and healing.

The past two years, I have not worked the Relay for Life but instead, chose to just participate and donate. By doing this, I could take you two out to the event and show you the love and compassion that giving can bring. I want you two to know that feeling and to always think of others and what you might could do to change someone's life. Ayden, you are already showing signs of generosity towards others. One day a few months ago, daddy was taking you to Pa's farm to go hunting. You guys stopped at the McDonald's on the interstate to grab breakfast. There was a homeless man and woman sitting on the side of the road with a sign asking for help. Daddy didn't think you saw them because you didn't mention them on the way into McD's but then on the way out, you asked why those people had all that stuff and commented that they must have been going camping. Daddy told you no, those things were all of the things they had and they didn't have a home, they were homeless. The week before was Valentine's Day and you had received money from your grandparents and great grandparents. We always put the money you receive away for your college account, but this time we let you put it in your new wallet. You wanted to show Clay and Pa. So back to the "campers." After daddy explained to you that these people did not have a home, you told daddy "Well maybe if I give them the money I got, they could buy a house." Daddy and I were so proud of you and the fact that you were willing to give your gift to help another, was amazing. I hope you will always reach out to help make a difference. Whether it be through money, your time, hard work or by just helping out someone in need, helping others in need will always make you thankful for the blessings you have been given. I plan to lead by example and making you guys a part of Relay for Life is just one these wonderful opportunities.

We had so much fun Friday night, playing with friends, getting your faces painted, jumping in the jump castles and eating lots of good food and sweats. We walked 3 laps around the track and looked at all of the luminary bags that had been purchased and dedicated to cancer victims and survivors. Your great grandfather, Kenneth Westbury died of cancer and for several years, mommy dedicated a luminary bag in his honor. Papa and daddy donate the sand to the Relay event every year, and this sand is used to fill each and every one of these luminary bags. This year, there seemed to be so many more than before. It was dark when we were walking, and the lighting of the luminaries had just begun. It was really a beautiful sight to see the track lit up with the love from friends and family members of cancer victims. We didn't leave until almost 10:00. I was worn out but had such a good time. I think you guys did too. Here are some of the pictures from before we left the house to the event itself.

Edisto 4-2009

This weekend, we were invited by the Bonnett's to Edisto Beach for a long weekend. We loaded up the WHOLE house on Thursday morning and headed on down. Once we arrived and unpacked the WHOLE house, ha ha, we spent the afternoon on a bike ride around the island. Ayden, you were riding your new bike you got for your birthday and did great. It is still a little big for you but the only time you had any problems was when you were stopping. Your lil feet can't touch the ground real well, so you just fall off. We rode thru Fairfield and saw a HUGE alligator sun bathing on the golf course. We spent the rest of the weekend on the beach, riding the golf carts, in the boat, on the bikes and taking long walks. You guys played with Carley, Jake and Kylee and enjoyed it so much. The weather was gorgeous and the weekend was perfect. Thanks to Chuck and Parrish for inviting us! We had a blast, as always!!! Here are a few pictures. I didn't take alot this weekend but LOVE the ones I got.

Easter Weekend 2009

On Saturday, Daddy and I took you guys to the Williams' annual easter egg hunt. It is always so much fun. They have a carousel, candy, ice cream, snacks, live bunnies, chickens and ducks (that you can take home with you) and the big egg hunt. The egg hunt is divided into age groups so that the younger children can hunt easy to find eggs and the older children can have more of a challenge. We let Ally Brynn pick up a few in her area before the actual hunt began and then took Ayden to the big hunt in his area. It was so funny to see all the kids racing around trying to find the GOLDEN egg. Ayden you were even under the Williams' shrubs! There were lots of your friends there like Carley Walling, Lydia and Ansley Riley, Brent, Kaitlyn and Ava Ulmer, Seth Tyson, Carson Cary and Hunter Summers. Ally Brynn, you really surprised us when you went over to the live bunny area, climbed in and wanted to hold a real bunny. After that, you jumped in the duck pen and grabbed one of them up. You were so brave! Ayden, you didn't want to hold either of them but did give them each a little petting. While we were waiting on the egg hunt to begin, I saw the easter bunny coming our way. Ayden you saw him but Ally Brynn, you didn't at first. When you turned around and that easter bunny was right behind you, you let out the most blood curttling scream I have ever heard and jumped in my arms! You wanted NOTHING to do with it and said "I no like that easter bunny!" Ayden went right over and posed for his picture. We had so much fun and can't wait until next year's hunt. We think Ally Brynn might not be so scared of the easter bunny next year.
On Easter sunday, Ayden was the first to arise. He ran into the den rummaged through his basket and then ran back to our room to tell us the easter bunny had come and what he had gotten. I don't think I half heard what he said due to being in a deep sleep. I woke up about a hour later to discover that Ayden had put his new movie the easter bunny had given him into the DVD player, was watching the movie and had eaten HALF of the easter candy that was in his basket! We had to wake Ally Brynn up in order to have breakfast and get to church on time! We joined Mimi, Mama Jackie and John David at First Baptist for the Easter service and then headed off to Reevesville for lunch at Aunt Shirley's and Uncle Mike's. After eating a delicious meal, we had an easter egg hunt with the kids. It was a beautiful day and just like the hymn reads, "this is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

The Zoo

This week, you two have been on Spring Break at OP. I felt so guilty taking you both to daycare every morning and only a couple of kids were there. Am I the only working mom or does all the other kids moms take off the week of Spring Break? Well, I decided to take Thursday/today off so that we could spend the day together. I spent Wednesday night online, researching outdoor activities for us to do since today was forecasted to be GORGEOUS. We started the day off much later than normal. You guys didn't wake up until 8:30 (WOO HOO), which means I didn't wake up until 8:30. I think that is the latest I have slept in a LONG time and boy was it refreshing. I still wasn't sure what we were going to do but decided to head towards Columbia. We ended up going to the zoo. We have been there a few times but Ally Brynn wasn't even one the last time we went, so I knew you guys would love it. When we arrived, the parking lot was full! A little man standing in the middle of the road, told me we would have to park on the side of the road and walk to the entrance. That should have been a sign. We parked, got everything we would need without having too much to carry and headed for the entrance. Once we received our tickets and were preceeding in the gate, the ticket collector told Ayden to "Make sure you stay close to your mommy, we have ALOT of people here today." She told me that they already had over 3,000 people at is wasn't even noon. YIKES. We rode the train into the zoo and spent the day gazing at the animals. You both were so interested in every little thing. Ayden, you took a horseback ride on the ponies that were in the farm area. They took you around a trail through the woods and you were sooo cute. Ally Brynn NO LIKE ponies. We went into the bird house and bought some nectar to feed some birds. We went into the caged area and Ayden you did not want to feed them. You were a little weary of them. I put one on my finger and you were a little more willing to get closer. Then it bit my finger and you backed away. It was too funny. There were about a dozen of these birds in this caged area and people were feeding them constantly. Before I knew it, one poo'd on my leg. We all got a good chuckle out of that. Ayden, you went around telling all of the other kids that "These birds WILL bite you, one bit my momma and poo poo'd on her leg." Ally Brynn, you really surprised me. You wanted to feed the bird. You held the cup of nectar up and let the bird drink out of it. I wanted to take a picture of you being a big girl sooo bad but I was holding you up to the bird. Ayden, you wanted to make sure we saw all of the characters in one of your favorite movies "Madagascar." The zebra, lion, penguins, hippo, monkeys and giraffs. We covered them all. It was a great day and I enjoyed spending it with you guys tremendously. Tomorrow, we will have more fun together, as we head to the lake to spend the day on the sandbar with Aunt Debbie, Laken and Clay. Here are today's pics.

Nikki Dukes' Shower

Last Sunday, Ally Brynn, Nana and I left the lake and headed to Reevesville for Nikki's bridal shower. Nikki and Chris are getting married in June and we can't wait. They got so many beautiful gifts at the shower and I loved the food. All DESSERTS. That is MY kind of shower, and Ally Brynn's too. Nikki looked so pretty and in love. Ava and Ally Brynn enjoyed helping Nikki open a few gifts and inside one gift, found two huge lollipops. Nikki didn't stand a chance of keeping those suckers! Here are the pics from the shower. Congratulations Nikki and Chris. We can't wait to celebrate your marriage with you guys in June.

The Lake - You Should've Seen it in Color

We spent last weekend at the lake and it was beautiful. The water was freezing but we could not keep you guys out of it. The highlight of the weekend was Sat night. We were sitting on the dock listening to music with Uncle Ken, Aunt Debbie, Laken, Clay, Pa, Jody Stillinger, Anna Sanders and Jaybird Hewitt. Ayden your favorite song right now is You Should Have Seen it in Color by Jamie Johnson. Well daddy decided to play it and you, Laken and Clay sang it to us. You guys were singing your hearts out and it was SOOO GOOD. I wish I would have had a video camera to record you guys. I love to hear you sing and you love to sing. You get that from your mommy I guess. But singing in front of everyone like that, you definitely get from your Pa. I can remember Pa taking you over to the neighbors (at the lake) when you were only 3 years old and you standing out in their yard in front of everyone singing God Bless America. You impressed everyone! You are a little ham and LOVE the attention. You make my heart swell with pride with your wonderful personality! Ally Brynn, on Sunday, Nana and I took you to Nikki Dukes (Chris Minus' fiance)shower. Once you were dressed, I took you outside and got a few pics of you in front of the azaleas. You were adorable and actually posed a little for me. I love that you are getting used to the camera. You are too beautiful for mommy NOT to take your pictures. Here are a few pics from the lake.

Rodeo

Ayden, you have turned into Cowboy Ayden! Ha Ha. Mimi stayed with you and Ally Brynn a few weeks ago and took you both shopping. At the store, you picked out a cowboy hat (only the black one would do, despite it being a little large), holster and cap guns. For a week, you wore that outfit everyday. As soon as we would get in the door from school, you would run to your room and get "dressed." You were soooo cute. Daddy and I knew that we would HAVE to find a rodeo to take you to see the REAL cowboys. As luck would have it, a rodeo was being held in Santee the next weekend. We decided to take you this past Friday night. Mimi joined us and we met Matt, Tiffany, Kayla, Macky and Zack there. You were all decked out in your cowboy gear and even jumped up on the mechanical bull for a ride. You didn't like it too much, but I think that was because you saw the bull throw a big guy off right before you climbed on. You did NOT want to be thrown off. You did great though and held on for dear life. Ally Brynn watched you closely and said "I no like bull." I have always wanted to go to a rodeo and us adults enjoyed it just as much as you guys. There was roping, barrel racing, bucking horse riding (I don't think that is technically a correct name for it :)), and bull riding. It got VERY cool that night but we held in there so that we could see the bull riding. It was worth it. You had a blast and that was all we wanted. We love you lil cowboy!

A Beautiful Sunday in Charleston SC

Today Daddy and I took you guys down to Charleston for the day. After several days of gray skies, clouds and rain, we woke up to a beautiful blue sky and warm temps and staying inside was out of the question. We started the day with lunch at McAlisters and then headed to Tanger Outlet for a little shopping. Shopping outside, enjoying the temperatures and snacking on cookies was alot of fun but definitley a job with you two. Ayden you are so full of energy and shopping is for sure not your thing. So we decided to head downtown to show you guys the battery. It was really windy but so worth it. We strolled thru the small one way street of Charleston seeing so many interesting things. We saw kite boarders in the harbor, the horse drawn carriages (one of your favorites), a lil boy on a unicycle and even a fencing match at Waterfront Park. Ayden you even took your shoes off and waded in the beautiful fountain at the park, the water was FREEZING! It was a FABULOUS day and we will cherish these memories forever. We ended the day with supper at Logan's and a trip to Target. We were all pooped and you two fell asleep on the way home. We love you both so much and we can't wait for our next adventure together!

Shelby Turns One

Happy Birthday baby Shelby! On Saturday Mommy, Nana and Ally Brynn went to Neeses for your cousin Shelby's first birthday. We spent the morning painting finger nails, putting on make-up, lipstick (chapstick) and getting all dolled up (Ally B's most favorite thing to do). We put on our dresses and headed out. The party was so much fun! Shelby had the cutest polka dot cake and there were bubbles, balloons, balls and lots of yummy food. Ally Brynn, you took a little while to get warmed up but you, Ava, Brayden (a cute little boy that used to be in your class at CDC) and Shelby had so much fun playing. You and Ava loved the stage and we were all very entertained watching you two giggle and play. I think you two will be into all kinds of things in the next few years and Shelby will be right there with you two. When we were leaving, we spotted a patch of flowers outside the fellowship hall of the church. We couldn't resist a few pics. You were so precious handing out flowers to Mammy Tine and Aunt Lydia and they just adored it. I enjoyed spending the day with you today sweatheart. Here are the pics.

Uncle Ken's New Toy

On Friday afternoon, Uncle Ken, Laken and Clay came by to show us Uncle Ken's new toy, a Rhino. A Rhino is not a large wild animal, but a sort of high end ATV that can be used for recreational activities (mudding) or as a work vehicle for hauling materials. You guys were so excited to jump in and go for a ride around the yard. After a few laps, Ally Brynn, you and Laken played ring around the rosie and Ayden, you showed off your cowboy gear to Clay. You are always so excited to spend time with Laken and Clay, but especially enjoy acting like a big boy to Clay. It is so cute to see how much you look up to him. We are always hearing statements like, "when I get big like Clay," or "When I am 11 like Clay, I am going to ..." We don't mind though because Clay is such a wonderful boy. He is well mannered and the perfect lil role model for you. Here are the pics.

The First Lake Trip of 2009

On Saturday March 7th, 2009 we made a last minute decision to head to the lake for the night. The temps were in the 70's and what better way to enjoy the day than in the boat on the lake. Ayden, you and Ally Brynn were so antsy to get on the sandbar and play. We rode in the boat most of the day and Jody and Tori Stillinger, and Richie Smith, Joby and Kelly Geiger also rode in their boats. On the way back to the house, we finally stopped on the sandbar for you guys to run and play. We had a time trying to keep you both out of the water. When we left, both of you were wet...ha ha. I took a few pics of you two inching closer and closer to the water. We had a great day and I can't wait for another summer swimming, tubing and building sand castles with you two at the lake. Thank goodness summer is on its way.