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.

Going to the Chapel.....

With Spring approaching, love is in the air. Two of Mommy's cousins Jessica Brown and Chris Minus, are tying the knot. Not together! Jessica is marrying Matthew Ponds on May 9th 2009 and Chris is marrying Nikki Dukes on June 20th 2009. This Sunday, Ally Brynn and I helped host a shower for Jess in Reevesville. Ally Brynn made lots of new friends and was spoiled rotten. There was a big crowd despite the rainy/snowy conditions outside and we all had so much fun "showering" Jess with love, well wishes and gifts. Here are a few pics from the shower.