Home Safe and Sound

We finished up our vacation and that is always bitter sweet. We had such a great time and the only thing we would have changed was the extreme heat. I guess we couldn't have avoided it though as folks back home said there were record temperatures/heat indexes as well. Anyway, it was a great vacation with many wonderful memories. For me, the ocean will always be my favorite and with my new camera lens I was able to take this picture to remember it by.

Our trip home was uneventfull and yesterday the kids and I spent the whole day relaxing at home. It was fun to see them get such a kick out of playing with their toys, reuniting with their pals and playing in the back yard. Here are some pictures I snapped of them running in the backyard and swinging together.

Beating the Heat

Like many states, SC is having a major heat wave. We're currently seeing highs of 92 degrees with heat indexes bringing it up to 105-110! Fortunately, we've done really well. Since we're staying right on the beach we've got a gorgeous view of the ocean. We are able to get up and enjoy the beach right after breakfast before it's too hot. Our hotel also has a great selection of pools that stay in the shade untill about noon. Honestly, the kids seem to be loving the pool more than the beach esp. since their Grandpa bought them some new floats!

Howdy Y'all

Last night we took the whole family to see the Dixie Stampeded. It's cheesey, funny and really a good time. You eat while they sing, dance and do horse tricks. You are also seated by what state you are in as they do a North vs. South contest. The crowd is encouraged to yell, cheer, stamp their feet, stand up and wave flags. Needless to say the kids loved it. Andrew especially got into the yelling and flag waving part. We had a good time. I must admit my favorite part was seeing my 5 gallon kids in these 10 gallon hats!

Sharks!

If you spend any time around Andrew, you'll quickly learn that sharks are one of his favorite things. Imagine his delight when we were walking along a pier and a fisherman caught a tiny shark. It was the exact size of one of his toy sharks. Andrew got the thrill of his life when he got to touch the shark. Then Lily was relieved and Andrew was disappointed when the shark was thrown back into the water. Andrew would later ask me several times if we could go to the ocean and pull out another shark. He just doesn't seem to get that we don't have that kind of skill.

Pictures from vacation

Hello from hot, sunny SC. Our flight down here was effortless. The kids enjoyed the one hour and seven minutes flight. Bill and I enjoyed the ease of it all. The hotel is nice, the beach is gorgeous and the weather is HOT! Fortunately, we've been able to enjoy the outside due to the nice breeze and the water. Both kids are enjoying the sand, surf and the pool as are all the adults. Last night, we went to a place known for it's prime rib and it was yummy. Its located on a pier. Here are some pictures from the pier:

Guess who got some new camera accessories?

I decided to pick up some new camera accessories for our beach vacation. I played around today with the new items and have to say that I love the results. I do think you have taken too many pictures when your daughter looks like this!

Water Parks and New Friends

Today we had our monthly playgroup with families who have adopted children from China (and one other from Taiwan!). It was incredibly hot and I was happy we had selected the splash park. Even with the water it was a scorcher! We also had the opportunity to meet Miss Lia today. Our good friends, Paul & Karen and their son, also named Andrew went to China and adopted Lia just 2 weeks ago. Lia is about 10 weeks younger than our Andrew and about as adorable as they come! She played well at the water park, checked in frequently with her mom and dad and clearly likes to do what her new big brother does. I'm so impressed with how well Lia is doing.
After the splash park, we grabbed some lunch at Max & Erma's. I couldn't resist snapping some cute pictures. I'm sure this is just the beginning of the fabulous foursome!

2 Year Familversary

Two years ago, we met the sweetest little boy. Bill traveled to Taiwan, picked up Andrew and we became a family of four. I remember thinking how tiny this little 12 pound baby was and then I was equally shocked at how mighty. At 6 months, he was super determined to pull himself to a standing position. Two years later, we still see that level of determination in everything he does. Andrew is now 2 and half years old. He's not quite 33 inches tall and 24 pounds. He speaks in complete sentences, knows all his colors,shapes and 24 letter. (I wish I could take credit for the last skills, but honestly, he seemed to learn the letters from watching Lily). He can be a mischievious little person and he seems to have fair amount of charm. You should see the smiles and grins I get after he's done something naughty. I can't honestly believe that 2 years has gone by already and I can't get over how blessed we are as a family. It's like lightening has struck twice.

Heat Wave

Beating the heat with a sprinkler, umbrellas and ice cream sandwiches!

Happy 4th of July

We have had the best 4th of July weekend. On Friday, we ventured downtown for Red, White and Boom. I'd never dream of taking the kids into a crowd of a half a million if we didn't have the opportunity to watch the show from Bill's office. So, the kids, my parents, my brother and I all rode the bus downtown. Andrew l-o-v-e-d the bus. We then walked to Bill's office, went up to the 26th floor, had a picnic dinner, hung out with 3 other families, watched A Night at the Museum, and then saw the best firework show ever. It was really beautiful because the sky was so clear. I snapped about 50 pictures and I realize that photographing fireworks is not easy. I think 3 turned out well and I'm sharing them here. We were also lucky as the traffic wasn't too bad and we got home in 50 minutes. Then on Saturday we headed up to Bill's parents place and had the nicest picnic. Their whole building potlucks it on this giant, beautiful patio. The weather, food and company was just perfect. I hope that the rest of our holiday continues to be as fun as the first part has been.