Family Vacation - HHI

Hilton Head Island welcomed us back for another awesome family vacation. I do believe it's one of my favorite places to visit. Perfect for our water loving family! We spent a long weekend at the Marriott Resort, leaving only to eat dinner out two of the three nights. Why you ask did we spend so much time at the resort?? Because our little water rat, Carrington, did not want to leave the pool or beach. She went to bed each night completely exhausted and water logged. She would tell you it was the perfect way to spend "her vacation". In her mind, it was her vacation and hers only! Grayson has gotten so much better at the pool and beach so he tagged along with his big sister each day. He understands how to relax too so sitting in the lounge chair with his mom was perfect too.

 Flying pink fish

 Playing with daddy

 Mommy's mini me!

 Daddy's mini me!

 Shannon Tanner Show - Carrington doesn't have a shy bone in her body. She raised her hand to go up on stage and sing with Shannon. It was so cute watching her say her name and age. She couldn't think of a song to sing so he just let her talk to the crowd for a minute.

 Crowd of kids dancing at the show

 Moving and a grooving with daddy!

 This seemed like a good idea at the time but at 30 weeks pregnant it become very uncomfortable after a few minutes.

 Daddy had no problem pedaling around and could have gone another 20 miles. I told Aaron it was a good six mile workout. He laughed and assured me it was only a little over a mile. Felt like riding up Mt. Everest if you ask me.

 Brother and sissy

Our family with kiddo #3 arriving soon!

Video 1 - Carrington swimming, Video 2 - The kids dancing with Shannon Tanner

Island Time - St. Croix

I could live my life on vacation! (I guess that's why living so close to the beach suits me just fine.) With that said, Aaron and I celebrated our sixth anniversary in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. It was my first time to the Caribbean Sea where white sandy beaches and clear water surround you. Our resort was perfect for a get-a-way that consisted of a lot of R&R. Tucked away on the island and secluded in the mountains; we spent many mornings sleeping in, lazy days by the pool and beach, and naps and leisure time watching movies in our hotel room. Meals were not interrupted by little people and eaten slowly so we could enjoy every bite. Tours of the island, visits to the town, a trip through the rain forest, an amazing snorkeling excursion too see up close the colorful fish and coral, and a little libation fun at the Cruzan Rum factory were thrown in for excitement.

The thing I enjoyed most...spending six days with my husband! I got him all to myself and I was thankful for every minute he was next time me!!! 

 Only picture taken together and it was snapped right as we were leaving vacation.

 Governor's House - Virgin Island Architecture

 Cruzan Rum Distiller - The holding tank where rum sits in the barrels for years.

 Marine Life

 Taking up post

 Lucky baby - He/She got to come with us on vacation! (Seven months pregnant)

 Our toes spent lots of time in the sand.

 Papaya tree

 View from our room.

Memorial Day Weekend

I'll give you one guess were we spent most of our Memorial Day Weekend???

THE BEACH!! It was a really pretty weekend even with the threat of a tropical storm. A little windy, ok, a lot windy on Saturday but we toughed out getting pelted by the sand and stayed for four hours. We went back on Monday and had the perfect, beach, weather, day.

We picked up Kelly in Myrtle Beach on Friday so she could stay the weekend with us. Taking both Katy and Kelly out for pizza dinner, a walk around Broadway, and ice cream before heading back to Wilmington.

The grill saw a lot of action, the kiddie pool too, and the kids had no problem spending more time outdoors then in. It was our kind of weekend fun! 



Vanilla and Chocolate smiles!





 Makes you wonder if more got on her face and shirt then in her belly!

 Carrington thought getting buried in the sand was so cool.

 Watermelon break. Grayson was taking a break too. If you can't tell, he is under the towel catching some zzzz's.

 This is HUGE!! Grayson playing in the water. A first for our non-beach-going baby.

 Cousins

 Even more huge...Grayson playing in the sand!! He typically will not let one part of his body touch the sand. Before, he would only sit in the chair and play lifeguard.

 Yes, that's Grayson going out in the waves with his daddy. I guess having Aaron at the beach helps Grayson feel more comfortable. I could never get him to do this without causing him to have a nervous breakdown.

 My two loves, or three counting the baby in my belly, that bring a smile to my face.

I think God for my life
And for the stars and the stripes
May freedom forever fly
Let it ring

Salute the ones who died
The ones that gave their lives
So we don't have to sacrifice
All the things we love
Happy Memorial Day!!!

Hayden's 5th Birthday Party!

At the beginning of May, Carrington attended Hayden's 5th dress-up themed birthday party. She talked about the party for a week straight. So, you can only imagine how excited our girly, girl was when it was time to walk over for the big bash with her dress-up outfit, jewels, and fancy shoes in hand.

Each little girl had their hair, make-up, and nails done before putting on their outfits and walking the red carpet. They were so giddy during the process and were true beauty queens by primping and admiring their looks in the mirror.

After the catwalk, they munched on finger foods and pink cupcakes. Then it was outside to play and melt all the make-up away. Really, just being little girls at heart!

Hayden getting all dolled up

 She loves getting her fingers painted and does a pretty good job of sitting still

 Ta-da

 Watch out boys!

 little beauty queens

 making sure they look perfect

 red carpet walk...

 fruit punch in real glass cups

 happy birthday, hayden!

 love her to pieces!!!

Carrington's Spring Gymnastics Show

Carrington took gymnastics class this winter/spring on Saturday morning with Hayden, our neighbor and one of Carrington's best buds. We switched to the Tuesday class for the last month so unfortunately they weren't in the spring show together.

Carrington did a great job showing off her skills and many acrobatic talents during the program. Grayson loves watching his sissy through the glass window each week so it was an extra special treat for him to watch her up close during the show.

We are taking a break for the summer but I have a good feeling she'll be back on the mat come fall. She really loves going to class each week and does a great job!

Showing off her medal

 Taking her turn on the podium

 Look at the arm strength

 serious concentration needed for the balance beam

 flipping over the bar on her own

the toughest skill for Carrington...waiting in line for her turn

 drum roll...miss Carrington!