July 4th, 2012

This past summer was my parents first summer with the pool.  And let me just tell you, the kiddos LOVED it!  The especially liked the 4th of July party because there was so much food.

 I LOVE seasonal hairbows.  Simply LOVE!

Spring Break 2012 Part I

We decided to head down to Charleston for Spring Break this year, just for a few days.  We originally were just going to head down to Myrtle Beach, but then found out our favorite Florence photographer was going to be doing Charleston sessions.  (Collin Smith if you're wondering)  So, change of plan!  We got down to Charleston Sunday afternoon after an atrocious car ride.  Our pictures were at 4, and it was NOT looking good with the mood my kids were in.  Somehow, we got the photos done, and somehow, Collin once again got amazing photos.  (Will share those another post).  But then, the fun started!!!  We loved our hotel, and I've stayed there twice before.  The first was for my Bachelorette party, and then again for my close friend's Bachelorette party.  Needless to say, this trip was a little different.  The hotel is on a river/marina, and so pretty.  The pool was too chilly for me, and even the kids preferred the hot tub.  Luckily it wasn't too high of a temp for them to get in.  Here are some photos from the fun at the pool!

The next morning we were all up and off to the aquarium.  See their Easter shirts again?  It was a week before Easter, and we got some good use out of those shirts!  I like to dress all three in the same color when we are going out in a busy public place.  It's just so much easier to keep track of them when I know what color to look for!

Again, her first aquarium trip I'm sure.  I love getting to see her experiencing all of these firsts.

These three little birdies didn't like the nest!

There favorite part of the aquarium?  A viewing deck where we could watch boats come and go.  Of course!

Cooper River bridge.  I plan to run it next year!

We finally just decided to sit for a while and enjoy the boats coming and going.

Cutest little Sperry's I've ever seen.

Drake loved the touch tank.  The other two weren't so into it.

After the aquarium we got everyone down for naps, and headed to the pool to......meet GRANDMA  and GRANDPA!!!  Oh my were these three happy kids.

 After some fun in the sun, we decided to head a few blocks over to the Battery and Market.  We had dinner over at the Market, and then decided to let the kids burn off a little more energy at the Battery.  Great decision!

Tessa got Grandpa to help her climb the tree.

 And then Eli wanted in on the fun.

 Can't forget big brother!

 And next thing ya know...

 You see this?  This is why we pay for family portraits.

 They all loved climbing on the cannons.

 What's that?

 We called the dolphins, but maybe they were porpoises?  Are they the same?  Different?  I have no idea.

 Rainbow row approaching

 Somehow came up with this amazing photo of my littlest little.
(edited obviously)

 And this is straight out of the camera.  Guess that photography class paid off.   I just love this photo.

 More cannon climbing!

 I love the bond these two have.  I'm not sure what Grandpa was telling him

 Chasing squirrels!

You will have to wait for Part II, b/c Eli is finally asleep.  If you are wondering how I'm getting so much more blogging done, there are two reasons.  One, I bring my computer into Eli's bed and lay with him until he's asleep.  And sometimes it takes awhile.  Two, blogger finally has an app that is on my iPhone, so I can do short little blurbs from there.  Love it!