Hilton Head

Chad and I decided we wanted to take a "just us" trip before we become a family of 4, and before I would be too huge to enjoy it. After debating for weeks, we finally decided on Hilton Head Island. It was the best decision. So, we left Addi with my sister and her family and ventured off for four days without our kid. We stayed at the Westin Resort which was right on the beach. It really was the most relaxing vacation we've been on in years. We didn't do much besides lay on the beach, read, sleep, and eat, but we did try to get out and enjoy the sites of the island. 

 This is the famous lighthouse on the island.

 This one's for you, Dad. Avid golf fans may recognize the lovely blazer.

 Chad at the top of the lighthouse.

 Bekah at the top of the lighthouse.

 One of our favorite parts of the vacation was a dolphin tour. We spent two hours on a small boat with one other couple just searching for dolphins. It was something else. I don't think I have ever been that close to dolphins in their natural habitat. Coolest thing ever. 

 I was shocked at how playful and friendly some of the dolphins were. 

 We also got to see some of the most beautiful mansions as we were boating. This particular one would cost someone several million dollars. It was pretty incredible. 

 This little guy was riding our wake all the way back to the dock. 

 View from our balcony. 

 One of the pools at the resort. 

 The ocean!

I guess we weren't completely childless. Baby Byron was about 18 weeks when this picture was taken. 

4th

I'm so far behind it isn't even funny. Anyway, our 4th of July was low-key this year. Just the way I like it. We hung out with family and did the usual pop-its, fireworks, and ate and ate and ate. It was perfect. 

 Addi is most definitely not a fan of the pop-its.

 Mid pop shot.

 This little ponytail business is seriously freaking me out. She is growing up way too fast.

 Regardless of how this may look, she loved the sparklers.

 Getting a little help from Dada.

The rest of the gang doing sparklers.

Visitors, Episode 1

At the beginning of June, Bekah's parents said that they were going to drive out for a visit. We weren't expecting them, so it was quite the pleasant surprise. While they were here, we didn't do much, but just hung out and enjoyed each other's company. We did go to the zoo one day, which is Addi's favorite place because she gets to "see am-als (animals)." Here are just a few pictures of the trip.

 Grandpa showing Addi the elephants.

 Rosy-cheeked girl.

 My twin nephews joined us for the week and it was super fun having them around. Here they are at the zoo petting a snake. It gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it. 

 Addi really enjoyed the petting zoo.

 She loved brushing the goats.

 On the train with the cousins.

One day my nephews took Addi out to the backyard and they played with some toys on a blanket. It was pretty cute. 

Thanks for visiting, Grandma and Grandpa, Mike and Greg!

18 Months

A little late...like 3 months, but we've been busy!

6/8/2012,

Bug,

18 whole months of you already, holy cow! You are quite the sass mouth, little one, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Here’s what you’ve been up to the last few months:

You have proven time and time again how much you hate the doctor. You are totally fine when she comes in and is just talking with us, but as soon as she tries to touch you, you  lose it. You’ve never really liked strangers touching you, or trying to hold you, and I guess I shouldn’t expect any different with the doctor. 

I stopped keeping track of all the words/phrases/sentences you say, because you can and will say anything these days. My favorites are, “Are you kidding me?” and “Let’s do it!” You are seriously a chatterbox. 

You are still busy, busy, busy. You never sit still for longer than 2 minutes. The only thing lately that will retain your attention is a DVD called “Your Baby Can Read.” It is an obnoxious little show, but if I need 20 minutes to get something done that’s about the only thing that will do the trick. Even when we’re sitting still reading or doing some other activity, you are constantly moving. 

You started nursery at church this month. You did really well! Your Dada has been helping to ease you into the whole thing by taking you for 20 minutes to an hour for a few weeks, which I think helped get you used to the idea. But now you really love it.

You are developing quite the temper and we are starting to see our fair share of temper tantrums in this house. Fortunately, you are pretty easy to redirect, so we haven’t had to deal with a total meltdown out in public yet. I love this phase you are in because you are so much fun, but I am not looking forward to that part of toddlerhood. 

You still like to be in the same room as your parents, at all times. Even when we’re making dinner, you like to be sitting on the stool at the bar, coloring a picture. Forget playing by yourself in the other room with all of your toys! You want to be part of the action. 

We love you so much, little lady! We can’t wait to see how you will change over the next several months!

Love,

Mama and Dada