June Recap

So I officially blame Facebook for my lack of blogging. It's just so much easier to post little status updates and be done with it. But, it just doesn't have the same keepsake quality that the ol' blogging does. So I'm back at it...at least in highlight form to fill in the blanks.

We've enjoyed a fun, HOT summer thus far. School, CBS and MOPS closed up shop for a bit and we have been filling our days with gym time, pool days, visits from family and friends, beach fun, camps and yummy summer treats.

Speaking of which, Pavin's ongoing, passionate relationship with food continues and the summer has ushered in a season of first loves.

Cherry Jello

Cotton Candy

Sandy/Salt Water-y Beach cupcakes...with one of his other loves...Campbell!

By now my roller derby escapades are the stuff of legends. But here's a little picture shout out with the kids on my first night of camp for the blogosphere.

Gracen finished a camp of her own this June...the Make-Believe camp at Bluffton School of Dance. Princess dress-up, crafts with 10 tons of glitter, gymnastics and snacks...capped off with a little parent performance on the last day.

She had a great time and is already begging to put on her dance shoes in the fall. Stay tuned...

Lazy summer evenings have been spent cooking out and cuddling up in the A/C reading books and watching movies. The following captures one of those nights...with the added flair of Gracen's new found love of photo editing.

We also had a fabulous visit with the Fink family. It's so wonderful to have friendships than span the miles and time and allow you to always pick-up right where you left off.

Sydney and Gracen became instant friends.

The boys showed off their goofy sides.

Our biggest celebration of the summer came last weekend to mark the 80th year of Nannie! Her surprise birthday party was a smashing success.

I am so blessed to have such a special relationship with her and am thrilled that my kids are making so many terrific memories with their great grandmother.

Oh...and one last thing...because he refused to use it as his FB profile pic, much to the dismay of his daughter, here's Freddy all "done up" by picnik.com and G! :)

Cheers to all for a happy summer and a great 4th o' July!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Best birthday ever...hands down! I celebrated for a whole week...Monday prior to Monday of! Seven days of various birthday cakes, jim n nicks chocolate pies and lots of love.

One of the big highlights was a surprise shindig at Truffles with a few of my favorite lady friends. Thanks girls...especially Erin with her fake out funk! Anybody wind up with any photos?

The day of was a glorious one that strangely turned into a day filled with Ss...

Six am Spinning, Sauna, Shower, Starbucks and Scones, Spa, Spinach Souffle, Salon, Snack, Shopping, Szechwan Supper, Sweet treats! What a day!

Many, many thanks to my fabulous husband for holding down the fort at home!

Here's a photo of me with my Birthday buddy, Lalo. Doesn't he look like a smiley Sayid?

Happy Easter!

We enjoyed a fabulous Easter this year. We were fortunate to have 6 services to choose from at the Bluffton Campus. Fred's work schedule made the Friday evening service a perfect fit. We enjoyed fabulous worship and a terrific message. The kids and I loved it so much we headed back for a second dose on Sunday morning. How wonderful and overwhelming the sacrifice of our Lord...how exciting and freeing, His resurrection!

After a great night, the kids and I headed out to see the Easter Bunny on Saturday. Pavin gave him a high five. Gracen sat on his lap and whispered that she hoped he would bring the Thumbellina movie.

Gracen happily posed in front of the Bunny Garden.

While I was taking her picture, Pavin dove in the Bunny Garden.

Easter morning was a blur of baskets and candy. Pavin quickly learned that the camera flash was extra bright in the am.

He planned for this by squinting up his eyes in every picture there after.

Gracen wanted nothing to do with pictures at all on this particular occasion. :(

What a great celebratory weekend! Jesus is Alive! :)

April Activities

In the midst of a very busy month, we managed to pack in a ton of fun filled memories along the way. Here are a few of the highlights.

Pavin is becoming quite the little ham. He'll do just about anything for a laugh...including allowing his sister to dress him up in a flower tunic and mary janes. *White lacy parasol is just out of the photo frame.

During a recent trip to Beaufort, the kids loved playing a the cutest little park down my the river. Pavin definitely enjoyed it a bit more than hot, tired Gracen. But both perked up for the hot dogs and ice cream at Southern Sweets. Yum!

G on the slide.

P braving the tunnel.

Pavin's western "find," shopping on Bay Street.

We did enjoy our share of April showers as well, forcing us to get very creative with our indoor activities.

G, Payco, Finn and Jack "camping" in Jack's room.

Another great rainy day spot is the play area at Shelter Cove.

Pavin peeking out of the Lighthouse.

Gracen riding a dolphin. :)

Of course, rain or shine...there's always room for cookies!

Pavin enjoying an orange butterfly cookie from Ronnie's Bakery.

We really do live in an amazing place with out of the way treasures and fun discoveries to be made...you just have to look. :)

M's Wedding...

The much anticipated Pierce/Meeks wedding was a glowing success! It was a pleasure to plan and participate in! Both kids did a terrific job in their respective roles and Freddy did a great job keeping all in order while I was running in circles. The bride was beautiful and everything went off with out a hitch! Hooray!

Professional pictures are forthcoming, but here are a couple of cute shots of the kiddos for now.

Handsome Pavin loves the ladies!

Gracen getting all dolled up!

Many, many blessings to my sweet sister and my new brother!

March Madness

March Madness is a great way to describe our month…and it has absolutely nothing to do with basketball. What a nutty, nutty time it has been. With multiple trips to Jacksonville and new spring fun added to the mix of our usually chaotic lives, these past few weeks have been a whirlwind of craziness and great memories. Thus the belated blog-post that has been both guilt ridden and jeer-induced.

Anyhoo…The kiddos are doing great, getting bigger by the minute and celebrating life as only they can…taking everything in stride and showing more of their budding personalities daily.
Pavin has busted out of his funny shoes… entertaining himself as well as others. He can really turn on the charm when it suits his needs…which are still primarily food related. He loves to dance and I’m sad to say, has a favorite (though not wholly appropriate) song. (Mute music for the full effect.)

He enjoys books, but is an extremely controlling page turner, has a very distinctive “chicklet” grin and has a growing interest in fashion.

He insists on copying everything his big sister does, which includes making up songs that are wrought with emotion but remain undecipherable as of yet. On this particular day he opted to drive a bus and serenade outlet mall passersby with what could only be described as a power ballad.

Gracen has blossomed into a full on little girl! She is taking on new challenges and responsibilities and expressing a heartwarming and often hilarious interest in Jesus. We have had some great, question filled conversations that have been such a blessing. After church today she was in her thinking mode and said with great decision that she thinks "Ursela the Sea Witch was mean and stole the Little Mermaids words because she had sin in her heart." Then she said, "I'm not afraid of her anymore. Her's just so sad." Little Beth Moore, delving into the word. :)

She and her buddy Jack are still takin’ on Bluffton one lolly-pop at a time and learning a great deal about the male/female dynamic along the way. She’s gets moody and pouts, he consoles and gives her space, then it’s off to the races again. The photo below was taken approximately 2 minutes prior to Gracen running Lightening McQueen up and over an embankment and into a tree that prohibited a further plummet into the marsh. A few tree scraps and all was well. When we pulled them out, Jack patted her on the back and said, “Don’t worry Gracen, I will drive home.”

She has also started soccer. Though not a fan of the dirt and bugs, she really seems to enjoy it so far. She celebrates EVERYTHING and consistently asks after each practice if she gets a trophy now.

In preparation for Easter, Gracen dyed her first PAAS eggs today. She had great disdain for the “stinky” smell of the vinegar , held her nose and gagged a little the whole time. But pleased with the outcome, she happily posed for a picture (after scrubbing her hands 3 times).

No more updates until after the “Big Day” of M’s wedding. I’m sure we will have lots to report…esp. regarding the beautiful flower girl and handsome ring eater/bearer.

Speaking of big days...it's been over 8 yrs now since Freddy and I tied the knot. Whoo Hoo! Thanks, Chelsea and Aunt Janie for babysitting for a fun night out to celebrate. :)

Happy Spring!

Funny Valentines

Cheers! Valentine's Day '09!