Memorial Day at Myrtle Beach

This past 3-day holiday weekend we enjoyed a fun trip to Myrtle Beach. We went last May with my parents, so it had been awhile. Only about 2 hours away, Myrtle beach offers more of a "family" and tourist-like environment with many different restaurants, hotels, miniature golf places, various entertainment and shopping. Of course most head to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and beautiful golf courses. All of the hotels offer nice pools and some even water parks and lazy rivers (like the past two where we stayed.) We went with our neighbors, Leigh and Jana Marie who were kind enough to invite us to stay with them in their 2 bedroom condo. Christian enjoyed throwing balls around in the pool and all the attention from the girls, however he still is unsure of the sand at the beach. We enjoyed the delicious food, ocean views, and most of all getting away. :o)

The Heat is On

We've been getting some hot days here, and the neighborhood pool opened a couple of weeks ago. Thank goodness for a cool, refreshing pool just a short walk from our house. I have a feeling we will be spending lots of time there this summer!

Heading to the pool in my cool red wagon:
Cool dude!

Swan Lake Pretties

The iris were in full bloom this past Wednesday at Swan Lake. Just in time for the Iris Festival coming up on Memorial Day weekend. I am also loving these hydrangeas. So beautiful.

Grandma's Visit

This past week Steve's mom was here in South Carolina for a little visit. Christian loved playing with Grandma and enjoyed the special attention. The time seemed to fly by as it always does when you are having a great time. Highlights of our time together included visiting Riverbanks Zoo, Baker's Sweets, EdVenture Children's Museum, and Swan Lake. The best part was simply enjoying each other's company. We are excited to see Grandma and our families again soon in Colorado!

Daddy's Favorite Little Helper

Christian absolutely adores his "Dah-dy." When Steve comes home from work, it is all about him. C loves playing, following, and "helping" Daddy in his own special way. I love seeing the bond that the two have formed in the past couple of months since Steve's return. Here is Christian helping Daddy change the water filter on the refrigerator. My favorite part was how they were both giggling the whole time. I *heart* my boys!

Home Projects: Outdoor Sitting Area

In the backyard between the house, concrete patio, pond, and brick wall was this very nondescript area of the yard, mostly taken over by weeds and a few random plants.

Before:I wish I could take more credit, but Steve spent a couple of Saturdays turning the area into a beautiful sitting retreat that overlooks the pond and can be seen from our bedroom window. He planted fragrant gardenia and jasmine, which we hope will fill the space with an inviting aroma.

This past Saturday we placed the stone pavers and brick edging (digging a hole for each) and spread the pine straw (big here in the South.) We are thinking about still planting some ground cover between the pavers, but for now, here in the finished product. I think it turned out beautiful. Do you like it?

After:

Mother's Day 2011

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mommies! I am so blessed to know you and am grateful for all the lovely women in my life.

My Mother's Day was nice and relaxing. Breakfast at IHOP, church, an afternoon nap, and a fun BBQ at a friend's house. Such a sweet, simple day shared with the ones I love.

Christian was not about posing for pictures. Can you tell?
P.S. Christian had quite the week of bumps, bruises, and boo boos. Steve was TDY half the week and I had the privilege of reporting the day's accident each night. The scratches on his nose were from a tumble in the driveway. All boy!

Relaxing

Our favorite pastime as of late is sitting and enjoying the pleasant sights and sounds on the sun porch in the backyard. The sound of the pond's waterfall, birds chirping and sometimes a cool breeze in the trees is such bliss! The weather here has been beautiful lately. Warm but not too hot, and the humidity hasn't arrived in full force thankfully. Below are pictures of Christian (almost nude) enjoying his chair and actually allowing me to take some pictures of him.

Welcome Eli!

My best friend Emily just delivered her first baby this morning. Welcome to the world Eli Arthur! Sounds like Em's labor and delivery went quickly and without complications. I could not be more excited for them and the joy of this new little one! What a blessing! Isn't he sweet?