Sunshine in a Flower

We have been busy doing lots of yard work...raking, weeding, pruning, chopping. Spring is just around the corner for South Carolina. Bulbs are popping up and trees are getting their buds. Look at these pretties growing in our yard- daffodils shout "happiness" to me. How about you? Do you have a favorite spring bloom? What do you like most about spring?

Charleston Getaway

Earlier this week we visited the beautiful and historical town of Charleston. We stayed at the Ansonborough Inn (because we liked it so much the first time) and enjoyed a leisurely mini- vacation together. The first day we visited Isle of Palms beach, which was by far less crowded than when we went early April of last year. The breeze from the ocean was quite cool, but it was fun to watch the seagulls beg for food. Maybe next time we will be able to convince Christian to walk on the beach and dip his toes in the water.The second day we enjoyed walking the busy streets of Charleston, eating multiple praline samples (SOO good,) and playing at the Battery Park. Charleston has endless unique restaurant choices, shops, and galleries. Not to mention the beautiful historic homes, buildings, and churches. It has such a charm about it that I really love.

The final day, we took one last stroll (C really seemed to enjoy the stroller rides) with our Starbucks in hand (Sumter doesn't have one- boo!) and then headed home. Such a fun little getaway- and did I mention it is less than 2 hours away?

Wordless Wednesday *First Spring Blooms*

(Does anyone know what these are?)

Beautiful Weather = Trip to the Zoo

We have had some very lovely weather the past few days~ think 70+. Perfect for the holiday weekend. We purchased zoo passes before Steve left, and unfortunately did not take the best advantage of them while Steve was gone. (We only went one time with our friends, Ashley and Evalee.) The passes don't expire until August, so we still have lots of time to go. This past Friday afternoon we drove the hour to the zoo in Columbia, and it was a perfect afternoon to do so (everyone else thought so too.) Christian loved taking in the "fresh" air, watching the people, and especially seemed to enjoy the cow at the petting zoo, and the penguins and flamingos. Looking forward to more special outings now that Steve is home.

A Belated Christmas

Steve was able to Skype with us on Christmas day, which was very nice, but as one can imagine (and as Steve has expressed) being away for Christmas was one of the hardest things about his deployment. This past Saturday afternoon we had a mini Christmas at our home. My brother had told me that I should set up our Christmas tree for Steve's arrival (even though I did not set it up before Christmas in the first place.) Instead we enjoyed hot tea, Christmas music in the background, a couple of candles and lighted decorations, and a few wrapped gifts. Not quite the welcoming Christmas that we enjoy with our families, but at least a little fun holiday celebration.

Chasing Phoenix

Christian has gotten quite speedy these days, playing chase and running away from mommy when it's time to get dressed or for a diaper change. Poor Phoenix really needs to watch out now! Actually, Christian is generally gentle with him and vice versa. C thinks that Phoenix is a teddy bear and likes to lay his head on him like a pillow. Not so sure how much Phoenix enjoys that though. :) Still, I think that they are good buddies. It's hard to believe that Christian was once much smaller (and lighter) than Phoenix.

"Aha! I found you!"

At Last! Welcome Home

After a long 6 1/2 months, Steve is finally home from his deployment. We greeted him at the airport in Columbia Friday morning. All his flights went well and other than being pretty sleep deprived, we were all excited for his homecoming. Christian was excited to show Steve around the house (like he hadn't seen it before) and was excited to show him his toys, particularly his cars. C has been following Steve around like a puppy dog and wants Daddy to hold him often. You really wouldn't even be able to tell that Steve has been gone based on Christian's actions- really I think he is just in awe of his daddy. Such a sweet time. Welcome home!