The Past Two Weeks: Colorado Week 2

...Continued from this post.

Colorado Week 2:

Tuesday we went to the newish IKEA in Centennial and had lunch with Grandma at California Pizza Kitchen (as you have surely noticed, our goal on this trip was to not eat at places that we have here in Sumter or Columbia. Not that that is a hard task with southern Colorado's variety and Sumter's, well, lack thereof.) We also had a dinner that evening with Ryan, Kim, and the kids.

Wednesday my friend Brooke (who is due with her first any day!) came over for a short visit, while Steve and C went to the park. After lunch the boys and I went to go hang out with Kim and the kids at their house, while Steve and my dad went to go play golf.

Thursday was a relaxing day as we hung out with Grandma and Grandpa, had lunch at Crave in Castle Rock, with Grandma, Kristi, and the newlyweds. That evening we had dinner at Steve's favorite pizza place, Old Chicago with Grandma, Grandpa, and Will and Brittany again!

Friday was our last day. Boo! My grandparents drove down to see us, and we had a nice breakfast and visit. It took a bit, but Christian warmed up to Pop Pop (he calls him "Lollipop") and Nonnie once Lollipop played ball with him. Friday during nap time my mom watched the boys so that Steve and I could go see "The Amazing Spider-Man"- better than the other. :o)

Whew- I made it through all three posts. But really, what a blessed time we had in Colorado. So refreshing and comforting to be home with family and friends. It only makes us want to be there so much more! *Fingers crossed!!* Thank you everyone for making our visit so special. And a big Congratulations to Will and Brittany!

Papa and Nana's Visit and Hilton Head Getaway

This past week Papa and Nana came to visit us from Colorado. My dad hadn't seen us since last September when they came to visit us, and hadn't even met Lucas yet. We always enjoy taking a little trip when they come to visit (my Dad gets a little restless.) So far on their trips to South Carolina we have visited Myrtle Beach and Charleston. This time we traveled south three hours to Hilton Head and took a day trip to Savannah, Georgia.

Hilton Head Island was beautiful with great restaurants, shopping, golf (for a particular someone,) oh, and I almost forgot- the beach! What made this trip especially fun was to see how much Christian liked playing on the beach. On past beach visits (Myrtle, Charleston, Tampa) he has not shown a lot of interest in the sand or water. This time he really enjoyed jumping in the waves with Nana and Papa, building sand castles with Daddy, and searching for small sea creatures (although the beach was nearly spotless.) We went every afternoon of the three days we were there, and it was just perfect with very few other people, and warm water and clean sand. (We went to Coligny Beach and could take a short walk from our condo.) This was also Lucas' first beach visit.

We also went to Savannah one day and took a trolley tour of the city, although we all agreed that maybe just touring the city on our own would have been a better option. Regardless, we enjoyed seeing the old buildings and unique park-like city squares. I think we all agreed that Savannah doesn't hold a flame to our favorite South Carolina destination: Charleston!

Christian was a great traveller (he is very well-traveled after all) and Lucas not so much. This child definitely likes his routines, and as long as we follow them is very pleasant and mild-mannered. I can't complain though, because both boys still slept through the night each night.

The last day of my parents' visit, Steve went to work, Papa played golf at the private golf course in Sumter, and Nana, Christian, Lucas and I attended the Swan Lake Iris Festival. A fun visit in itself- lots of vendors, food, and free activities for kids. Christian enjoyed jumping in a bouncy house for the first time (probably because there were not a lot of older children taking over.) That evening Steve and I got a little time to ourselves and went to see the Avengers! Great movie! :)

Overall, we had such a great time with Nana and Papa, it was good to relax, see a new place, and Christian just loved throwing the ball around with Papa.

8

8 movies that make me strangely homesick: (warning...this is going to be sappy)

1. Up (Disney-Pixar) - There is something about the old man, his past life and then the experience he goes on that reminds how family is the greatest adventure.
2. Secondhand Lions - I think this brings back memories of childhood, and the anticipation of raising Christian, with all the adventures to be had.
3. Life is Beautiful (La Vita Belle) - This movie, while heartbreaking, is also quite touching to see the love of a family in spite of the circumstances.
4. Stardust - I think this movie was just one that Erin and I discovered that we enjoyed so much, so the movie reminds me of good times with her and sharing it with family.
5. The Muppets Christmas Carol - I remember watching this over the years many times during Christmas seasons with family gathered round. I distinctly remember how my dad always teared up a little bit because of Tiny Tim...
6. Harry Potter (the first few anyway) - I just have found memories watching these movies with family, typically around the holiday season.
7. WALL-E - This one I can't really explain...I think it just makes me feel happy...
8. Gladiator - Throughout the movie you constantly see the main character's longing to be with his family, with visions of better things to come. The "Now we are free" song is on my "home" music playlist.

Nana, Papa, and Myrtle Beach

This past week Nana and Papa came to visit us (hence the absence of posts on the blog.) It was so nice to see them and spend time together. Not sure if Christian remembers living in their home for 3 months, but he was happy and took to them instantly, always greeting them with big smiles. :o) My mom helped me in the garden which needs a lot of weeding and pruning (what a difference a couple of hours makes though!) While we were slaving away doing yard work (haha) Steve and my dad played golf on base and at a golf course that lies on a historical battleground. We went to Columbia a couple of times for more variety (restaurants, shopping, etc.) AND one night Steve and I were able to go to dinner and a movie (Iron Man 2...aww remembering Edwards) while Nana and Papa watched Christian. Yay for a MUCH needed date night!

At Swan Lake before it began to pour...Nana and Papa brought the rain with them from Colorado.

Mid-week we took a little trip to Myrtle Beach which is less than 2 hours away and enjoyed the sunshine and beautiful golf courses. We stayed at the Breakers which is located right on the beach and is perfect for relaxing. They have several pools, hot tubs, and a lazy river. Even though I have been meaning to take Christian to the pool in our subdivision, it hadn't happened in the two weeks we had been living here, so Christian took his first dip in the pool at Myrtle Beach and really seemed to enjoy splashing in the water.

This was the view from our hotel room balcony!

Murrells Inlet marsh walk...they had the best restaurant: Dead Dog Saloon...amazing hush puppies!

It was so nice for my parents to be able to take a week-long vacation and stay with us a little longer. Thank you for coming to visit us! We miss you and enjoyed our time with you!Christian and Nana thought they could get away with it....