3 Months!

Sam has now hit the 3 month mark, that magical month where life seems to wind down from the newness of a newborn and sleeping increases for everyone. He is such a happy little boy always content where you place him as long as you chat with him. Big sister is a hit, too, evoking many giggles when she starts kissing his toes and playing tickle monster.

Alas, I am still trying to figure out our new camera. When we catch a good pic, it's really good, but many of them turn out blurry. Roman thinks there could be a problem with the camera; I say it's user error. Therefore, some of the photos don't live up to their potential, but we're working on it.

Almost caught that grin!

Last night da Joyners visited with baby Ava. I swear Sam knew that he had a playmate over and it wasn't just a friend of Corinne's! He laughed and kicked and cooed totally turning on the charm for the little miss.

Big sister was a big help with both babies.

Have a great week!

Happy Father's Day

Well, as usual, I'm a day late and a dollar short, but I wanted to post a huge thank you to Roman. He's a wonderful, hands-on Dad who delights us all. Hope you enjoyed your day.

Love, us.

My Old Kentucky Home

Weeee're baaaack from the annual summer trek to KY. The kids did great in the car. We had the DVD player ready for emergency backup but did not actually need it. I think breaking up our trip in Asheville both coming and going made a huge difference. It was also a great opportunity to catch up with friends.

Harlan teaches Corinne the art of strumming.

Sam had started sleeping through the night just before we left. He continued part of the way into our trip, then reverted to his old nighttime routine. Of course, Mommy is crossing her fingers that he picks it back up now that we're home again. There was no shortage of arms and shoulders ready to soothe Sam over the week.

My cousin, Laura Jo and her son, John, soak up some Sam for the day. Thanks for making the trip up from Tennessee! It was great seeing you.

Pappy holds Sam in his favorite spot, the outdoor swing.

Look at that grip. "Don't go anywhere, gj!"

My cousin, Shane and his wife, Crystalin, had baby Ethan in January. Uncle Steve and Aunt Laura motored from Tennessee so we could enjoy him for the day. I kept trying to get that gorgeous grin, but he was on to me.

What's summertime without a huge tub of bubbles? Corinne finally figured out how to make the soapy water produce a bubble!

Where's the stick?!

Inside, outside, upside down!

Maren shows off her big wheel skills.

The girls really had a good time playing all week. We were more than happy to have them burn off all of that homemade ice cream by burning up the pavement after dinner.

Corinne has already been telling me to "go back, Mommy, go back!" We had such a great time and thanks to everyone for visiting with us!

Trial Run

This weekend we're getting ready to pack the kids and head to Kentucky. While we plan to stop in Asheville on the way to break the trip, we are still sweating the drive with 2 under 2. Yesterday I got to test their road-trip skills for a quick trip down to Hilton Head.

You know true friends when you haven't seen them in years but can sit right down with them and continue a conversation as if it was yesterday. Well, my college friend, Resa, is just one of those friends. She and her family are vacationing at Hilton Head this summer, and I couldn't pass the chance to visit. Here I go with my little crew for a 2-3 hour drive to and from for a few hours of catching up!

The day went perfectly and the kids were true road warriors! Let's hope it holds for the weekend.

Resa's children, Hannah and Clark, along with their cousins, really welcomed Corinne and helped keep an eye on her for me.

Clark warms up with the boogie board

Clay (cousin), Hannah, and mad Sam

Beach queen

Here's to friends!

Sam Speaks

I've been working hard to snap a shot of Sam grinning but got even luckier when he decided to start chatting with me also. He's very laid back and only fusses when he's ready for a new venue. I thought you might enjoy a few of his first sounds. Proud Mama thinks he's a Pat Conroy in the making with his storytelling! :-)

Enjoy!

Benedict Blast

We were fortunate to have the Benedict's visit us this past week. Karen, Jane Layton and Maren enjoyed the sun, sand, and surf in addition to fun hangouts on Folly like breakfast at the Lost Dog cafe and dinner at Taco Boy. We sandwiched in several rounds of 'ring around the rosie,' too.

Corinne and Maren journey to the lighthouse

Partners in crime at the beach

Morris Island Lighthouse looms a short distance down the beach and is currently under reconstruction. I'm embarassed to say that it's been years since I've walked that far down Folly. Long ago were the days of walking Chloe down the river. The winds and tides have altered the beach so much it was like looking at a different place.

Girlish giggles

Thanks for making the trip you guys! We enjoyed knowing you were right down the road from us if even for a short while. See you soon in KY!