Our South Carolina Tour

We had a wonderful tour of South Carolina last week! It really made me want to move back to the Carolinas. Nashville is a wonderful place to live but too far from our family and friends - including our friend the beach. All four of us are big beach fans and we would love to be closer.

After Evie's graduation, we hopped in the van for a 615 mile trip to Pawleys Island.  Way too far away from beach.  We drove from about 3:00 to 10:00 stopping once for dinner. Our kids are rock star travelers! Give them a movie and some snacks - they are golden. We spent the night in Columbia to break up the trip. Our kids love hotels and were in heaven in the Embassy Suites.

Wednesday morning, we hopped back in the van for the rest of the trip to Pawleys. Three hours felt like nothing after the previous day. We were all thrilled to arrive at the beach. We rented a house with our friends the McDonalds! It was a blast. Their kids are 3 and 5 which is perfect for built in playmates. Lots of delicious meals, beach time and good conversation. Carl and Ben were Kappa Alphas at the College of Charleston and some of the guys came over to visit with their families. 

Friday around lunch time, we headed to Charleston to visit some of Carl's family. Aunt Anne and Uncle Rusty hosted us all for a fun poolside dinner. Aunt Anne introduced us making her one of my favorite people! Evie and Henry had a blast playing with their cousins. Neither one of them wanted to  wanted to leave! Evie and I had a little date together when we returned to the hotel. I took her to Kaminski's for dessert- delicious cafe on Market. My Mom still raves about the place 10 years later! It's that good. Evie selected a black/white cake and we had some good girl talk. Hope she continues to love being with me because I sure love being with her. After cake, we took a rickshaw ride through the beautiful city of Charleston. Evie was super impressed by the old City jail and kept asking me to tell her creepy stories. It was a night that I will remember forever!  Carl and Henry hung out together and their big event was getting ice. That thrilled Henry's heart and they got some good bonding in too!

Everyone slept super late the next morning, we barely made checkout but sleep was important after several late nights and car naps. We took the kids to check out the College of Charleston. I would love for one of my kids to be a Cougar one day! Evie was super impressed! Carl and I felt super old walking around campus but it seems like just yesterday that were students there. After our walk down memory lane, we headed to another cousin's house for a BBQ lunch and some good conversation. It's amazing for me to see how quickly time passes. Courtney's kids were my kids ages when I met them and now they are in high school! Slow down time, I am not ready for my kids to grow up quite yet.

After lunch, we headed to our final destination - Lake Keowee to visit Carl's parents. His brother came too with his family. Evie and Henry love their cousins, Mary and Lucy so much. We had lots of pool time, yummy meals and even had a photography session. Cannot wait to see the pictures. Henry did not exactly cooperate but he rallied for a few pictures. Henry loved going on the boat and they both enjoyed the fireworks. It was a super fun weekend with Carl's parents! I did not take pictures because I was too busy having fun.

We left early on Memorial Day to head back to Nashville! Kids did great again - we are so grateful for our little travelers. Glad to be home for awhile but already counting down to our next beach trip!

Graduation Day!

Evie graduated from Pre-K last week! I was an emotional wreck and it was just Pre-K. That music gets me every time and it is just so precious seeing all these sweet kids on their special day. It is hard to believe that I have a child headed to Kindergarten. Evie is going to love it though so I will keep my tears to myself.

We had such a wonderful year of Pre-K. Evie loved all her teachers and I did too. She learned a lot, made good friends and had fun. Carl and I were really impressed with the teachers. Evie "traveled" to France, participated in music class, celebrated Cinco de Maya and listened to a speaker - this was all in the span of one week. As a teacher, I know how much behind the scene effort goes into every activity. 

Our preschool did a wonderful job with the graduation - a slideshow with baby pictures that the kids really enjoyed. It was hilarious watching their reaction to the baby pictures, delicious cake and punch reception, and the classes sang a song. Each child had the opportunity to tell the audience what their favorite part of preschool was - Evie announced to the group that lunch was her favorite. There is nothing cuter than a 5 year old on a microphone. 

Kindergarten here we come!

Dance Recital!

Evie participated in her second dance recital this past weekend! It was fascinating to watch all the girls and see their reactions. I really enjoy the back stage camaraderie between the moms. Lots of bonding over buns, hair pieces and snacks going on behind the scenes. 

Evie was in the same class as two of her close friends, Jessa and Sloan and that made dance even more fun for her and me!

Carl's parents came to see Evie in her recital. She She and Poppy  loved being there to cheer on their favorite dancer and Evie loved having them in the audience.

Henry had a sitter and his friend Anderson came over to play. Children under three were asked to stay home and there is no way Henry could have made it. We had second row seats and while we could not see the dancers feet - we saw their facial expressions. Evie could see us while she was dancing and I loved that close-up view of my best dancer.

Evie has decided not to take dance next year although that may change before the fall. I am hoping for a change of heart because dance at the YMCA cannot be beat! It's cheap, close to our house, free childcare for Henry and Mama can workout while Evie dances. Although, buns are not my thing so either way - dance or no dance is fine with me.