Carousel Rides for the Birthday Girl

One of Tessa's favorite things to do is to ride the carousel. So, on her birthday we went to Gattitown with the grandparents. After a few quick bites of pizza, our favorite food, we headed to the game room. Tessa was thrilled to get to ride the carousel so many times, taking turns with each of the adults. You can tell by the big smile that this is one happy little girl! Then we had cake and more presents. Thank you Gamma, Gampa, Nanny and Pa!!!

Splish Splash Birthday Bash

Tessa's Turning Two!!! Our baby's birthday party was this past week-end. We set up water toys all over the backyard and watched as the kids had a blast. Despite the fact that Tessa woke up at 4:30 that morning, she was her usual sweet self. We were thrilled to have so many people help us celebrate the big day including both sets of grandparents, a great-granny and lots of friends.

Pre-party picture with Momma and Daddy.

Having a snack with Gamma and Gampa.

Watching Daddy grill with Granny Paula and Grandpa Frank.

Tessa and Rebecca are the first ones in the water.

Tessa and Olivia Kate chat about the pink star.

Tessa and Stella play on the Slip-n-Slide.

Jamie plays fireman and aims the water spray.

Tessa loved having everyone sing Happy Birthday to her. She's perfectly happy being the center of attention.

Tessa was very good about sharing her toys as we unwrapped all the fabulous presents.

Such sweet little friends, they were all so tired they didn't mind sitting still. In fact, Rebecca was already headed home for a nap. Thanks for partying with us! Happy Birthday Tessa!!!

Bobbie Crab Boil

Ryan spent a good portion of his childhood in Louisiana and has fond memories of the crab and crawfish boils his parents used to host. So, when Frank and Paula came to visit, we thought it would be special to have our very own crab boil. Using Frank's recipe and special ordered blue crabs we had quite the feast. While preparing the boil, a surprise thunderstorm sent the boys into the basement for a short time but they left the door open to keep an eye on the pot.

I'm a little squeamish about food with eyeballs but was determined to give it a try. After a quick lesson in pickin' crab, I joined in the fun. Pretty tasty if you just don't think about it too much. We made short work of all the crab and then sat back and enjoyed the beautiful South Carolina night. This may well be a yearly tradition.

Party Practice

As we get ready to celebrate Tessa's second birthday, I thought it might be a good idea to have a practice run with her splish splash toys. Judging by the HUGE smile, I'm thinking she likes the new toys. We're ready to PAR-TAY!!!

Tessa's Turning Two

It is almost impossible to believe that in just a short couple of weeks my sweet baby will turn two! We had pictures taken today, our second attempt at birthday pictures. The first photo session was cut short when she toppled off a prop. She wasn't hurt but picture time was definitely over. Today was much better and we have lots of cute pictures. She is dressed in theme for her upcoming Splish Splash party. Here are a few of my favorites.

Jumping Fun

We had such a great time at Jamie's "Pump It Up" birthday party today! I wasn't sure how Tessa would take to the idea of huge inflatable jungle gyms, so Ryan and I took her on a trial run earlier this week. Not to worry! My little bundle of energy thinks these places are awesome. She got so excited today when she realized we were there to bounce.

There were very cool obstacle courses, really tall slides and lots of friends to bounce with. We each took Tessa down the slide and she went by herself too. It's harder than it looks to climb up these things while toting a toddler! But, then again, there is something hysterically funny about falling down.

It wasn't easy to get all the kids to sit still for a group shot. Tessa seemed to think we were all there to admire her and proceeded to take center stage like a triumphant gymnast. Happy Birthday Jamie! We had a great time at your party!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to Daddy, Gampa and Grandpa Frank! To celebrate this special day we had a Low Country Boil (Carolina version of a crawfish boil) using Ryan's new cooker. The shrimp were delicious and the crab was fantastic. Ryan cracks crab legs faster than anybody I know! Chocolate pie and presents topped off the day.

Eating, relaxing and playing with Tessa - just what the daddies wanted for their day. Thanks for being such great fathers!

Our Anniversary, The Beach and Friends

A toast to the happy couple! We celebrated our 10th anniversary at the beach last week. Ten years sounds like such a long time. But, then again, it feels like just yesterday we were walking down the aisle together. Without getting too sappy, we reminisced over where we've been, where we are now and where we see ourselves in the future. Here's to many, many more years together. I love you!

Joining us in our celebration were our friends Chris and Kristin, our best man and maid of honor. They are now married to each other and have a sweet little boy named Blake. We're so glad they made the long drive from Texas to visit us. We were able to relax around our house together before heading to the beach.

Tessa was not thrilled with the sand but did like splashing in the waves. She much preferred the heated pool and the lazy river.

The beach with two babies is not a particularly relaxing vacation, especially since our little darling decided not to sleep for 4 nights! Naps, feedings and schedules all got thrown out the window.

We were up very early the first morning to have our pictures made at sunrise. But, it was too cloudy and we had to reschedule. Thankfully, the weather cleared and we have beautiful sunset portraits instead.

Due to the lack of sleep, Tessa was especially cuddly and wanted to be carried everywhere. My arms were tired but I cherish these moments because she won't want me to carry her forever - I think. This was the one and only time she walked on the sand, so glad I captured it on video.

It was fun and I wouldn't trade the memories but we now need a vacation from our vacation!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! How wonderful to be able to celebrate today with my grandmother, mother and daughter. Ryan and Daddy treated us to a lovely lunch at the Poinsett Hotel.

Tessa was a very well behaved little lady and we were all able to enjoy the delicious meal. We laughed that Tessa rejected food from the kiddie table but asked for gourmet cheeses from my plate instead. I think I have the only child in the state who refuses to eat macaroni and cheese!

Tessa amused herself by reading her new Dora book and playing with her new Dora doll. She has learned how to say "Dora" and likes to use this word a lot. Tessa also says "ticka ticka" as she pretends to tickle her doll. Then she asks us to tickle her. Too cute!

We have discovered that elevators can be loads of fun. Tessa and I made many trips up and down today. She hopped off each time the doors opened, only to run back into the elevator and say "again" for another trip. The people in the lobby were quite amused with our cute little bundle of energy.

We wish our mothers and grandmothers a very happy Mother's Day!

Gamma's Birthday

For my mom's birthday we ventured out to a local waterfall. The weather was beautiful and the trail easy enough for even Tessa to walk. We enjoyed watching her make her way up the trail as much as we enjoyed the actual waterfall. Tessa would dash ahead on level spots and then carefully climb up the stone steps. She liked to hold hands with Daddy when going down the steps. So sweet to see her reach up her little hand and wrap it around his finger.




After our excursion, we had a very nice steak dinner with homemade chocolate pie for dessert. Tessa was one tired tike after that big day but she was sweet as always. My parents marvel at how easy going she is, aparently I was much fussier when tired.





The birthday celebration continued on Sunday when we visited our favorite Mexcian restaurant. Our waitress was so sweet, she even let Tessa help her make the tortillas. In this picture Tessa is showing us where those tortillas belong.

One of Gamma's presents was a toddler sized slide. Tessa loves it and has mastered the steps which look like a miniature rockclimbing wall. Sliding is our new favorite thing to do. We loved celebrating with you Gamma. Happy Birthday!