Swings and Slides

Yesterday we went to a friend's birthday party. There was a 17ft water slide set up in the backyard! As soon as we pulled up Tessa spotted the huge slide and was so excited hollering "Slide, Slide!!!" She and Ryan had a great time playing while I took pictures.


Tessa and Hunter Anne, the Birthday Girl



Tessa discovered that she likes big girl swings. She sat down and held on tight while I pushed her. Here's a picture of her in her first big girl swing. Oh Baby, don't grow up so fast!

Downtown Playtime

Today we ventured downtown for family playtime. After visiting the Farmer's Market, we let Tessa run free. She explored the Wyche Pavilion and I wondered if someday we would hold her wedding reception there. I know, I know, she's only two!!!

Then it was over a small bridge to splash in the fountain. I thought she would be thrilled with this activity but we didn't stay here long.

Next we headed over to Falls Park for a yummy picnic lunch. So nice to relax in the shade and watch the ducks play in the river.

Then we strolled along the water's edge and climbed up and down the rocks and steps. Hot and tired we headed home and Tessa took a nice long nap. Good day!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

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!