The Party's Over

One last birthday post. I love that Ryan captured Tessa's sweet words on video.

Tessa Goes Boating

We visited the picturesque Lake Jocassee and Tessa had her first boating adventure. She loved it and we all had a great time. Enjoy the slideshow!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Momma's Birthday

The birthday festivities continue. Tessa and I met Ryan downtown for a lunch at Wild Wing Cafe. I really love hot wings so this was a special treat. This afternoon my mom and grandma came over for a girl celebration with cheesecake and presents. I wonder if I can claim that the candles on the cake are backwards?

I recieved my very own tutu so now Tessa and I can match while we do Momma & Me ballet. I was thrilled when Tessa decided to actually wear hers. Up until this point she has only wanted Anabelle to wear the tutu.

After all of this excitment, Ryan came home and cooked dinner. He's such a great husband. Thank you everyone for making my birthday so special.

Momma's Birthday Lunch

To kick off my birthday celebration week, we all went out for Mexican food yesterday. You can take the girl out of Texas but you cannot take away her love of margaritas!

Tessa was hilarious trying to take sips of my drink. Momma's girl!!!

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.