summer vacation- part 2

After a wonderful trip to Atlanta, we were off to Charleston to finish the rest of our vacation. We left Atlanta and stopped in Lexington to hang out with my best friend and her family for the evening. The kids had a great time swimming in the lake and playing with more kids. I enjoyed some girl time with Mandy. Wish we had more time together. We left that night to finish the drive to Charleston.

The kids handled the trip really well and did well with the different places and transitions. I didn't think they would do that well, but proved me wrong. Lilly even was eating like a champ while we were gone. ( I don't say that often)

We had the best time in Charleston. It was a much needed get away after being in Pennsylvania all winter. It's no secret I don't care for PA, and feel so much more at home in the south. I do think I have more southern kids than northern. They much prefer to put on flip-flops and bathing suits to snow suits and boots. (As do I).

We enjoyed the first few days with Jess. She got some great bonding time with the kids and I know myself and the kids enjoyed being with her.

Lilly was fearless in the ocean. I don't think there is much that slows down my little peanut.

Jess and Julian enjoying some ocean time

Alex took some warming up to the water, but he quickly learned how fun it was.

My water child

Jess hanging out with Lilly in the baby pool

This truck was the highlight for many kids at the pool. Who knew it would be so popular.

A nice moment. Julian giving his baby sister a kiss.

Julian getting some bike riding in. Taking advantage of the flat streets.

Taking in the views

The boys waiting on lunch to arrive at the beach.

Lilly's famous "cheese" face.

Daddy and Alex taking in the 4th of July parade

The kids favorite spot was the pool. We spent a lot of time there.

Dinner at the marina one night. The kids loved the sights of the boats.
On our way to see the fireworks on Seabrook. The babies ended up not being too fond of the loud noises and Chris ended up back in the car with them.

Mommy and Alex
Alex showing us he has warmed up to the water and going under the water falls. So happy he was enjoying himself.



Family picture in the pool.

Julian on the boat with papa and Daddy.
Julian looking for dolphins
The babies wanted to go out on the boat too, so had to get them life jackets. Trying them on. Hope they like to wear them.
Dee Dee and the babies

Chris took the kids fishing. It was the prettiest background.

Checking out all the crabs on the banks

Looking at the ocean

Julian and Papa

Very hard to get everyone looking and smiling, but a good attempt.

Believe it or not, I have more pictures to post. We just had the best vacation and time together I tried to capture as many moments as I could.

Summer Vacation- part 1

It's been so long since I posted and so much has been going on. We took our summer vacation and just got home yesterday. We have started just taking 1 longer vacation instead of more mini vacations because we live so far away, and traveling is just too difficult with 3 young kids. The week before we left, never fails (the only time my kids get sick is around trips), Alex got a really high fever one night. He hasn't had a fever since last summer when he would get ear infections. I thought we might have accidently gotten water in his ears since we've been playing in pools and sprinklers. I took him to the doctor right away and he actually tested positive for strep. I was shocked. No one had ever had this before, but was happy that it wasn't the dreaded "it's viral" response. At least we were given an antibiotic, and would be better in 24 hours, which he was. He was great 1 day later.

We started our vacation in Atlanta. Kelly was having her first bridal shower and we were going so I could go be with her for that. The best laid plans always fail. We had to leave Friday night and the shower was Saturday morning. The trip is something I dread. The thought of driving 12 + hours in a car with 3 little kids is not something I look forward to. They always do better than I expect, but you never know. The trip was doing great. Babies and julian were asleep and at 2 am, we were stopped in traffic behind a wreck. Well, 3 helicopters and 3 hours later we were back on the road driving. That was valuable time wasted sitting but I was so thankful that we weren't the ones needing the helicopters. We ended up getting to Atlanta very late, so I ran in, showered and was off to the shower with Chris's mom. We had a great morning at the shower and then was off to look for bridesmaid dresses with kelly, stacy, and Mary.

We had a great time in Atanta spending time with Chris's family and seeing my grandmother. I loved getting to spend time with my niece and getting my kids and Kinsley together. I hate that we aren't closer and don't get to do that more often. I hope she still grows up and loves Aunt Jenn and her cousins. We made the most of our trip and loved seeing everyone.

Love seeing them play together

Julian and Aunt Kelly
Alex, Kinsley and Lilly

The "big kids" got to go for a day out while Mary and Tom were brave enough to watch the 4 grandkids. Philip, Stacy, David, Kelly, Chris and I went to Lake Lanier for the afternoon. We had a great time together which was so great, we don't get to do that very often.

stacy and Philip

Kelly and David

We also took a trip to the GA aquarium. It was a great day and all the kids had so much fun. I was surprised how much the little ones like the aquarium, but they kept very interested. It was great that it was another day that my kids got to spend with their cousin. The more bonding time, the better.

Kinsley














The kids also enjoyed some time swimming while we were in Atlanta.