Cousin Madelynn Turns One!

Yesterday we took a drive up to Charlotte to pay a visit to the kids' cousin, Madelynn.  Miss Madelynn turned one on Friday and since Eric had the day off, we were so excited to be able to visit and celebrate her birthday. 

The birthday girl.  Happy Birthday, Madelynn!!

The men hanging out before Laura got home.

What a precious face!

Lil Miss was excited to celebrate with her cousin.

In this photo, Carter was saying, "Aunt Laura, more cake please!"  Silly little boy!

Singing "Happy Birthday" to Madelynn

A little apprehensive at first...

Then she got the hang of it!

Brandt hiding for some reason.

Madelynn and Elina enjoying their delicious cake.

Now Mady was really getting into it!

The girls sharing.  How nice!

After lunch and cake, the kids were filled with sugar and the party really got started!

Opening up presents

Madelynn loved her new baby doll

Elina had such a good time playing with Madelynn's toys.



Happy Birthday, Madelynn!  We're so glad we were able to come up and visit!

Day Trip to Charleston

Last weekend, we took a last minute day trip to Charleston, SC. It only took a little over 2 hours to get there so it was the perfect place to go for the day.  We picked up some sandwhiches and took them to the Battery Park. The boys had a blast running around.  Their age is so fun.  It is just getting more and more fun as they get independent.

Having fun at the Battery Park

After lunch we walked around the neighborhood.  The homes were so gorgeous!

This one was my favorite!

This house was really cool.  It had a plaque that told the history of the home (see that below).

I thought the entry was cool.  The lights are have gas flames and the door is crooked.

Eric took my pic with all the kids.  Carter was mad because he wanted to hold Daddy's hand.

I took this pic over my shoulder while we walked.  Both the boys had a blast walking with their daddy.

Eric showing them the boats in the water.

Elina hanging out.

Another beautiful home.  Look at the balcony off the side!

A friend of mine here in Augusta just moved from Charleston. I consulted her to find a good beach to go to and she recommended Sullivan's Beach on Sullivan Island.  It was about a half an hour away but was AWESOME!  The boys had such a great time in the water. 

Me and my sand eating little girl

The boys were "swimming"

Yum!

Can you believe that after running through the water, the boys didn't take a nap in the car on the way home?

Charleston was such a lovely city.  We can't wait to get back!

Family Visit!!

A few weeks ago, Eric's mom, Grandpa Fase, his sister, Laura, and her little girl, Madelynn, came to visit.  It was so much fun!  Of course, the day before everyone got here all the kids came down with a cold.  My family is slightly paranoid by sicknesses (well, can you blame them?  You can't fly airplanes with sinus problems so my dad has to be very careful not to get sick), but luckily Eric's family wasn't scared away.  I've learned since joining so many social things that kids having viruses is basically par for the course. You just kind of have to go on!

Anyway, we had a blast with the family.  It is so much fun to get all the kids together.  The boys were so nice to Madelynn.  They haven't seen her since last Christmas and since they are so mean to Elina, I was ready to get on them about being nice to Madelynn.  But oh no!  They were sharing and being nice!  Poor Elina.  At least it's making her be one tough cookie!

Madelynn and Elina playing

The girls playing with one of the boys' trucks.  If only Elina wanted to play with it, the boys would snatch it away!

Grandpa Fase with his great granddaughters

Carter and Aunt Laura being silly

Bath time party!!! It was complete chaos.

All clean in pajamas!

Reading with Grandma

Grandpa Fase with his great grandkids.  Trying to get a good pic of everyone is pretty pointless.  Look at Brandt in the next picture.

The next day we had lunch at the park.

And then we played in the splash pad!

I love this foot picture!

We had so much fun and can't wait to see everyone again!