Happy Easter!

Sometimes things work out in unexpected ways. Baylie and I had matching Easter dresses. Then it turns out that my niece Clara had the same dress. So we all shifted dresses and all three girls were able to wear matching dresses. So much fun! I love how close these girls are.

These kiddos are getting so much bigger each Easter. I love to see them all dressed up.

I wish we got to see each other more often. I love seeing these kids together.

The girls pitched in to help cook Easter dinner. It's fun watching them grow up and take on more responsibilities.

I love my family so much!!

Baylie informs me that we'll see them again in 55 days!

Spring Break - Day 6

I didn't post yesterday because the day was pretty much spent driving back from Charleston. (BTW-the days of the week headers are messed up because I'm always posting after midnight.) There were hurricane watches and road closures due to fallen trees and the drive was the longest it's ever been from Charleston to Columbia, at least for me. We were all exhausted when we finally made it home.

Today was a lazy morning of watching movies and playing games. My sister and her husband took in USC and the state house, but the kids just wanted to relax. This afternoon, we went strawberry picking - something they don't get to do in Las Vegas - and drove around the temple. I love picking fresh South Carolina strawberries.

I had to throw in these two pictures of the hurricane that is my house right now. I love it because it means my sister is here. We shared a bedroom when we were little and it was always obvious whose side was whose. (BTW - she keeps a very clean house.)

The only thing I hated about today was the realization that they go home tomorrow. I love living in South Carolina, but I hate being so far away from family. Having them around makes the missing so much worse.

Spring Break - Day 4

Why does sitting at the beach make me soooo tired?? It was another beautiful day at the beach. Today David and Tashi drove down and joined us. Tashi loved the beach. It took her awhile, but before long, she was jumping the waves.

Jalen got stung by a jelly fish or pinched by a crab, we're not sure which.

But he still managed to pose for a photo.

He took a break, but before long was back in the action.

We were able to see some wildlife today.

Jalen flew a kite.

After a full day at the beach, the kids came home and decorated Easter eggs.

After that and some dinner, we headed into Charleston - one of my favorite places.

This sail boat had been run aground and was not looking too good.

We head back to Columbia tomorrow.

Spring Break - Days 2 & 3

We started off the second day of spring break with a trip to the salon for Baylie to get extensions. For the past 11 years I have done her hair myself. I have learned a lot and I'm proud of how far I've come, but now that we are in a financial position to do so, I am grateful for some help. We put her hair in extensions because it's better for the beach.

I love her hair, but she looks too grown up!

We got to Isle of Palms at about 4:00. My sister wasn't scheduled to get in until later that night, so we unpacked and headed to the beach. It was freezing!

That didn't slow the kids down. They swam anyway.

I on the other hand stayed bundled up.  

We got home and waited impatiently for family to arrive. Some more patiently than others.

We were so excited to finally see them again. We hadn't seen them for almost a year. They got in at about 9:00 p.m. My kids were starving because they wouldn't eat without their cousins. I love how much they love each other.

This morning my sister took the kids out for a walk on the beach.

Then, after breakfast, we all headed back to the beach. My sister's hat says it all.

Our beach house was just a short two-block walk to the beach.

I love the sand dunes at South Carolina beaches.

It was a perfect day at the beach. The weather was perfect and it wasn't too crowded.

The kids loved just being together. I loved that they were outside enjoying nature all day.

Not our family.

They found a jellyfish.

Tide pools.

Clean again!

I'm so glad we get to spend a few more days together. I wish we got to do this more often.