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.

Spring Break Day 1 - Riverbanks Zoo

I love feeling like every day is Saturday! Spring Break is awesome. This is the first time that David and the kids have had Spring Break at the same time. It's been great to have some lazy days.

On Monday, we went with our friends the Baltzegars to Riverbanks Zoo. I spent lots of time here when the kids were little, but we don't go as often anymore. It is a great zoo and we love to go there. 

Rock wall

These flowers made us think of Chinese lanterns. They were so cool.

The gorillas were all out.

Can you see the gorilla?

The baby gorilla was adorable and put on quite a show.

We ran into our former school nurse.

The lion was very active. I still didn't get to see the cubs.

You're never too old for a carousel! 

We had a lovely day at the zoo! The weather was perfect. We came home, went shopping, and got packed for the beach.

Ron Clark

Last week, I had the opportunity to go to a conference and hear from the amazing Ron Clark. He is a phenomenal educator. Before the conference, I read his book - The 55 Essentials. It was really motivating to hear him and Wade King. I wish their views were wider spread and supported. I wish Ron Clark could replace Betsy Devos as Secretary of Education.

I got to go with my amazing mentor, Pollyanna Buff, who also happens to be one of Baylie's favorite teachers. (Why didn't someone tell me to pull my shirt down!?) 

I'm so glad I got to go!

Happy Birthday, Baylie!

I intentionally waited to post for Baylie's birthday so I could include pictures of our trip to the movie theater a week later. And then I forgot to take any pictures. Sorry, Baylie.

Baylie woke us up at 5:15 a.m. so she could open her presents. She could hardly wait that long! She is easy to please because she loves everything and always has a great attitude.

She made her own heart-shaped cake.

Baylie is always asking me to straighten her hair, but when I do it, it mostly sticks out straight from her head. I got advice from a friend and took her to a local salon to have it done.

She got the full treatment and loved every minute of it. Monica, the stylist, was so nice to both of us.

I took about 2 1/2 hours to wash, blow dry and straight iron the hair.

After the blow dry.

Halfway there!

Almost done!

It was much longer than we expected!

Such a cute style on a cute girl!

The difference between before and after was shocking. My baby is growing up!

We love her so much!