Charleston

 

A couple weeks ago, Paul and I had a getaway to Charleston for a few days to celebrate our anniversary. It was our first time visiting any of the Carolina coastlines and it lived up to everything we had heard. It was beautiful. I fell in love with the area. The rich history, food, and weather was wonderful. We spend two days in Charleston walking around and one day in Isle of Palm a little resort area about 20 miles outside Charleston. We came to the conclusion that Charleston is great without the kids but Isle of Palm will be great to bring the kids back to.  It was great to get away for a few days and recharge!

The harbor by where we stayed:

   

We went on a carriage ride through the city which was really the best way to see/learn about all the history. We had a great tour guide which makes all the difference.  (I was a bit concerned at first because I’m not a huge fan of horse carriages, but we were informed the horses/mules only work every other day for 6 hour shifts with 20 min breaks after every hour tour. Also, they are moved out to an open area when they aren’t working.)

Some of the many gorgeous historic homes along the tour:

       

The view from our room at the Isle of Palm:

  

The beach-can’t wait to take the kids there!

 

Pumpkin Patch

 

We all went to Patterson Farms this year for our pumpkin picking. This year we had a special treat because Meema and Boopa were here to come with us. Finally the adults outnumber the kids! The farm was so much fun and it was a beautiful day.

First up was the cow train:

       

Animal petting was next:

          

The playground and a pig race:

      

Next up the hayride and pumpkin patch:

          

Here is our attempt to take a cute picture of the kids:

Henry sits in the wrong direction:

Paul tosses Henry on Claire’s lap:

Children unhappy:

Children have had enough:

Claire enjoying the pumpkin patch as a sunbathing opportunity:

 

Our one attempt at a family photo, I think it was the best we were going to get!

Ribbit

 

Claire is Star of the Week at school and because of that, she gets to take home the Frog Room class pet, “Ribbit” for the weekend. We get to take him to places/activities we do over the weekend and write about them in his journal with pictures. Claire lost interest in him after the first hour so it was up to us to show interest in Ribbit. I will admit there were two times we lost Ribbit and we were in a bit of a panic to find him. The last thing I want to do is break a bunch of 3 year olds’ hearts because we lost their class pet. Here are the fun things Ribbit got to do with Claire:

                 

Reunited…

 

…and it feels so good! Paul and I have been singing that song since he and Claire returned yesterday afternoon. The kids were absolutely hilarious and adorable when they saw each other. They kept hugging each other all afternoon/evening. Once we convinced them to come inside and play, the first thing Claire saw were her princess dress up clothes. Of course she wanted to make up for lost time and put on her outfit. Who else wanted to join in the fun? Oh yes, Henry. So last night we had two princesses running around the house. On Henry’s 16th birthday I’m going to tape these pictures all over his room.

When Claire and Daddy Are Away…

 

Mommy and Henry get to play! Paul took Claire to Eugene this week since he had business in Portland. We thought it would be a great opportunity for Claire to visit with grandparents. Henry’s a bit too young to make such a far trip for a short time so he and I are having some quality time together. So far we have had a busy week and it’s interesting to see how different he is when he is the only child. Although I think he is missing Claire already, he keeps looking for her and pointing her out in all the pictures in our house.

So far we have had some quality conversations on the stairs:

Had many snack times/dance parties in the living room:

His favorite thing to do lately, “help” with dinner.

Thankfully, he has yet to climb all the way over yet. He has only made one leg over before we’ve caught him.

Today was “Farm Day” at school. It was a lot of fun last year with Claire and I was a little sad that she was going to miss it because she really would enjoy it. The selfish part of me was kind of glad she wasn’t here because then I didn’t have to go back and forth between classes like a crazy woman. It was a lot of fun to follow Henry around even though he kept thinking I was taking him home. First up was dancing to some music(Henry’s favorite-he loves to dance!):

Second, pumpkin picking and decorating(or really, just painting his hands and shirt):

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Station three, the “moon bounce” and playground:

Lunch time! The way his teacher is able to get a class of one year olds to sit down at a table and eat is amazing. Henry was the most patient he has ever been at mealtime!

After lunch, the petting zoo and pony ride. Henry LOVED riding the horse, he was a bit upset when it was time to get off.

Finally, the tractor/hay ride:

With his friend, Grady:

It was such a fun morning. The Y does a really great job with the activities and Henry had such a fun time! We are excited Daddy and Claire are coming back in a couple of days, we miss them!