First Day of School

Monday was Lily's first day of school.  I cannot believe my sweet little Lily is off to preschool.  Lily was very excited about her first day.  She was sure to verify the fact that Sarah Ellen and I would drop her off, but come pick her up in a few hours.  She did not even put up a fuss about letting Lovey take a nap in the car while she was in school. 

Here are some shots before we left the house:

Lily bounded down the hall and straight to her classroom.

When asked what she was going to do at school, she always responded, "paint."  Right when we got there she walked to her teacher and said, "can I paint?"  Thank goodness this worked for her teacher.  She donned her smock and started painting away oblivious to fact that I was still there.

Margaret Anne happily joined Lily.  I am thrilled that they are in the same class.  I wish I could be a fly on the wall to listen to them during the day.  This morning on their second day of school, they held hands from the parking lot and had a little discussion about their book bags.  Where was my camera then?

Little Lily Bean, you are going to love school this year.  I love to hear you tell me everything you did that day.  You are always sure to tell me what snack was - I believe that is your favorite part of the day.  You also tell me about story time, the playground, and even who went on the potty.  You are sweet little bug, and I love watching you blossom.  Thank you for being such a good little girl, and I will miss you in the mornings. 

Before Church

Here are some pictures of Lily and Sarah Ellen before church on Sunday.  The bond between them is amazing.  Sarah Ellen lights up when she sees or hears Lily, and Lily continues to be so loving and gentle with Sarah Ellen.  I know the day will come when I will be breaking up fights, but these tender moments are too sweet for words.  Lily always wants to share her toys, books, and even Lovey with Sarah Ellen.  She is sure to include Sarah Ellen in everything we do.  "Is Sarah Ellen going with us too," she asks every time we go somewhere.  I am truly blessed to the mother of these two amazing children.    

This was a sad Sunday for us in that it was our minister's last day to preach at our church.  I was able to assist him this morning in the baptism of our friend's twins.  This was a very bittersweet moment, as Sarah Ellen's baptism is next week and he will be gone.  Dr. Mike has been with our church for 16 years, and will be truly missed.

I should have known

Once again, Lily, MA, and Abigail were a little too quiet upstairs. I should have known better than to try to enjoy the peace.   Something was up.  Lily was the  culprit this time.  I suppose I'll keep the markers up from now on. 

Thank you Facebook

When I was pregnant with Sarah Ellen and had some free time on my hands laying on the couch, I decided to see what Facebook was all about.  I was skeptical at first, but quickly addicted.  I was amazed with how many old friends I was able to reconnect with.   I've caught up with some very special friends from high school, college and grad school.  I've found some relatives and many friends from church.  Facebook has also proven what a small world it is.  I have discovered that some of my friends that I didn't know knew each other are also connected.  (I really tried to word that sentence better, but I just can't think that hard right now - you get the idea.)  Anyway, I recently reconnected with a girlfriend from Clemson.  Karla live in Murrels Inlet and came to visit it with us while we were at Pawleys.  It was so wonderful to see her and just like old times.  Don't you love those friends - the ones that you haven't seen in years, but pick up with right where you left off.  Karla, it was great to see you again, and I can't wait to hear about your trip!!!!  Hopefully, it will lead to no more dates with fanny pack wearing men. 

Pawley's Island 2008

I can't believe it has been a year since our last annual Pawley's trip.  We have a family tradition with the Clums, Smiths, and Cranes each year where we vacation at Caroline's family's home in Pawleys Island.  This house offers the best of both worlds: the beach and the creek.  The house sits right on front beach.  There isn't even a boardwalk - you step off the front porch directly into the sand.  Across the street is a beautiful creek with dock access that allows for great fishing, boating, and sunset watching. 

The children had a wonderful time together.  They played hard and as a great result, slept hard.  I only took 150 pictures, so I'll try my best to narrow it down to the best.  Here we go. 

Allan, James, and Sarah Ellen enjoying the view.

Sarah Ellen was such a good baby.  She allowed us to have as relaxing a vacation as we could with a two month old. 

Evening boat ride

The big kids played some too.

Who knew a dead jellyfish could be so interesting?

Lily being the evening entertainment.  Somebody loves an audience.

Sarah Ellen getting a bath in the sink.

Breakfast.  Ever cooked four pounds of bacon while listening to seven children saying they are hungry?

Beach fun

View from the beach

Lily and Daddy exploring

Dinner time.  We enjoyed some yummy meals.  

Sunset from the dock

View from the dock

Sunset cruise

Beach fun

Caroline and Margaret Anne

Lily and Daddy's footprints

Kids in a hole.

Some serious work taking place

Porter coming to make sure the girls are doing it right.

Lily - Can you believe I forgot to pack her bathing suits.  Thank you Margaret Anne for sharing with us.  

Abigail and Lily chilling out.  Lily adores Abigail.

 

Sweet sisters

Lily trying to be a Clum

Best friends forever

Allan and Margaret Anne practicing

We will always have wonderful memories from these trips.  Thank you to the Gaddy family for sharing their home with us.

 

Check out Caroline's Pawley's post.

"Glub"

Lily recently discovered the Disney snow globes that I collected growing up.  She has enjoyed getting them down and shaking them up.  The only problem is that she cannot say the word "globe."  The same child that says situated, congratulations, and cooperate cannot say globe.  She can say earlobe, but not globe.  Just watch.

 

Is she going to be easy to potty train?

I THINK NOT!

She is Stinking Cute

Sweet Sarah Ellen is 2 Months Old

Today I took Sarah Ellen in for her 2 month well baby check (with Lily in a monsoon - just to clarify).  Her doctor said that she was growing beautifully.  She was 22 inches long (25th percentile) and weighed 10 pounds, 6 ounces (45th percentile).  Unfortunately, we had to endure three shots, but she handled them like a champ.

Sarah Ellen's sweet personality is really shining through.  She loves to smile and coo, especially at her big sister.  When she hears mine, James' or Lily's voice, she will look all around to find us. 

She continues to eat 3-4 ounces every 3 hours, and will sleep for 7 hours at night.  She is mostly happy during the day, but still has a rough time during that late evening witching hour.  She takes great naps throughout the day, and is a pure delight.

I love watching this little girl grow.  I've never been one for the newborn stage (is it okay to admit that?), but I am sad to see Sarah Ellen leaving it.  She is already fitting into some of her 3 to 6 months clothes. She has been such a good, sweet natured baby, and I am loving every minute with her.  Thank you sweet baby girl for being so good to us. 

Bubbles bubbles everywhere bubbles

James has had the pleasure of sharing Lily's latest cold with her this past week.  When he is sick, he likes to take a hot bath with this cold and flu bubble bath we have.  I wonder how much he put in?

Faith Builders Beach Trip

On Sunday afternoon, after returning from Chapin, we joined our Sunday school class for a picnic and family fun on the beach.  You know you have graduated to parenthood when you have to pack the entire house for a few hours at the beach.  James looked like a professional dad, pulling a loaded down beach cart, setting up the beach umbrella, and chasing a toddler all over. 

 

Lily enjoyed hosing down all the beach gear when we got home.  She also thought it very important to water the driveway.  I thought it was looking rather dry lately.