Oh, how I love Charleston. On Friday, James cut out a little early, we packed dinner and joined the Clums and the Smiths out at Folly for an afternoon on the beach. This was fun for all. The kids played in the water and sand while the adults hung out and talked. As parents, I believe we have arrived. Here are some fun shots from the evening.
Sarah Ellen didn’t have one official birthday party, but instead had several small celebrations. In Surfside, we celebrated by opening presents with every one there. In Myrtle Beach, we celebrated as a family by taking Bug out for her favorite meal: breakfast. Once back in Charleston, we celebrated with Doncie, Poppy and Snookie with dinner and birthday cake.
Check out her pitiful cake. I had bought her an ice cream cake since she loves ice cream. Being such a brilliant mamma, however, I put it in the fridge instead of the freezer. I discovered this right before dinner, so I quickly threw together a yellow cake. There was no time to cool, so the icing went on warm to make a gooey mess. Oh well, it still tasted like cake (I hope). 
Sweet Sarah Ellen, how on earth can you possibly be two years old? It was just yesterday that you came out of my belly. You are so full of joy and fun and you make us laugh each and every day. Your dimpled little face displays so much expression, and I could simple eat you up.
So what are you up to today? Your language has exploded and you are learning to say new things every day. The week of your birthday, you began saying your whole name. I’m sorry we gave you such a long one, but at least you have now mastered it. You have always been a talker, but at least now, you are speaking in our language. You are speaking in sentences and so proud of yourself. Once again, I amazed at the development of children and how you soak everything in like a sponge.
You are a tiny little thing and I am pretty sure it is because you don’t eat. You have a very finicky appetite. One day, you will eat two servings of green beans and the next day, you will act as if they are the grossest food on earth. You do have one constant favorite food: french fries. Oh child, please don’t grow up to love McDonalds like your momma does.
You still LOVE milk and will drink as much as we allow. This may be why you are not a big eater, but I just can’t deny you your milky.
You just recently became attached to a blankie. It turned out to be the quilt that goes with your baby bedding. Your favorite parts are the corners and instead of sucking your thumb, you suck on your “bankie.”
You continue to be a good sleeper taking a two hour nap in the afternoons and sleeping close to twelve hours every night. I truly thank you for this. I think you may cherish your sleep as much as your momma does.
Just like your sister, your daddy is your favorite person on earth. It’s a good thing, because he sure in smitten with you. You also adore your big sister and are becoming a great playmate for her.
You are very active and love to be outdoors. You enjoy some TV but quickly get bored and come investigate what we are doing. I like that you are not a couch potato, but it does make getting dinner cooked a little harder.
Buggy we cherish everyday with you and look forward watching you grow.
Early in June we took a family vacation to Myrtle Beach – just the four of us. It’s amazing what a vacation will do for you. We all had a wonderful time and were truly able to relax and de-stress. No household chores, coupons, or to do lists hanging over our heads. We played at the water park, at the beach and at the pool every day. 
