10 years!

Mickey and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary in May.  We decided at that time we would enjoy a nice dinner out and take a trip together this summer.  While we originally had planned to go on a cruise we ended up taking a long weekend to get away to the coast- just the two of us!  It was perfect!

We started our adventure in Charleston, SC on Friday.  Once we arrived we walked around downtown, enjoyed a lovely dinner, and relaxed in the hotel.

 

On Saturday morning we decided to spend some time at Boone Hall Plantation. Even though it was very hot we both enjoyed our time there.  We were able to tour the main house, walk along the interactive“Slave Street,” attend a presentation about Gullah culture, and take a trolley ride around the plantation grounds. 

After our morning at Boone Hall we headed down the coast to Hilton Head, SC where we had reservations at The Westin Resort and Spa. For the remainder of the day Saturday and all day Sunday we spent time relaxing by pool, walking along the beach,  exploring the island, and eating lots!  We talked.  We laughed.  We just enjoyed being together.

Happy Anniversary, Mickey!  Thanks for being everything I dreamed my husband would be… plus more! Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite! I love you…. MORE! :)

OTG Bag

I am so excited about this post!  I love being able to share with my readers about our latest family happenings, but I also enjoy it when I have something to share that may make your life a little easier too. Sometimes I share recipes, ideas, etc. and today is one of those days.  I want to introduce you to my latest summer project:   

If you are like us you probably spend lots of time in your car, and summertime is no different.  I actually feel like we are in the car more often during the summer months as we are always  traveling to and from camps, the park, church, swimming, etc.  Well, there are certain items that we seem to always need.  So, I decided to put another one of my favorite 31 totes to good use: The Organizing Utility Tote.  This bag is perfect for this project which we have started calling our OTG (On-The-Go) Bag!

The 3 front outside pockets hold a water bottle for each of us girls.  I purchased these Camelbak bottles earlier in the summer and they have been perfect for us.  The each hold plenty of water and are easy to use for even Lydia.

The 2 side pockets hold our snacks.  Currently we have Goldfish in one and Ritz in the other!

The 2 pockets on the backside are used for holding other necessities.  Pocket #1 holds our sunscreen and bugspray.  Pocket #2 has a hat for my adorable 15-month old who is still pretty much bald! :)

Now, for the fun part….. the contents inside the bag!  I will explain each of these sections one at a time:

#1- This is another one of my favorite 31 products, a Zipper Pouch.  This bag holds a change of clothes (undergarments included) for both of my daughters and a plastic bag for anything that may get wet or soiled.

#2- This Zipper Pouch holds all of my diaper changing supplies: diapers, wipes, a small blanket to use as a changing table cover, and a few plastic bags for dirty diapers. 

#3- I also put in the bag a book for both girls and a few other small toys for Lydia.

#4- A First-Aid Kit

#5- Now for some of you it may seem weird that I have an extra pair of shoes for each of my daughters, but I have been stranded too many times with a shoeless little girl!  They both love to go barefoot (as does their mommy) so it is a pretty common occurrence for us to be on the road before someone realizes that the shoes that were supposed to put on are still sitting in the closet!

So, there you have it!  Not only does our OTG Bag hold lots of necessities for a super summer, but it will keep your car neat and organized as well.  Do you need proof?  Here ya go:

Do you have any tips for keeping organized on-the-go?  Please share.

4th of July

This year our 4th of July was very low-key was was a much needed break from our busy summer schedules.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I have loved every minute that we have been swimming, at the beach, going to the park, singing and dancing at VBS, etc. but sometimes I just like to be at home with my sweet family.  No agenda.  No plan.  Just us.  It was pure bliss!

The morning started with Zumba with my family.  However, on the way home Aunt Martha and I stopped and picked up biscuits at Bojangles which probably defeated the workout, but oh well!  LOL

After breakfast the girls and I piddled around the house while Mickey headed to the golf course to hit a few range balls with his new club that he got for Father’s Day. 

Late in the afternoon we headed to swim.  The pool is usually rockin’ on the 4th of July with lots of family and friends, but this year it was just the 4 of us.  Again, I love our family and friends, but I must admit it was very nice to have some quality time with our little family unit.  Mickey has been working crazy hours this summer so to have the entire day with him was just absolutely wonderful! 

Of course, we kept with our yearly tradition and went to Jahpa’s to shoot fireworks once the sun went down.  We had a lot of fun and the “show” went off without a hitch.  Some of our other neighbors were shooting fireworks too so that made the night even more exciting!  I took a delicious peanut butter pie that I have named my “Pinterest Pie” and after the fireworks we all enjoyed dessert before heading home.

The 4th of July has always been a special day because it represents not only freedom, but also family and friends, and this year was no different! 

Father’s Day 2012

Thanks to Pinterest and my own creativity Mickey received a basket full of his favorite things and a “gift certificate” to purchase a golf club he has been eyeing for quite a while now!

Mackaylan personalized a card with her own voice and Lydia signed it with a few lines here and there!  As you can see by the pics the card was a huge hit!

And, of course, I love this……… SiLlY ShOt!! 

Mickey is such a wonderful daddy to these 2 little girls!  He laughs.  He listens.  He plays.  He disciplines.  But most of all he LOVES!!!!  Happy Father’s Day, Mick!  I can’t imagine this journey of parenthood without you!!!

Great Wolf Lodge 2012

Monday morning we headed out for a mini-vacation to GWL!  We enjoyed our time away with my sister and her boys, my mom, and my cousin and her son.  We stayed for 2 nights so we were able to enjoy the waterpark to the fullest, and we also were able to take advantage of the local shopping and “Lady KK” was able to try her hand at MagicQuest.  We had a great time and are already looking forward to returning again soon!  

Peanut and Mac-a-doodle

Mom, Lydia, and Sissy headed to the FUN!

“The Aztec Princess” and “Lady KK”

Lydia was all smiles as long as she was near the action!

These 3 took a break from the fun to pose for a shot.

Lydia’s favorite spot was at the edge of the wave pool.

Mackaylan and Isaiah after the “Mat Race.”

Isaiah’s favorite= COFFEE

Lydia and Granny on the jet ski.

My little waterbug…

You know it’s going to be a fun day when it starts with a chocolate covered doughnut and a glass of cold milk!

Mackaylan and Lydia with Wiley

Granny and her girls

Mac sportin’ her feather:

The McCools (minus Uncle G)

Me and my girl!

Granny and the Grandkids

Me and my baby girl!

The kiddos with Peanut at the arcade.

Cheers! 

Mackaylan and I won the game.  Guess who got to keep the $5 prize?

Mackaylan on the carousel.

Lydia’s first time on the carousel. 

Mackaylan LOVED MagicQuest.

Until next time…..