Birthday and Back to School

Our baby boy turned TWO last Monday, August 12th.  He is so handsome, smart, funny, and sweet. 

 He's a wild man, running at full speed, sweat clinging his golden curls.

He's a boy digging in the dirt, singing his ABC's, and counting his rocks and sticks.

He's chasing balls, announcing any plane or boat in sight, leaving messes in his every wake.

He's a brother tucked between two sisters, trying to pop their bead bracelets and spill their glitter and glue.

He's chaos and joy and I truly can't imagine a world without him, surely it would be quite the boring place.

Oh, motherhood, what a trip.  Always in so many places at once.  Always trying to hold on, to let go, to get a grip.  I'm feeling like the answer, or I suppose lack of one, is to just surrender to the ride.  To do your best with the good and the hard, and to know that you just can't figure it all out.  

Oh, I always get sentimental around new beginnings...

So!

This is our first official week with the girls back to school.  Kindergarten and Second Grade, let's go!

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I'm going to have more time to write this year when J starts school in the 2's after Labor Day.

I can't even fathom the thought!!!

Have a great week,

Laura

Farewell Summer, from the Lake.

 We have had a really great Summer this year.  In fact, up until this past week I wasn't quite ready for it to end!  Hurricane Debbie kept us cooped up inside for 3 days and I can officially say I'm very excited for school to start.  Before kids, hurricane days (mild threats) meant pizza and a Lord of the Rings marathon.  Nowadays, it's 2 bickering sisters and a 2 year old boy running around us in circles.  Big difference.  Though I am so grateful it was a mild storm and we did not lose power.

Backing up to happier times, we spent last weekend on Lake Hartwell which was this perfect Summer send-off.

Pontoon girlies.

We loved cruising the lake and exploring some islands.  Can't wait until they are old enough for some water sports.

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Took the kids to see the waterfalls at Chau Ram Park, which was an easy activity with our age range.  The "hike" to the waterfall was so short and there were natural swimming pools all around.

And to wrap up a great trip, upon exiting I26 at Columbiana Mall, I realized we could stop at Fazoli's for lunch.  Oh my gosh, the memories, the breadsticks.  It was so good!

I miss it so much I might have just googled Fazolis Franchise info ;)

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Speaking of food...I've got some good meals on deck for this weekend:

Lowcountry Boil and Rodney Scott BBQ.

We're ready to savor the last few Summer days...

Friday Highfive

 Super quick highfive coming at ya today!

TGIF!

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{1}

Baby J had his first overnight at my parents' this past weekend.  And the girls were with Oma and Opa...so we got a date night AND a lazy morning.  Woo Woooo!!!

We had the best time at Hometeam and then a pit stop by Genes before heading to an empty house!

 

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{2}

Peach picking at Shuler Farms.  We discovered this place a few years ago and have loved picking peaches for homemade ice cream on the Fourth of July!

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{3}

Red, white, and blue crew!

We had hotdogs, bbq chips, watermelon, and the most delicious homemade ice cream.  We finished the day off at my in laws' pool.

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Speaking of the pool, we had a fun playdate where my friend took this precious picture of me and my baby boy!  It captures his Summer energy perfectly...life is good.

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{5}

I had a girls night over at the new Santi's last week.  I'd love to know who designed this place because it is very eclectic and visually exciting.  The taco salad and margs were great, too.

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Have a great weekend!

xLaura