Recent Happenings

This year we were thrilled to attend the Charleston St. Patrick's Day Parade.  It's hard to believe the last one was in 2019, before MB was even born.  We are just so grateful for the return of these traditions!

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This little stinker was unimpressed with her Saturday breakfast, but I'm posting this as a PSA that Wendy's breakfast biscuits are currently $1 each!  They ran this promotion back in December and I treated all of the girls' preschool teachers to a midweek breakfast.  I think it's a great opportunity to bring a "Thank You" treat to someone at a low cost.

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Last week we visited Shuler Farms to go strawberry picking.  This is the same farm where we picked peaches last summer. 

We missed the turn and discovered this old-timey row of cabins.  Initially it looked like some sort of migrant farm worker station, but I looked into and it turns out it's a historical Methodist Tent Revival site, called Cypress Campground.  Interesting!

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Just a few recent finds...

I don't know if it's just in my head or not, but I've really enjoyed using this sleep bath for the girls lately.  It smells so relaxing and they've *knock on wood* been sleeping well in their bunk bed.

I'm always looking to add to my list of frozen meal options, and this one is great for a date night at home.  Over a salad or angel hair, it definitely doesn't taste like it came out of a box.

This is a great Capri Blu "Volcano" knock off that you can find at Walmart.  You know I'm always looking for a deal!

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Ok, I'm off the grab the kids. 

xLaura

Party of 5

Nielson, Party of 5! 

We are so excited to announce that we will be adding a third little one to our circus family this summer!  So much to share...I am currently 20 weeks along, halfway there!  It's so awesome to *finally* be feeling like myself again.   Here is my first "Pregnancy Journal" for Baby Number 3!

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Symptoms: 

Nausea/Food Aversions

In both of my previous pregnancies this has kicked in around 6 weeks.  This go around, I was feeling great at 6 weeks and thought I might be spared from my terrible morning sickness, but it came rushing in at 7 weeks and stuck around right up to week 18.  I'm still neutral regarding what I eat, but I'm not struggling constantly any more.  Thank goodness.

Exhaustion

I can't even explain...I yawn constantly, lay down any chance I get.  Just so tired .  But I charge through each day and 6 pm feels like a victory.  I've truly been in survival mode these past few months.

Pregnancy Blues

It's no secret that pregnancy, specifically the first half, is hard on the body.  And it's also hard on me mentally.  My heart really goes out to those suffering with chronic illness because, not only is it physically difficult, it's downright depressing.  It's sad to not want to eat, to not want to go anywhere or do anything...to not feel up to social interaction.   I have felt absolutely in over my head the past few months and it's only been the last 2 weeks that I've cracked the surface.   

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Anticipation:

Because of my "advanced maternal age" I get to have a second anatomy scan next week, which is exciting.  Oh!  I almost forgot to mention that this baby is going to be a surprise (boy or girl)!

Gosh It feels so good to be excited about things again!  We are taking family pictures this weekend- hopefully we will have beautiful weather.  K and I are having a mini staycation soon, and EB is performing in Alice in Wonderland at the end of May.  It's shaping up to be a great Spring season.

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Other:

I don't feel like we have a whole lot of baby preparation this go around...We already have everything we need, so maybe just diapers and wipes. We decided to go ahead and get a bunk bed for the girls.  They are doing SO well with the transition, just minor bedtime drama.  It is such a relief to have them settled together and know that the nursery will be ready for the new addition.

We opted for one with stairs (that double as storage!) and they love it.  They currently both sleep on the bottom so the top is a sort of fort/play space.

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Such an exciting and busy time!  I'll share more soon.

xLaura

Kids Eat Free in Charleston, SC

 

For the longest time, Chic Fil A has been my go-to if I'm taking the girls out to dinner during the week.  I realized that we are spending upwards of $30 for our family of four to eat fast food, and so I started seeking out some local "Kids Nights" around town.  These are great because, not only are we saving money, but there is typically some sort of special activity that makes it fun for the little ones!  (Face Painting at East Bay Deli, seen above)

So, I've started a running list of places that I've seen offer Kids Eat Free nights in the Charleston area.  These are mostly West Ashley/James Island as that's my part of town, but most offer multiple locations. 

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MONDAY:

Andolini's Pizza:  Old School Charleston fave!  On my sixteenth birthday we had a limo take me and my friends down to Andolini's on Wentworth and it was so fun.  We felt so cool being out "downtown". Anyway, now you can get a 99 cent kids meal on Mondays at their Sam Ritt spot.

Five Loaves: We mostly love their brunch, but I've never had a bad meal.

Gilligans: I can't personally recommend Gilligans but it has been around a long time, and anywhere with hushpuppies is A+ for me.

TUESDAY:

Barberitos:  My kids can down some queso, so this is a great go-to for us.

Garage 75:  While we haven't eaten here yet, this place has arcade games so I don't know what we're waiting for.

WEDNESDAY:

Melvins BBQ:  I go for the onion rings.

Juanita Greenburg's: This was our regular lunch spot when we had a Children's Museum membership, love the back deck.

THURSDAY:

East Bay Deli: This is my kids favorite *bc the kids meal comes with an oreo*

Ellis Creek Fish Camp: Only complaint I have is the parking. 

FRIDAY:

SATURDAY:

Mellow Mushroom:  On the 3rd Saturday of the month, Avondale Mellow plays a kids movie on the big screen and features a special guest.  Kids meals are $5

SUNDAY:

Moes: I feel like I can always be in the mood for Moe's. Yum.  *Check with your local Moe's regarding their kids night...West Ashley is no longer offering :(

Riverdogs:  During the Riverdog's season, which starts soon, kids get a free hotdog dinner on Sunday afternoon games.

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I will try to update this list if I find any more.

Do you have any to add?

Thanks!

xL