Jingle Bells

...and Merry Christmas to all.

Decorating the Tree

I always look forward to decorating the tree every year.  It is becoming more fun with the girls as they remember certain ornaments they like and want to place them on the tree.  When we travel or accomplish something, like graduation etc., we like to get an ornament to remember that event.  I love pulling them out every year and a flood of memories come back. One of the ornaments we added this year was our recent trip to South Carolina. The tree has became a wee bit 'lop-sided' from the large amount of decorations in one corner.  Obviously, some of the helpers could't reach too high but I liked it because it gave the tree character.  Oddly enough, some of the ornaments are now disappearing...I wonder how that happened?! Hmm. 

 And...of course, there were a few battles over who put what ornament on the tree.  I bet you can't guess who won?

South Carolina

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  There is so much we have to be grateful for this year.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it's nice to count your many blessings and be with family and friends.  This year was a little different from the past, but great in it's own way.  Brett's law case ended, so we took full advantage of a free long weekend and went on a road trip to South Carolina. We have always wanted to see more of the South.  The night before we left, Abby was so excited she couldn't sleep.  We even had a little visitor tapping on our head at 1:00am. She was very concerned that we had slept in and missed the time to leave.  It was like Christmas Eve for her and she couldn't wait to go.  On the way down Abby repeatedly stated, 'I can't wait to put my toes in the water Mommy.' I am starting to believe that half the fun of trips is the excitement that builds up to it.
 The girls slept for a good portion of the car-ride and we made it there in good time.  I was able to find an awesome deal on a small condo on Kiawah Island, just off the coast from Charleston.  It was a taste of paradise for our little family because we were able to put away the daily stress of life and just relax.  One of our favorite memories from the trip was the hours we spent riding bikes on the beach and the island trails.  Abby was a bit hesitant to ride on the back of Daddy's bike but quickly adjusted when she realized that a free ride along the beach isn't half bad.  Kate had no fear, but sure hated wearing her helmet.  (Don't worry, Mom won on that battle.)  On one of our rides, we ran into a little pack of dolphins and they came right up close to the shore.  The girls were beyond excited to see them and Kate kept yelling out, 'Look!  Waader fishy.' (Repeated over and over.)  She couldn't get enough of the 'water fishies' and was on the lookout for them the rest of the trip.  The girls also loved digging in the sand.  Abby would go and find sticks to write her name, words and letters all across the beach.   I think the girls favorite activity was running through the waves.  The temperature was just warm enough to wade and put our feet in the water.  Abby and Kate played in the water and sand for hours. You never would have thought that they had the flu just days prior to this, (which Brett and I had during the trip, but gratefully not bad enough to hold us back too much.)
On Thanksgiving Day we watched a beautiful sunrise and then headed to the local 'Turkey Trot.' It was fun to be a part of the community and Abby even jogged for part of it.  We were even able to see dolphins again on our run.  The rest of the day was spent biking and just enjoying the fact that we had nothing to do.  Brett even prepared an awesome feast for dinner that night, complete with turkey and sparkling cider.
The last day of the trip was spent in the charming city of Charleston.  The architecture in this city is amazing!  I couldn't get enough of all the homes and designs.  There were cobble stone streets and a nice bay area where you could walk and watch the sunset. We even tried a special treat of yummy Gelato as we walked online the board walk. Yum!  Fort Sumpter was also located near Charleston and we had a chance to ride a ferry there.  It was interesting to learn all about the beginnings of the Civil War.
We ended the trip with a carriage ride through the town and learned all about the history of Charleston and it's people.  It was really hard to leave that night, but as we drove home we both agreed that we hope to return someday.

The Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Morning...

The remains of Fort Sumpter

 



The girls at Fort Sumpter.

The streets of Charleston

Seagrass baskets are a staple of Charleston.

 Morris Lighthouse

There was a lizard that lived under the stairs at the condo that the girls loved. They would say 'hi' to him everyday and look for him when he was gone.

Rocking the swings near the bay.

Looking for seashells at low tide.

The view as we rode our bikes on the trails.

 

Thanksgiving Dinner.  Kate was not so sure about the Turkey.

There were awesome bridges.

We wanted to try some food staples of the South of Fried Green Tomatoes and Fried Pickles, but we weren't too impressed with the place we picked.

The fountains.  Brett fell is shortly after this. :)

Happy 2nd Birthday Kate!

This sweet little girl turned two years old today.  Happy Birthday Kate!

We sure love you.  Today we tried to get her to say how old she is and she would say, "I's two. Happy Day, Me." Oh, how I love her.  She melts my heart and gives me a good workout.  I know people always say this, but I really can't believe how fast she is growing up.  

For her birthday she wanted a play-date with her best friend Natalie.  She asks for 'Nalee'. We had a very simple 'Tea Party,' two year old style, on Friday while Abby was in preschool.  Natalie and Kate are darling together, it's so fun to watch them grow up.  

Making a wish...

Best Buddies. As you can see from the look on her face, she adores Natalie.

A little piece of the 'tea party'. 

This picture shows a taste of your personality for sure...

Birthday Letter.

Dear Kate,

What a year it has been! You started it off wobbly walking through the house, to running at full speed.  Now I honestly can't keep up with you.  I have to be quick on my toes before you escape and get into too much mischief.  With that speed, you love to explore and aren't happy if I ever have to interrupt your explorations. I am glad you love to learn. 

You have such a big heart and make a good effort to give lots of hugs and kisses without hesitation.  Your smile is contagious and you know how to use that to your benefit when you're in trouble.  Along with your smile, you have gained fame for what many know as 'the Pops Face.' You were deemed that name because it looks very similar to how Pops (my dad) smiles.  You proudly sport this expression for crowds large and small as you milk the attention for all it's worth. You are full of personality. 

Throughout this year you have also gained several nicknames, anywhere from 'Kate-Kate' (which Abby gave you), to 'Hunny Badger.' Uncle Dave gave you the name 'Hunny Badger' because you will do anything for food, especially Goldfish Crackers and ice cream.  In fact, the other day when we were at the grocery store buying a few things, you made sure that we left with ice cream and goldfish for your birthday. You were thrilled when I even let you eat some of your Goldfish for breakfast on your big day.

Baby dolls are definitely your thing and you will carry them around the house rocking them and saying, 'Shhh, shhh, shhh...nite nite baby'.   I will often go to our shower to find mounds of blankets you and Abby have gathered where your dolls are buried underneath to 'sleep.'

It's so fun to have you in our family!  One of my favorite things is to kiss your little nose and get a big hug and wet kiss from you in return.  We love you more than words can say.  I hope you had a Happy Birthday, or in your words, "Happy Day, Me!"  

xoxo

Love,

Dad and Mom