Vacation-Day 4 Myrtle Beach

 Day 4 of vacation...and I still have TWO sleepy heads!  Caroline has been playing hard and then sleeping hard!  Why do I still wake at 5:30 each morning while on vacation?!? So...I work on the blog while Matt and Caroline snooze.  We woke this morning, grabbed breakfast and then hit the Boardwalk and SkyWheel. 

Caroline noticed a mini amusement park after lunch so we loaded up for a ride on the cars.  What I thought was a slow steady ride ended up being a faster ride than I thought.  I was so glad Caroline was buckled in tight when we went over the speed-bump.  The speed-bump would get us each time!  We BOTH laughed so hard!

 The pictures below were taken on the SkyWheel above Myrtle Beach. 

 We came back to the hotel for a long nap and then ended the night with dinner at Planet Hollywood and a trip to Ripley's Aquarium. 

Vacation Day 3- Myrtle Beach

Get ready for picture overload! We had an amazing time today on the road and at Myrtle Beach.  We visited downtown Columbia before heading to our next destination. 

We walked past the Robert Mills Home, which is one of the five national historic homes of Columbia.  The Robert Mills Home exemplifies the skill of the first architect born and trained within the United States who designed some of the nation's most prominent buildings, including the Washington Monument.  Today, the structure stands as a testament of its designer's architectural ability.

We also visited the Hampton-Preston Mansion, which is also one of the five oldest remaining historic homes.  The mansion was home to many people over the past 150 years.  The mansion is known for the featured gardens and the variety of planting. 

We then walked a few blocks to the Woodrow Wilson Family Home.  Just take a look below at these two sweeties.

Woodrow Wilson Family Home- 28th President of the United States

This is not the best picture of the home, but the home is surrounded by large Magnolia trees.

We then loaded up and headed to THE BEACH.  Daddy and Caroline's favorite part of vacation!  We arrived at the beach early afternoon, grabbed a bite for lunch, and then hit the sand!  Caroline loved the water, sand, and had no fear!

So much family fun!

 Two peas in a pod

 After a little beach time we hit the hotel water park.  Caroline and Daddy were adventurous to say the least!

 Fun on the lazy river

 Now...Carefully check out these next few pictures.  Caroline saw the water slides from the moment we pulled in at the hotel.  Matt and I debated if we should let her go down one of the slides.  We finally decided that Matt would test out one of the slides.  He asked the attendant if Caroline could go down the slide with him.  Off they went up the flight of stairs....now remember this is not a small slide AT ALL.  I started saying a prayer (truly praying as they got to the front of the line). I kept thinking did I let my child make the right decision?  Then.....

They made it to the bottom!  And they came in HARD and with a BIG splash!  Caroline loved it...but did NOT want to go again! 

Vacation Day 2- New Albany to Columbia

 Photo taken in Birmingham

Today was the big day...I wondered how it would go...lots of traveling...8.5 hours of traveling...with a two year old!  Well, each time we have traveled with Caroline in the past she has been an angel and this time she proved to be a great traveler companion again!  Many ask each time we go on vacation if we are taking Caroline, and my response is yes.  She is great on the road!  She discovered something new yesterday; if we stop at a gas station she needs to purchase a juice with an animated top.  We have started a collection.  So far we have Strawberry Shortcake and Spider Man.  She cracks us up playing with them in the car.

We had a late breakfast (Matt and Caroline were such sleepy heads).  Then, we hit the road.  Two potty breaks later we found ourselves in downtown Birmingham.  Matt had found this great restaurant downtown called Zoe's.  After seeing that Zoe's was only open Monday through Friday we continued to walk downtown to the next restaurant that we found was only open during business days as well.  This happened over and over again until we finally found a downtown restaurant open for Saturday lunch.  We had lunch at the Loco/Greek restaurant and both enjoyed chicken bakes (baked potatoes topped with chicken...very different, but delicious). 

We then boarded and left Birmingham headed toward Columbia.  Caroline and I napped in the back seat.  When we woke we found ourselves near Augusta and had dinner at Fresh Market.  The seafood was great and the atmosphere was peaceful.  We drove past a portion of the golf course where the Masters takes place in Augusta.  Matt informed me that only four people from Arkansas have ever been privileged to play on the course.

Day 3- Beach....here we come!

Vacation-Day 1

We are on our way to South Carolina!  Raise your hand if you are ready to go on vacation!  We left this afternoon and headed toward New Albany. 

 We stopped to eat at the famous, Charles Vergos Rendezvous.  We watched the Man vs. Food episode on the restaurant this past week, so it was an experience to see the alley and restaurant in person. 

 We made it to New Albany at 7:55 this evening.  We will be leaving in the morning heading toward Columbia.  We will keep you posted!

Mother's Day

 It is such an honor that God chose me to be a mother.  A huge blessing.  I am so grateful.  Thank you Lord for Caroline!  Proverbs 31:29 reads, There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!

A Mother's Love

There are times when only a mother's love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappoints
And calm all of our fears. 

 

There are times when only a mother's love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we've dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real. 

There are times when only a mother's faith
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day. 

For a mother's heart and a mother's faith
And a mother's steadfast love
Were fashioned by the angels
And sent from God above.

--Author Unknown

 

Today was a special day for me as a mother, but also a special day for my mother.  My mother is a gift sent from God.  I love you Mom! (P.S. I think we may look alike in the picture below);)

 ...and just for one more sweet picture of my angel....so sad that she could not have any fruit chews before lunch today.  I am such a good mommy for not letting her eat junk.  HA!

Disney on Ice

 We loaded up and went to Disney on Ice last night and had a blast.  I enjoy every moment our family gets to spend together.  The show was great, but the highlight of the night was this toy that Matt bought for Caroline. 

Before we left the house Matt said we would need to stop by the ATM and get a little extra cash.  He said I heard at these type of events the workers just walk around and push toys in the kids faces and then the children want them and you have to buy them. Well...that did not happen...but Matt did take Caroline to a bathroom break and came back with a your typical light-up circular concert toy.  Caroline adores it!  Daddy is such a sucker for anything Caroline wants!  Caroline if you are reading this one day, just know anything you wished or asked for...your daddy gave!  We laughed because the entire way home she had it going on and off.  We thought the motor might burn, but looks like we might be taking it with us to South Carolina.  It also looks like we might be taking an early trip to Disney World!

Have a great day!  Caroline and I get to spend the day together with not a single thing on the agenda.  Love it!

A Little Pick Me Up...

Thanks to my Mom and Grandma, our family living room bench and couch pillows were given a makeover treatment and some attention.  I adore the living room bench, but it had lots of scars and memories and needed a little help.  I chose fabric and my Grandma and Mom completed a fresh look.  I wish I had before and after photos to share, but I forgot to take a before photo.  Thanks you two!

y