Until Next Time, South Carolina...

On Sunday morning, our last morning in Surfside, we got up at normal time... around 7 am... maybe a few minutes after. Ella was clearly already up because she is up and at 'em as soon as she hears anything. Ella and Kate were going to be venturing up to York, PA to see Kate's grandma and to help her out for a few weeks. They had a very long drive and a very long day ahead of them.

 

Charlotte was getting so sad to see her friend go.

(In fact, on Monday morning she woke up and asked for Ella. "Momma, where is Ew-wa?")

Ella got her and bath and her undergarments :)

Playing just a few more minutes before it is time for her to pack up and leave.

It tugs at your heart strings a bit knowing it will be a year or more before we see her again...and she will be so different.

Uncle Alex was sad to see her leaving. He helped get her ready to go.

He just loves her so much.

We had breakfast and Kate and Ella got on the road to PA. We all hung out and started getting the house cleaned up/packed up. Man, packing 3 checked bags and 5 carry ons and 2 carseat bags in a way that makes it so they aren't overweight and everything is carry-able proved to be quite difficult. But I got it done!!!!

 

Aunt Amelia called around 11 asking if she could come by and see us before she headed back to Columbia to see her boyfriend. She came over while we got the kids bathed and ready for naps. She played with crazy girl in the bath tub... Sawyer who was SUPER tired wouldn't stay in the bath without me in there so he didn't get a very long bath.

Both kids got dressed and were ready to go to sleep. Aunt Amelia got a few last minute snuggles and then she headed on her way home. Alex had her tell Grandma and Grandpa and Mimi that the kids would be over to visit for a bit after their naps.

We got both kids put to sleep and the crazy cleaning began. I did about 10 loads of laundry that day. Adam and Alex got the oyster stuff cleaned up, helped clean, helped pack, and then they took the kids over to Mimi's house a little after 2 so that they could see everyone else before our flight.

Adrienne and I finished getting packed, cleaning, and getting ready, and then I headed over to Mimi's house for goodbyes as well.

 

 

Doesn't he just steal your heart??

Goofy, pretty girl.

 

Can you tell these two are related???

She was saying "CHEESE"

At 4 pm, it was time to head to the beach house so we could load up and head to the airport.

Goodbye hugs for Grandma Jackson.

 

Goodbye hugs for Grandpa Jackson

At the beach house we took one more wipe over everything and loaded up our ton of crap. Adrienne drove the kids and I and Adam and Alex rode together to the airport.

 

Charlotte was getting anxious for the flight...hence the paci.

Saying goodbye to Aunt Adrienne.

Sawyer saying "goodbye' to Uncle Adam.

Our three checked bags, our two carseats, and our one carry on rolling suit case. We also had 2 strollers, 2 book bags, and 2 duffle bags.

We got all checked in and through security. It was SO NICE not being at a busy airport. The workers were so nice and patient, the kids got to run around, and it felt fairly clean.

 

It was so clean that Sawyer mistook it for someone's house and rolled around on the floor.

Naturally.

Yep, my kids were those kids.

Our first flight was on time. Our second was an hour and a half late leaving. We were planning to be home around 10 but didn't get home until right around 12 pm. we were tired. SO SO SO tired.

 

Here is what my living room looked like for the next 2 days. And to be honest, I just didn't care. I even had people step foot in my house and I left it like that.

 

We really did have a great trip. It was awesome having a beach house for us. We didn't feel like we were in anyone's way and we could just kind of take over the place. We loved being close to the beach but close to family. We tried so hard to have the kids see Grandma and Grandpa as much as possible but sometimes the schedules were conflicting with our kids being early risers and early nappers. Most days they didn't get to see them until after 2. But we tried our best to fit in everything we wanted to fit in (Alex got to fish, do his oysters, go to the beach, hang with Adam and I wanted to do my 5K and see some of my friends on Saturday.) We had such a great time sharing the house with Adam and Adrienne. They took care of us...seriously they did so much for us. We loved that Kate and Ella could spend so much time with us. It is super stressful travelling with both kids. Trying to remember everything and all of the money that goes into all of it can really make your head spin but it is all worth it in the end.

 

Thank you everyone who participated in a trip!!!

 

You are amazing.

 

 

On Our Way to South Carolina...

I am getting this blog restarted....after taking a bit of time off due to the holidays and technical difficulties... 

 

Here is our trip to South Carolina...

 

 

On Wednesday, November 20, we got up early and got ready to go to the airport. Mom and Dad watched the kids for us over night so we could get a good night's sleep before our long day of travelling. They also wanted to spend time with the kids before we left to go on a trip. I was able to finish packing, cleaning, and feel completely organized before going to bed on Tueday night. Wednesday morning, Alex and I picked up the kids from Gigi and Papa's house around 9:30 and headed to the airport. As we pulled up to the airport, we got a phone call that our flight was being delayed from 11:20 to 12:30 which meant that we would be missing our connection. Perfect :)

 

So we got our three large checked bags, 2 carseats in bags, 5 carry ons, and 2 strollers unloaded from the Tahoe and I parked it while Alex got the bags organized. We then got all checked in.

 

 

They had to change our second flight which made it so we would have more time on our layover in Atlanta. We were getting into Surside 2 and half hours later than originally planned....but that's ok. We let Adam and Adrienne know and we were all good :) We got a snack at the crappy little restaurant (no offense airport) and then headed to the gate. It's so nice travelling from a small airport. The kids ran wild. Old ladies loved watching them. Finally our plane arrived.

 

Charlotte was a bit uneasy.... 

Our chariot awaits!

Sawyer was intrigued with all of the trucks, tractors, and planes.

He was so excited!!

Travelling with kids, you get to board early so we got onto the plane and got settled. Charlotte was so excited to have her own seat and to be sitting by the window. We actually had our own row so Alex and Charlotte had one side of the aisle and Sawyer and I had the other.

She LOVED it.

Sawyer was in awww of everything going on outside the window.

Sawyer fell asleep right before take off and he slept the entire flight.

 

 

 

Charlotte was awake until we reached our flying altitude then all of the coolness wore off and she went to sleep until the end of the flight.

 

 

Both kids were complimented on being such good babes the entire flight. Alex and I both ordered alcoholic beverages.... We thought it was only fitting since this was our only vacation of the year.

 

 

We landed in Atlanta and had plenty of time for diaper changes, time to get snacks, and time for more diaper changes. (Sawyer peed through. Naturally. He does that. A lot.) We ate some pizza. The kids were pretty restless and Atlanta was NUTS. Seriously it was packed. I hate taking the kids to packed places like that. Ugh. But we boarded the plane and got settled. This flight was less enjoyable. Charlotte and I saw together this time and Sawyer sat with Alex. Kind of. We switched off and on. They were all over the place but it was a shorter flight. We were crazy relieved when the wheels hit the ground.

 

 

Adam and Adrienne picked us (and the small apartment worth of belongings we brought with us) and took us to Mimi's house. It was SO GOOD to see them. We hadn't seen them, or Mimi, since June. The kids and I rode with Adrienne in Mimi's car and Alex rode with Adam in his big 'ole truck. When we got to Mimi's, like always, she had food read for us to eat. We all ate quickly (it was almost 7 pm by the time we got done). I knew we were on borrowed time with the kiddos so Adrienne and I ran to Walmart to get the essentials...Milk, bottled water, detergent, food, snacks, breakfast stuff, etc. As we were leaving to head to Walmart for our quick run, Grandma and Grandpa Jackson arrived. The kids were able to spend time with them for awhile before bedtime. Adrienne and I shopped and went back to the beach house we were staying in with them so we could get settled. Alex's Uncle Keith has a beach house in the same community as Mimi so we stayed at his place with Adrienne and Adam and their pups. It was PERFECT. They had the beds made for us and everything ready.

 

Once the beach house was settled, Adrienne and I headed back over to Mimi's house. Alex said it was time to get the kids settled in for bed. Sawyer had fallen asleep on Alex's lap. Alex handed him off to Grandma Jackson for the rest of this sleeping. Poor boy peed through onto Grandma...like I said, he always does that.

 

Naturally when we got back to the beach house, both kids got bursts of energy. They LOVED meeting the dogs and playing with them.

 

Within minutes, Charlotte was curled up with Aunt Adrienne and Baxter. She was in love.

 

 

Once we got the kids to bed, Alex, Adam, Adrienne, and I stayed up late talking and catching up. It was so good to be reunited with them :)

 

 

Here's to five days of SC fun!!!

The Weather Outside Is Frightful

We had our first BIG snow storm/winter weather conditions since we moved to Illinois. The news stations had been warning us how crazy the weather was going to get. We woke up early on Thursday morning at Grandma Ann's house.

Charlotte felt that she needed to wear her glasses (well, Grandma Ann's computer room reading glasses.)

We went up to see Ryan at his bakery... Caketastic, LLC. He had just burnt his hand on a cheesecake that sadly ended up on the floor but we were so happy that we could be there to help him clean it up. Charlotte made herself at home and started eating a cupcake :)

The bakery looks beautiful!!

We stopped by the grocery store and got all of our odds and ends that we might need.

We headed home to Grandma's house and waited for the snow. It started around 11 am. Charlotte was excited to see the big snow flakes starting to fall. Katie and Melissa came out to spend the day with us bc their school was cancelled.

They were admiring the beautiful snowflakes...and the cats.

Such a sweet boy...

The big snowflakes were really starting to fall.

A few hours later...

...you can't even see the barn and I was standing in the same spot as two pictures ago.

Charlotte enjoyed some snow in a cup. How excited does she look???

"Snow"

We had our doubts but the weather dudes were pretty right on. No going home for us today!!!

Katie and I went out and shoveled some snow. Then we realized a bunch of ice was supposed to be coming so I covered the driveway back up so that it would be easy to scoop the ice up the next day.

We had a great day of hot chocolate, good food, lots of family, lots of snow, lots of movies... it was a great snow day :)

The Last Leg Of The Trip

On Saturday morning, we were happy to not have to wake up really early to get somewhere. Friday had been a big day of travel and Momma had gone out with friends. I was NOT hungover though...just tired. (Thankfully.)

Saturday, January 12, 2013, was our day to spend enjoying the BEAUTIFUL city we had had to leave 8 months prior. We started out with lunch at California Dreaming. Two beautiful ladies joined us... Jules (Aunt Juju) our realtor and my fabulous friend, Lindsey.

Aunt Juju came with birthday gifts for the crazy girl!!!

This doll was HILARIOUS...and annoying if Charlotte was allowed to play with it too much. It was the perfect gift!! I mean, the smile says it all!!! She LOVED it!!!

She just kept laughing when she would push one of the buttons that made it talk.

She LOVED it. Now, Charlotte did not wear this same smile the entire meal. She was tired, crabby, and did not like too many people. Although she did sit on Lindsey and Julie's laps at one point. She just was in a mood.

It was so fabulous to see these two ladies. Charlotte loved the attention (shocking, I know.) Sawyer loved the snuggles. It was a delicious meal.

(As I write this, Charlotte keeps saying, "Hey Juju!!!")

Blue eyed babes

Thank you, Linds and Jules for meeting us. Miss you both more than you know!!!

Jules, thank you for all that you do for us. We would be lost in this world without you. The kids are so lucky to have an Aunt Juju :) and we are so lucky to have you guiding us through this crazy process. We love you dearly.

After lunch, we headed across the bridge into Charleston. You know, I love that city. I miss it so much. It's amazing. It's gorgeous. I felt like I had never left. I was just in awe as I was driving down all of the old streets with the windows down (and Charlotte crying.)

We went to The Market first...Mom wanted to get some good stuff there.

Oh, sweetgrass baskets, I wish I could afford you :)

Grandma Ann, here is your pottery lady. 

We walked the entire Market and we got some delicious ice cream to share. We then walked down to Waterfront Park. Sawyer was hanging out in the Baby Bjorn and he fell asleep. I started talking and moving him and he woke up right as mom took this picture. He was literally sleeping just like this.

Charleston Harbor.

If it had been a warmer day and if I had had room for our double stroller, we would have walked that bridge. LOVE THAT BRIDGE.

Finally able to take a bit of a nap.

The firemen were out on their boat. Charlotte was hysterical watching them. She was a bit of a creep about it :)

This, right here, tells what her mood was all day. SASSY.

Our little man woke up and was LOVING being outside.

"Hey Mom!!"

Sawyer sat with Gigi and played while Charlotte and I ran around.

And run she did!!!! ("Momma! I runs!!")

Beautiful. Love. This. Place.

We had to hang out at the fountain a bit. She couldn't understand why I would let her run through it like some of the other dirty little kids. I was just like, "Um, no. We aren't going to do that today."  Here she was watching a little boy run around the fountain. She ended up finding a friend in a little girl. They held hands for a few minutes and Charlotte tried to drag her into the fountain. I apologized to the parents. I was like, "Sorry. She comes on a little strong."

Love this one. Running to Gigi.

And here was the final thing we saw as we got into our car to head to North Charleston.

I mean, really lady??? I guess I just wish I had her confidence. I mean, I haven't worn shorts that short since I was Charlotte's age. My swimming suit bottoms aren't even that short.

After we got into the car, we headed to North Charleston to see the Wittner's BEAUTIFUL home. Nicole and Josh bought an amazing home in Wescott Plantation in August and we needed to make sure we saw it before we headed back to Georgia. Nicole's grandmother had passed away earlier in the week so this was the only time I was able to see her. Charlotte LOVED their house...and the little boy they were babysitting. She went nuts bc she had a "friend" at their house AND a "dog dog". 

Afterwards we were exhausted so we grabbed dinner and headed back to the hotel to eat it and go to bed early. We were all crabby and tired.

Charleston was amazing.Our time there always goes way too fast. We got up at 5 am so we could leave the hotel by 6:15 am. We stopped by Kmart in West Columbia to see Grandpa Jackson. He had to work that day so we made the time to stop and see him for a few minutes. We then headed to Irmo/Columbia to have breakfast. Aunt Amelia came to Cracker Barrel to meet us bright and early for breakfast. She was the only other family member that was able to see us on Sunday morning. We had to get mom back to Atlanta in time for her afternoon flight. We were able to leave Columbia right at 10 am and we were in Atlanta in time to let the kids out of their seats, get a quick bite to eat, and put mom on her flight to St. Louis.

It was bittersweet saying goodbye at the airport. This was our last time having to do the airport goodbye with mom. This was our last time of having to say goodbye for such a long period of time to mom. However, at the end of the day, especially after such a great long five days together, mom was still a bit tearful. Goodbyes are never easy :)

We headed back to Columbus and got back to our normal. The kids got to see Alex for the first time in a week. We ate dinner and just hung out for the rest of the night. Perfection.

What a great week...