Busy December

We had a busy weekend that kicked off on Friday afternoon with Parker's preschool Christmas performance.  He did such a great job singing, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas!"  I'm hoping someone was able to capture it on video that I can share later.

Saturday morning we headed out to the Lowman Home and visited with Great-Granddaddy for a few hours.  It was such a nice time!  Parker was a little scavenger and found several candy canes and mints that he kept putting in his mouth!

We went to our neighborhood's annual Harborside Lights with the Fox family on Saturday evening.  Parker was so excited about being able to see Santa Claus.  After we had been waiting for a few minutes, he was a little unsure about sitting on Santa's lap.  Once it was his turn, we all went up for a family photo and then Jon and I stepped back so we could have a picture of just Parker and Santa.  Parker told Santa what he wanted for Christmas (blue blocks, a scooter and a baseball bat) and then received a candy cane.  He was star-struck that he actually got to see Santa and keeps talking about going back to see him!  This age is so much fun!

Finally, after church yesterday we had our church Christmas pageant.  Parker's role was to be one of the barn animals - a horse.  He did a great job at the rehearsal, but by the time 6pm rolled around he was tired of sitting around.  Oh well, I guess he played the part of a horse perfectly by kicking his legs and crawling off stage!  After the performance he went shopping in the Elf Store with the youth group where he picked out a present for his mommy and daddy.  What a sweet boy!

Look at that smirk - you can tell he's up to something!

Aaargh! Beating the Pirates!

We made the trip to Charlotte this past weekend to watch the Gamecocks take on the East Carolina Pirates.  It was a hot day for tailgating, but we had fun!  Parker has said several times since Saturday, "Mommy, I like tailgating."  We're planning to take him to a few more Gamecock games this fall.

Before we left Charlotte on Sunday afternoon, we went with Granddaddy and Grandmomma to feed the ducks in their neighborhood.  It has become quite the tradition on Sunday afternoons when we are up there.

Farewell to Friends

We had a lazy weekend, which was just in order after our trip to New Jersey earlier in the week.   Friday night, we checked out the new Academy Sports that just opened in the town center.  I know where to shop for Jon's Christmas present now.  They have just about everything you could ever need!

Since we had cooler temperatures on Saturday, we took a picnic to Sesquicentennial State Park and let Parker run around for a while.

Saturday evening, we gathered together with good friends to say "bye" to the Lazinek family.  They are off to their next journey in life - Fort Riley, Kansas.  We are going to miss them so much!  We haven't known them long, but they have been true friends to us over the past year and a half and we have treasured getting to know them.  They are the type of friends that you feel like you have known forever.  There have been beach trips, mountain trips in 2010 and 2011, football games, holidays spent together and lots of laughter!  We wish you guys luck as you begin this new chapter in your lives.  We'll be planning a trip to see you soon!  And, as much as Jon and I will miss Dan and Jacki and the boys, my heart is sad that Parker won't be able to see his best bud Will quite as often.  They were like two peas in a pod and had so much fun together!  We'll be excited to send Will a letter once he is settled in his new house.

This sweet boy is one of the most fun little guys.  It has been fun to watch him grow.  When we first met the Lazinek family, he was still in his mommy's tummy!

We ended the weekend with the kick-off of Sunday School at church.  This was Parker's first time going to Sunday School.  He said he loved his teachers and made a few new friends.

Now - the countdown is on for Saturday when Gamecock football makes its debut!

Mother's Day 2011

Yesterday was a fun day! This year was definitely different than last year, when we went to the beach; or even 2009, when we stayed around Columbia for the weekend.  But, it was fun and I was able to spend time with my wonderful mother and celebrate one of the best things that ever happened to me - becoming a mom!  

My favorite part of yesterday was feeding the ducks with Parker.  Not only did we feed ducks, but we also fed Myrtle the Turtle, Lucy the Goosey and Swish the Giant Catfish!  It is so much fun to see how such a simple activity can create so much joy in such a little guy.

Somehow, we didn't manage to capture a picture of Parker and me, but we did catch a few with Granddaddy!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Black

Jay and Meredith were married this past weekend  and I had the honor of serving as a bridesmaid in their wedding.  Everything was beautiful and no detail went untouched.  Below are a few photos I snapped throughout the day.  

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Black!

Gone Golfin'