Friends, Family and Play

These words are really the best way to describe our past few weeks. As you can see below, we've had lots of it all!

Now that the playroom is all finished, we are able to have some fun playdates here! Our little friends Reese, Hadley and Carson (girl Carson as we call her when the Carsons are together) came over to play with Alden and Boy Carson. They had a blast.
Hadley and girl Carson were entranced by Alden's hair - luckily he REALLY enjoyed the attention :)

I snapped this shot the other day when I walked back in the playroom and saw that Carson had gone through some of the bins and found the diaper trash bags and unraveled them all :) Took me FOREVER to re-roll them but how could I be upset - he was so proud of his treasure!

This week, one day Mom and I went down to The River to visit with Grandmommy and Granddaddy. What wonderful memories we are creating for the boys - getting to spend time with their Great Grandparents.

When we arrived, we loaded up with sunscreen and played in the shade of the porch for a little while first - they love their Gmom and Gdad!!!

Then, we hit the "Beach" - they have created a wonderful beach in their yard - right on the River - and all of the grand kids love it!

Carson found two shovels and enjoyed carrying around his treasures. He always has to have two of everything - one for each hand! And, yes, I said Carrying - he is WALKING!!! Such a busy boy :)

Alden was so happy to hit the sand and surf. This child LOVES water and was so happy to be sitting on the beach with his feet in the water. This week, he has started standing alone and trying to take a few steps as well - pretty soon they are going to be RUNNING in DIFFERENT directions!! Oh my!

Alden spending some time with Gmom and Gdad while he played in the sand.

Carson and Granddaddy playing with the toys on the beach.

I am usually NEVER the one to go in the water, but the temperature was perfect and I couldn't resist some swim time with Alden and Carson.

Carson is giggling up a storm as I'm throwing him up in the air!

Alden and me as we are goofing around in the water :)

After the beach, the boys played in the baby pool while we had a picnic lunch on the porch - delicious chicken salad prepared by Grandmommy!

After the time on the beach and swimming, I assumed they'd be exhausted. But, they had so much fun playing in and around the pool.

Carson found that the mesh toy bag was the most fun to play with!

Alden liked to climb in and out of the pool (and in and out.....and in and out) - I was quite surprised he liked to crawl in the grass!

And, of course, playtime together - they are such great buddies!

Friday, Kate came to visit!!! I can't think when she was here last, but it had been quite a while since she had seen the boys. They had just gotten up from their nap in this pic - excuse the pacis :(

More pics to come soon of our trip to North Carolina back in August :)

Carolina on my Mind........

North Carolina is a very special place for David and me. We used to travel up there about every 2 months while we were dating and got engaged there too. We had not been there since Christmas of 2008, however, and were so excited to spend Labor Day there.

Grandma Kathy and I drove up on the Tuesday before Labor Day and were there for a week; the guys joined us for the long weekend. Although Kathy has more pictures on her camera, here are a few snapshots from our fabulous and COOL week in NC.

Carson and Alden are the best travelers! They did great on the way there and the way home - we left around 5am each time (which wasn't so fun for the adults) but it allowed us to make only 2 stops to arrive at our destination - WELL worth it!

Kathy and I hung out with the babies on Wednesday and Thursday, and then the men arrived that night. Friday, Kathy took me to the Old Edwards Inn Spa - Oh MY!!! Although I have been in the past, the pampering was amazing and I REALLY needed it :) The spa is actually currently rated the Number 1 Spa in North America by Conde Nast!!! Whew - did I feel like a princess. Thank you Bob and Kathy for this special treat!!!

Each afternoon, we would spend some time strolling through Skywater....Alden just cruising in his stroller.

Carson enjoying his time strolling too!

Grandma Kathy and the boys

On Thursday, Kathy and I decided to be adventurous and take the boys hiking on the mountain. We loaded up the boys in their packs and set out. Whew!!! Were we tired, but it was a fun day and we were proud of ourselves too!

Alden and I hiking along :)

Carson and Grandma Kathy enjoying their hike :)

Our family at Skywater.