Edisto Beach

This year we attended our 4th trip to Edisto Beach with Jason's extended family. There were three houses between all of us; so a lot of people! We had a wonderful trip as always. The kids and I seem to enjoy it more every year. I've never been much of a beach bum but I'm getting better with practice : ) Here are some pictures from the first two days...

The Zoo!

Our neighbor gave Rachel a trip to the Atlanta Zoo for her birthday. What a fabulous present and gift to us all! Not only was the zoo fun but her girls were a huge help with my kids. One of the biggest reasons why we hadn't been to the ATL zoo yet. It can be difficult herding two little toddlers around, but with Anya and Allie the kids got to hold hands, take turns in the stroller, and walk around. Whew!




Here the kids got to brush the goats and sheep. They loved this hand-son activity and were very gentle. Later the next week we got to go to Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC and had a wonderful time there as well. Unfortunately I forgot my camera on this trip but the kids had an equally good time, ate there bagged lunches, and had a treat- ICECREAM! It was such a long and hot day that we all needed it before heading home. We hope to visit again in the fall when it will be much cooler.

Rachel's Birthday 2...

We have a lot more pictures from this special day but here are some favorites that show Rachel's blossoming personality. What a cutie pie she is!

Playing with some of her toys the day after.

Father and Son time

Josh and Daddy got to attend a Build and Grow free class at Lowe's back in June. It was a great outing for the two of them. Also, Josh went to his first movie "Toy Story 3" at the end of July with Daddy too! It was a celebration for being potty trained. Josh had a wonderful time. He also got spoiled and got to have popcorn, a hotdog, and fruit snacks. Apparently he ate it all by himself. I'm looking forward to when it comes out on DVD so we can all watch it again. Maybe we'll have popcorn too : )

Rachel at 2 years

Playing with Mommy's espresso cup and saucer.

Notice the pinkie placement : )

All smiles!

Her favorites pajamas mixed.

Having fun with our neighbor, Miss Anya.

It's amazing how time flies with little ones. We just celebrated Rachel's birthday last weekend. I will post her birthday party photos sometime this week, but these were just some cute ones I found on the camera. What a sweet little girl. Also, her check-up went well. She's 28 lbs. 68%, 34.8 inches 75%, and head is 18.8 inches 57%.

Last day of School (from May)

This past year Josh was in a 2 year old preschool class at McKendree United Methodist Church. He loved school and enjoyed all the activities that they did their. I decided to keep both kids at home with me next year and do some school at home. We'll see if we can do it! Here's some pictures from a picnic we had on his last day of school.

Enjoying their first ice popsicles!

Notice the matching band-aids? Rachel needed one because Josh had one. So funny!

New babies

Congratulations to Lucy Elaine Alphin born two and a half weeks ago and Eliza Abigail Long born one week ago. They are all doing well and we are excited to have some new babies to visit and love on.

Here are some photos from our last visit to Columbia to visit my cousin before she had her second daughter. Rachel and her cousin Julia had a great time playing together. They are both very girlie-girl. We enjoyed a wonderful brunch while their. Thanks for all the yummy and local food!


We also got to visit with Baby Brooklyn some. Rachel enjoyed helping me feed him : )