Pappy Visits Charleston

Just a few days after we returned to Charleston, Pappy flew down and joined us for a long weekend.  Pappy had been dying to see Boone Hall Plantation, just a few minutes from our house.  When looking up information he discovered that the plantation was hosting a Scottish Festival the same weekend he was visiting.  He was thrilled!

Colin, our little Scottish man.

So tough

Pappy ready to take part in some Scottish Games.

Colin a little overwhelmed by it all.  He actually appeared to be scared of the "castle."

Enjoying a snack while listening to some Scottish tunes.

A photography company was walking around taking photos that you could find later on Facebook.  I love this shot they got!  (Pappy had taken Colin to listen to the music for a few minutes while Mommy relaxed under a tree.  It was glorious!)

Pappy, why do you have grass in your mouth?

It was a great day.  In addition to listening to some great music and watching the games, we learned a little family history. We learned about the Welsh background of the Owens Family and how the Goodwillie family eventually settled in Scottland.  We went back to the plantation a couple of days later to actually explore the house and grounds.

We couldn't have Pappy visit without taking advantage of his handy-man skills.  He graciously set up a playhouse for Colin in the backyard.

So excited while waiting for his house to be built.

Watching Pappy get started.

Finished just before the sun went down.  Notice Pappy's outfit change...the bugs were TERRIBLE.  You can't survive outside during buggy months without long sleeves and pants.  Can't wait for cooler weather to kill them all.

Testing out the doorbell. I think he's going to have a lot of fun over the years in his house.

Pappy also took the time to read Colin his bedtime story.  Colin and I have had a Reading Promise going on the past two months where he listens to at least one story per evening from a family member.  I have audio of Aunt Jen, Aunt Veronica, Nana, Grandpa, and of course Daddy!  Thanks to Pappy, I now have a video of him reading to Colin.  We also have a recorded book from Daddy but right now Colin just likes to press the buttons the whole time which stops Daddy from talking.  We are hoping to get lots more audio and video over the next couple of months.  Eventually Colin will be able to look through the books on his own during the day with the audio.  It's such a nice way of including our family into our daily life. 

 

Thanks Pappy for visiting and taking care of us!

Best Friends & The Maryland Zoo

Let me begin this post by saying, I miss my high school friends like crazy.  They are the best friends anyone could ever ask for and I'm so lucky to have them.  Words can not even express how much they mean to me.  It's so nice to be with people who just get you.  Over Labor Day weekend, I snuck away for an evening to celebrate Casey's Bachelorette Party.  The following weekend we all got back together for the big day. 

My beautiful friends at Casey's wedding.

Tess & Katie

The gorgeous Bride and Groom.

Baby Goodwillie #2 meeting Baby Jopson #3 for the first time.

And a little shot of me with my best guy friend.

A few days before the wedding, Colin and I met Katie and Christina for a fun filled day at The Maryland Zoo. 

The whole gang ready to go.  (Can you tell it was humid?)

"Yay! I'm so excited to be at the zoo!"

Katie's niece Izzi full of smiles!

As soon as we got into the park they were starting an encounter experience with a penguin.  This face on Colin was seen throughout the day followed by lots of oooohhhs and aaahhhs.

Sleepy leopard

Watching the giraffe chow down.

"This is so cool, Mom!"

Rawwrrr!

Our little lions

The real lion :)

Checking out the fish

"Check me out mom, I'm so big!"

Total excitement over the chimps.

"ohhhhhhh"

It was HOT!  Colin made sure to keep hydrated.

Riding the cheetah on the carousel.

Our poor little man spent most of the ride like this.  I guess it can be pretty scary for a little guy!

Luke checking out the cheetah

Luke & Eli - cutest boys ever! (and the most well behaved.)

Colin loved looking at all of the farm animals.  He is very into Old McDonald and the animals on his farm.

Eli petting the goat.

Izzi not so sure about touching the goat.

Eli brushing the goat.

Luke brushing the goat.

What a massive animal!

Looking up at the gigantic polar bear.

I just couldn't leave this one out.

Our sweet, sweet boy still smiling after a long day at the zoo.

It was great to be able to spend the day with such wonderful friends.  Looking forward to doing the aquarium together sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Labor Day Weekend with Daddy

The highlight of our trip to Pennsylvania this time was spending Labor Day Weekend with Daddy.  He was able to come over from New Jersey on Friday afternoon and arrived during Colin's nap. This was fun because he was able to surprise him as soon as he woke up.  Colin was overjoyed to be back in Daddy's arms! 

This boy LOVES his Daddy.  He would not stop cuddling him and putting his head on his shoulder.  This is not normal behavior for Colin.  He definitely missed his Dad.

As we walked down stairs and onto the couch he continued to cuddle.

He just couldn't get enough of his Dad.  Daddy was pretty happy himself.

"Yay! It's my Daddy."

"I'm so happy you're here! I love you Dad!"

They eventually stopped cuddling and we made our way up to Nana and Grandpa's house where we spent the rest of the weekend.  Colin made sure to get some more cuddles throughout the weekend.  Can't forget Lilly...she missed Daddy too!

We spent the weekend sharing in lots of yummy food made by Nana and made an afternoon trip to the lake. 

Colin making smiles at Daddy on the way.

"Go VT!"

Proof that we really were with Nana and Grandpa. Somehow this is the only shot I got all weekend.  Remember how I said I've been slacking in the photo taking department?  You wouldn't know I was there either.

Loving Nana's drink!

Father and son love

We also got to spend time with GeeGee and Aunt Jayne who joined us for dinner one evening.  Unfortunately, no pictures...again.

It was such a nice weekend just to be together and relax.  We had nothing on our agenda which felt great.  Daddy even ended up staying until Monday morning when he'd planned to leave Sunday.  He just didn't want to leave us...who can blame him. :)

Best part of the weekend...Daddy took over diaper and bath duty!  Now that's a great husband.

LOVE  YOU & MISS YOU!!! xoxo