Hilton Head Island

We spent Memorial Day weekend with our dear friends, the Vinciguerra family, at Hilton Head Island.  They were all in town for a wedding and invited us to come down and stay.  It was wonderful to see the Vinciguerra's and experience one of their favorite vacation spots. 

Cormac was not feeling too hot during the trip due to some on growing molars, but he was a trooper and we did many of cool things while we were there.  We went to the beach, climbed to the top of a small lighthouse, ate lots of ice cream, visited a petting zoo, took a dolphin watching cruise, and went to a beach BBQ party.  It was a great weekend and we are so happy we were able to catch up with the Vinciguerra's (a very special thank you to Joanne and Joe!).

Cormac took a nap at the beach. Good thing since he wasn't feeling well that day.

Uncle Greg and Aunt Kristin helped Gus build an awesome sandcastle. Gus had a blast and kept them hostage as long as possible.

A work in progress. It was a "dripping castle" according to Greg and Kristin.

Going to the water to get some more water for the sandcastle. Gus refused to take off his shoes again at the beach (he also did this when we went to Folly Beach--not sure why but he is like his mom about getting dirty).

Keeping Uncle Greg (who is Cormac's godfather) very busy; checkers with Cormac and playing "Blue's Clues" with Gus.

Reading up on Hilton Head.

The petting zoo at Lawton Stables. Cormac was in his element. We thought he might climb right up and start riding some of the animals he was having such a good time.

Gus was very excited to go to the petting zoo, but once we were there he didn't want anything to do with the animals (must be that getting dirty thing again...).

Always doing what his big brother does.

Enjoying some chocolate ice cream at The Salty Dog.

On the boat for the dolphin watching ride. This was a little like watching the glockenspiel, but we did it so the boys could ride the boat. They loved the boat ride!

We did see a few dolphins but Gus and Cormac had a jellyfish game going on with their dad. Every time they saw one, they would yell "jellyfish!"

The Harbour Town lighthouse. Gus and Pat climbed the 100+ stairs to the top. As soon as they made it to the top Gus said, "I have to wee-wee." So much for the view.

On the trolley to go to the beach BBQ party. The Vinciguerra's took us along with them (this was part of the wedding weekend they were attending and was held the day after the wedding at the bride's family's beach house). The boys were so excited about the trolley ride--kind of like a train, kind of like a bus.

A little shuffleboard at the beach party. It is hard to tell in this picture but Gus was really concentrating on his game.

So what Gus does, Cormac has to try too.

New Camera

It seems when our boys are around 18 months-old they get an itch to dismantle the camera (or at least attempt to).  Gus did this and destroyed a camera.  Now Cormac has as well.  I don't even know how Cormac reached the camera (and probably do not want to know).  I learned my lesson the first time and leave the camera up out of reach.  I was able to take some pictures of Pat's promotion party using our really old camera, but the USB cord that goes with that camera is long gone.  I went to buy a generic one so I could upload the pictures but a cord was going to cost more than the camera was worth, so I got an early birthday present--a new camera!

Here are some pictures I took yesterday.  Needless to say, Gus and Cormac are tired of having their picture taken already (not that they ever sit still long enough anyway).  I think I am going to hang this camera from the ceiling...

A new way to ride a bike?

Where there's dirt, there's Gus and Cormac.

A Major Party

Pat was promoted to Major last week.  We have been having some camera malfunctions so, unfortunately, I have no pictures of the events of last week to post. 

The promotion ceremony took place on post Friday afternoon.  Pat's boss had the Chief of Staff of Ft. Jackson, COL Sanderson, perform Pat's promotion.  It was short and sweet.  Then we enjoyed cookies, brownies and coffee afterward. 

Saturday afternoon we had the promotion party at our house.  We had a local BBQ place cater and I got a big chocolate cake from a local bakery (it turned out to be the best chocolate cake I have ever had--yay me).  Pat's parents drove down from Virginia to surprise Pat and we had about 30 of Pat's coworkers and friends over for the party.  It was a great party!  We are so proud of Pat and were happy to celebrate.

As for the camera situation, that has been rectified with the purchase of a new (and improved) camera so hopefully I can post some pictures soon.

Biking and bubbles

Just a few pictures from playing outside last week.

My Three Sons

I just had an appointment with my doctor this week and we are having another boy!!  I am over the moon with this news.  I was beginning to wonder what we would do if we had a gir; it would be a little different from the loud rowdiness that currently prevails.  Our lives have been taken over by cars, trains and dirt so we can easily continue with that pattern.  Here's to another Bryan Boy!

The Great Outdoors

For my Mother's Day present this year we went camping.  I loved camping as a little girl (many, many Girl Scout campouts) and I have always thought Gus and Cormac would love it too since they would rather be outside than anywhere else.  Gus has even been asking about going camping for several weeks now.  So we bought some camping gear and loaded up for the state park at Lake Murray. It is about 45 minutes from Columbia (so if there were any crises we wouldn't be far from home).  We left Friday night and stayed until Sunday.  It was a blast!  The boys found the dirt immediately and played there off and on all weekend.  We went on a hike ("forest adventure" as Gus calls it), roasted marshmallows, cooked out tons of food, played on the playground near our campsite and just had fun hanging out as a family without all of the normal distractions.  It was the best Mother's Day I have had as a mom.  Thank you Pat, Gus, Cormac and Max for a wonderful weekend!

This was the rattlesnake skin I noticed by our campsite right after we arrived. Luckily, we didn't see any in their skin during our trip.

Gus and Cormac found the dirt right away.

Helping with the tent.

Taking a cookie break.

Early Saturday morning--still a little bleary-eyed.

Going on a "forest adventure".

Taking a break after the hike. Notice Max already asleep in the tent.

Trying out some nice cold watermelon.

The Grill Meister in action with man's best friend close at hand.

Helping get the wood ready for a fire.

We roasted marshmallows a little early. We didn't know if Gus would make it past 8 when it was finally completely dark. Typical boy, he just had fun roasting the marshmallow and playing with the campfire.

Gus watched a little movie at night in his sleeping bag (he loves that thing).