End of October Rewind: The Brooks Came To Town

In late October we enjoyed a visit from the rest of the Brooks clan (Jonathan's brother Matthew, our sister-in-law Kim, our nephew Philip, our nieces Braewyn and Juliet, and my mother-in-law).  We had a fun weekend watching the kiddos play together and introduced Kim and Matthew to one of our favorite family games "Ticket to Ride."  We visited a craft fair, went to church, and the girlies enjoyed a sleep over in Hannah and Madeline's room.

Florida Vacation 2012: Vacation Mode

The transition from "normal life" to "vacation mode" is always so easy.  It's the transition back to "normal life," after some R&R, that always proves difficult.  Once we hit the road, I can immediately feel the cares of my little world begin to lift.  By the time we reach our final destination (in this case Grammy's house in Florida), I'm in full blown "vacation mode!"

Our family on vacation looks like . . . 

Late night visits.

Chillin'!

Special time with Aunts.

Lazy mornings spent playing in PJ's.

Date night.

Cousins.  Silliness.  Grammy.  Food.  Movies.  Games.  My sister's in-laws (Grammy Deb & Papa Jim).  Outside fun.  New hairstyles.  Coffee.  Shopping.  Ice cream.  Adventures.  Rest.

 Aunt Katie Cam:

Grammy Cam:

And, of course, Mommy was following everyone around with iPhone Eyes:

Flashback Friday: Usually Funny, Occasionally Freaky, Probably Self Deprecating . . . Always From The Past!

Well, I'm a day late and a dollar short.  It's Flashback Friday . . . on Saturday.  Better late than never I always say (and with four kiddos under the age of seven, if I didn't, I would never arrive anywhere).  

Last Friday we were in Florida for our annual Florida summer vacation at my Mom's house.  Hence-- no Flashback Friday post.  We had a wonderful time; and, I look forward to posting pictures and stories from our trip this coming week.  

In honor of Emerson's first visit to Disney World (we've take each kiddo to the Magic Kingdom for the first time when they were two years old--a tradition of sorts), I thought I would post pictures from Hannah and Madeline's first visits to the "happiest place on earth."

Mommy and Daddy took Hannah to Disney World for her first visit in October of 2006. I was about 5 months pregnant with Madeline.  (Original posts: Part 1, Part 2 )

 Grammy joined us for Madeline's first trip to the Magic Kingdom in June of 2009.  I was about 5 months pregnant with Emerson.  (Original post)

Caleb's First Trip To SC Rewind: Hanging With The Family

We had a lot of fun visiting Jonathan's family in Spartanburg.  Caleb got to meet his Uncle Matthew, Aunt Kim, and cousins Philip, Braewyn, and Juliet.  We were happy to see Great Grandma Mary, Jonathan's Aunt Elise and Uncle Arden, and his cousin Mollie's family as well.  While there, we enjoyed a few morning walks, ventured out for some ice cream, 

and slept as late as the kids would let us.

Caleb meets Great Grandma Mary.

 Spending time with Grandma.

Great Grandma Mary and the kiddos 

(sans Juliet who was napping).

Sweet Juliet.

Emerson and Braewyn loving on each other.

Aunt Kim and the cousins enjoying some ice cream (right before it started pouring rain!).

Caleb's First Trip To SC Rewind: Annual Family Trip To Feed The Ducks & Geese

Rewind : The Big Sisters & The Whitlocks Meet Caleb

The girls could not wait to get their hands on their little brother and smother him with their kisses.  Unfortunately, when they arrived late in the day (day 2), Caleb was out of the room for his circumcision etc.  They were good sports, waiting patiently and visiting with mommy until Caleb arrived to make his debut.

Katie (my sister), Jimmy, Isaac, and Jovie joined us later in the evening.  They were also excited to meet their new nephew and cousin.

Annual Summer Vacation To Grammy's House; Fish!

These are our three little cuties:  Madeline (4.5), Emerson (22 months), and Hannah (6.5).  Collectively, they are FISH!!!!  Between swimming lessons, our annual summer trip to Grammy's house, and playing with friends at the pool, we spend most of our summer break in the water.  My girls could not be happier!  They love swimming.  

Emerson, who is completely fearless when it comes to water (. . . or climbing tall ladders, or jumping off of high objects, or swinging from things, etc.) reminds me of Hannah at the same age.  She doesn't want you to catch her (because, naturally, she thinks she can swim); and, she never tires of jumping in and "swimming" underwater. Being at the pool with Emerson requires constant vigilance and completely wears me out!


During our visit to Grammy's house, Hannah decided to brave the "high dive" (that's 3 meters or 9.8 feet).  I have jumped off this very board more times than I can count; but, watching my baby climb the never ending ladder and carefully walk to the end of the board sent my stomach into my throat.  The first jump was a little timid.  However, there were countless successive jumps--each with a little more gusto!

Madeline, who conquered the huge twisty slide last year, decided it was time to take on the 1 meter diving board.  This meant she had to jump in and swim to the side all by herself (parents aren't allowed to swim out and meet their kiddos--though Daddy is always on the side ready to spring into action).  She was a pro!

Here are some more photos of my fish at play:

"Grammy Cam" photos:

Annual Summer Vacation To Grammy's House; Chopping The Hair

My Mom was an art teacher. When my sister and I came along, she made the decision to stay home with us. Now, she is a hairstylist-- this career choice saves me loads of money! Thanks Mom!!! We get regular trims, but it has become a fairly annual tradition for us ladies (me, Hannah, and Madeline) to have Grammy lop off our lovely, long locks each summer. We may have stringy, thin, lifeless hair; but, it sure does grow fast! Anyhow, it had actually been two years for me-- the longest I think I've ever gone without a short hairdo.  I was able to send somewhere between 10-11 inches of my hair to Locks of Love, so I was super excited.  Mom said that she thinks she actually cut around 14 inches off my hair.  I had no idea my hair had gotten so long . . . easy there Rapunzel!

April Visit To Grandma's House: Ridin', Chillin', Rollin', & Grillin'

We enjoyed beautiful weather during our visit to see Jonathan's family.  So, needless to say, we spent a LOT of time oustide.  Those of us who wage war with pollen and seasonal allergies each spring (especially poor Philip whose eyes stayed swollen) just had to tough up and take the necessary drugs in order to remain outdoors.  The kids had a ball being pulled behind the tractor by Uncle Matthew, Daddy, and even yours truly.  My girls became very fond of Grandma's vast backyard-- wandering, reading under trees, spying on the cows in the neighboring pasture, and smelling the various flowers already in bloom.  

Matthew and Kim have a lovely and very large yard at their new house.  So, we spent some time "chillin" alfresco at their house as well.  While the Daddy's played "Corn Hole" and grilled up some grub, the kiddos enjoyed the swing set and some good old fashioned "rollin" down the grassy hill.

Just thought these veggies looked super yummy and colorful-- and they were . . . both yummy and colorful!  Haha.  Thanks for "grillin" Matthew!

April Visit To Grandma's House: A New Cousin

Though it is always a joy to visit family, I must say that our April visit to Grandma's was in honor of our newest niece (and cousin), the lovely Juliet Brooks.  We were very excited to meet Juliet, who was kind enough to open her eyes and stare at us on occasion.  The girls are thrilled to have a new cousin-- that the newest addition to the Brooks Clan is a girl is simply icing on the cake for them!