we’re back.

Posted on 08/04/2013 by lauren

Jack and I got home yesterday afternoon after a week at the beach with my family. Unfortunately, Tommy wasn’t able to get away from work, so he couldn’t go with us. We missed having him there – and apparently, Jack really missed the structure and balance of our normal routines. There was little sleeping and a lot of “terrible twos” on this trip. But we had a great time with family and completely loved getting to spend the week with them. It was my first time going to Hilton Head Island. Jack and I both loved it.

I don’t have a lot of good pictures because I don’t have a real camera right now, so here are some I took with my phone.

This boy loves to swim. By the end of the week he was swimming all by himself, or “Jack self” as he would say.

We played on the massive, never-ending-fun, playground. It was probably the coolest playground we’ve ever seen. Jack was way too busy having fun to look at me.

Dinner at the Salty Dog.

There was a spider web by the elevator that caught “biiiiiggg bugs”. Jack wanted to take his favorite trucks to the beach with him. They won’t be his favorites for long now that they’re covered in sand and are salt water rusty.

Walking back from an evening swim at the pool. Jack was so proud of himself for holding his own towel around him just like everyone else.

Bike rides. Jack’s favorite thing ever.

The deck the alligators lived under. We saw one going swimming one day. Jack didn’t pay too much attention to it. Thank goodness because he usually wants to pet all animals.

Jack and I [and I’m sure our family, too] were pretty wiped out from vacation. After a week of short sleep, it was nice to get home and sleep in our own beds for a long time. It was a great trip! Thanks for the fun trip, Nan and Pops!

the beach part II.

Posted on 08/08/2012 by lauren

More pictures from our fabulous and much needed time of rest.

There are 2 guys here who are very happy.

I was afraid my little man might have some whiplash after I took him for a cruise on the bike. I think he’s ok. It’s hard to steer one of those things.

My mama– such a beautiful lady!

We were pretty excited to see 9 deer in this yard. Living in Maryland, I saw deer all the time, but something about it in all other places of the world is really cool.

I love this bridge. This was the view from the front of the condo. I’m not one to get into nerdy engineering things– even though my husband is– but this bridge amazes me. Maybe it’s because I’m just so thankful we don’t have to drive over the old Charleston bridge anymore. Anyone else remember those old bridges?

My brother is one of my favorite people. Always has been. It was so fun to spend a week with him. That hasn’t happened in a long time.

Jack learned the word “go” on this trip. He would pop up from his nap saying “I go” or “go, go” and literally hit the ground running for the door.

A little horse and carriage ride. Was really nervous how a 1 year old would do. He did great!

If only pictures could do it justice, but the moon was incredible. The way it reflects across the ocean is breathtaking.

Mom and Dad, thank you for taking us on the most fabulous vacation! We love you!

a much needed rest.

Posted on 08/07/2012 by lauren

Isn’t it amazing how God lines things up and we have no idea how perfect they are until after? We just got back from vacation with my family, and it was incredible. We had all of us there and were at our favorite beach in the world. The blessing of rest and time away was so needed that we could feel it. Even now, as I transition back into reality, I feel so much better able to do daily life. This is really the first time I’ve ever felt this. It’s been a hard summer for our little family and our bigger family on husband’s side. Tommy is working hard and has a lot going on at work. Between dealing with the stress of work and his family, he really needed this break. It truly was perfect timing.

Jack, of course, had a blast. How could he not with family around him 24/7? I was really nervous for yesterday since it was going to be just me and him for the first time in 9 days. Often after a weekend with Tommy and others around, he is really bummed on Mondays for it to be just the two of us, but yesterday he did ok. It was really fun to watch Jack form deeper relationships with his Pops, Nan, Uncle Bud, and Aunt Linny. I have so many pictures from this trip, it would be overload to do them all in one post. I’m going to break it up into probably two posts. I apologize in advance if it gets old; I really want to look back and remember this vacation that was so perfect.

Baby’s first bike ride. Ohh my I was so excited to get him on the bike and with good reason– he LOVED it!

What a view! My 2 loves.

I sat back and watched the family play for awhile.

Family shot.

Our view every day. Um.. yes.

Cuddles with Dada.

We watched the guys play when they finally made it around to the 18th. Tommy putting.

Dad putting.

Our condo looked out over the 18th green and the ocean. Quite a view.

I’ll be back tomorrow with Part 2. Thanks for reading.

we’re back.

Posted on 08/06/2012 by lauren

Today I’m lookin’ at this:

Rather than this:

It was hard to come back and reality sets in quickly, but it’s always good to be home. Today you’ll find me cleaning, unpacking, and straightening up what you saw in those pictures above.