Learning to be a Southern Girl

                                                    Learning to shuck corn

                                                   Finished product

This afternoon, Ava and I went to our local farmer's market and purchased from local produce.  When we got home, I sat down and taught Ava how to shuck corn.  Since she is already a southern belle (notice the pink tutu), I wanted to make sure she also knew how to cook like a southern belle!  It was so fun shucking corn with her, because when I was growing up my mom taught me how to shuck corn.  I love passing down family traditions and memories on to my children.

Family Folly Beach Trip 2012

                                                   
                                                      Chasing seagulls

                                                      Jumping off Daddy's shoulders                                                    

                                                     
                                                      Doc helping McClellen ride the alligator

                             Ava was so worn out from playing that she fell asleep on Daddy

                                            Ava jumping in her sand hole...fun for hours

                                         Doc and Grammy enjoying the beach

                                     Hudson, Ava and McClellen riding the alligator

                                         Playing in the sand

                                        Adam and Brad "watching" the kids!!

                                        Hudson, Ava, and McClellen covering Adam

                                         Ava is such a Daddy's Girl!!

                                       Grammy helping Ava build a sand castle

Hudson and his lizard friend

                                     
                                         Having a short visit with my GWU friend, Jill!

                                          Ava had so much at the beach with her cousins

                                                        Mommy with Ava and Baby A

                                                       Wow...my future looks great

 
                                         Doc and Grammy with their grandbabies

This past week we were at Folly Beach, SC with the entire family; Doc, Grammy, Brad, Carri, Hudson,  and McClellen!  It was super fun being with the family and enjoying the beach, though it did come with an interesting twist added "bonus"!!  When we arrived at the beach, Adam became sick with a HORRIBLE 24-hour stomach virus.  The virus the made it's way through the house and everyone was affected!  Ava was the only one who did not get sick, but she has experience said terrible, horrible stomach virus the week before! !  As we were heading home from the beach, Adam, Ava and I were able to stop and have a short visit with my college friend, Jill and her family.  Even though it was interesting with one person, down with the virus each day, it was still a super fun, family beach trip and  we are thankful for the special, bonding time together with our family!

Update on Baby A

                                               Baby A at 12 weeks and 3 days

On Thursday Adam and I met with our high risk doctor to get a new picture of Baby A and get some advice on how to make sure this baby decides to stay inside me the entire pregnancy.  The best part of the visit was that we were able to see his or her little profile and of course hear the heartbeat.  After looking at the ultrasound and talking with us, the doctor gave us some very positive news.  The baby is very healthy and is growing great.  Also, as far as having another preemie, the doctor said there is only about a 10% chance of it happening again!  So all in all, it was a great, very encouraging visit!  We are continuing to pray for the health and safety of the baby, and so thankful for this added blessing to our lives!

Welcome to California

                                   So excited to finally be in LA....ready for an adventure!

                                               
                                It was so great to have dinner with the one and only Kari!

                                                   We got to see the Hollywood sign

                                   While in Beverly Hills we saw Hilary Swank

                                      After visiting LA we went on to San Diego

                                      We stayed at the Del Coronado, "The Del"

                                               Famous spots we saw while in LA

                                     At the San Diego Zoo we saw a Hippo and a Panda

                                     While in LA, Adam saw the spot of one of his favorite shows
                                     Rob Dydrek's, "Fantasy Factory".  Its a funny, extreme sport show

                                           
                                                 Of course I had to get a picture with Shrek

At the end of May, Adam and I took a great trip to California.  Adam had to go there for business and for a conference.  I was able to go along for the fun and festivities.  We started out our trip in LA!  We saw all the "touristy" sites, Hollywood Sign, Kodak Theater, Star Walk and even went to Beverly Hills.  While we were in LA, we had dinner with our great friend Kari (who lives in LA now)!!  While having dinner we saw several "famous" people, Hilary Swank being one of them!!

After we left LA, we went on down to San Diego where Adam's conference was held.  We stayed at the famous, Del Coronado hotel, better know as "The Del".  While we were at the conference, and Adam was in meetings, I was able to go on a spouses trip to the San Diego Zoo.  It was such an amazing, beautiful zoo!  The last night of the conference we had out final dinner on the Midway.  It is the ship that my Uncle Mike flew off of when he was a pilot in Vietnam.  It was so neat and a little overwhelming to see, touch and smell a little touch of our family history!  Overall the trip was both educational and wonderfully relaxing!