2010 Hilton Head Vacation

So we got our annual Hilton Head, SC beach vacation in this year, even if it was a little late. In fact, the weather and the crowds were so much better in September than in our usual July, that we're thinking of claiming September as our future beach month!

JD and I flew down to Atlanta on Saturday morning where we met Mom and Dad at the airport. After meeting up with Michael at a Starbucks, we caravaned the 5 hours to the island. We spent half of each day on the beach, with the baby joining us the first and last days. The second day, JD and I took turns staying at the condo with him so that he could have a break from the sun and sand. When he was on the beach, he stayed in his own little tent where he could play out of the elements.

The family really enjoyed spending time with the baby. It had been 2 months since they had seen him, half of his lifetime already!

Michael enjoyed the condo where he had a mirrored wall to see himself in.

A great family, a great vacation.

Too bad JD got speared by Poisidon.

And then Michael took over his body.

Of course, we enjoyed lots of seafood at our favorite restaurants!

We left Wednesday morning to drive back to Atlanta where we got to have dinner with the Ponds and to celebrate Lindsey's birthday. That night, we flew back to Normal. Michael did really well on both flights, even when we were delayed on the runway in Atlanta for maintaince issues (of course!). Now, back to work. I need to graduate one day.

The Fair, the Fair!

I have been looking forward to the Sandwich Fair for weeks now, and it was everything I hoped it would be! This was the first year that John David got to go, and he loved it too. Michael was an angel the whole day (even through the deafening tractor pulls), and lots of strangers admired him. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, what more could we ask for?

This year's pie: cherry for Julie and peach for Danielle. I'm already looking forward to next year...

JD and Michael in the cow barn. Those cows are huge!!

My favorite bunny, a woolie. JD said no.

Danielle and the swine. Wilbur!

The most hugest combine ever!!! A very manly photo.

John David and Danielle are up there! You couldn't pay me to ride a ride like this one.

The produce barn makes our little garden look kinda sad.

Funnel cakes are a must at the fair! Michael's upset because I wouldn't let him have any.

Until next year!

Labor Day

We just returned from our annual Labor Day trip to Batsonland in Michigan where we enjoyed yet another fantastic family vacation. The festivities included the usual games, huge meals, pool-time, shopping, and sports. But this year included some Lake Michigan surfing and sailing as well as plenty of Baby Michael time! Lots of family got to meet Michael for the first time: Uncle Phil, Aunt Nim, great-Aunt Kim and great-Uncle Andrew as well as all the second cousins - Alex, Scott, Jake, Joey, and Eric, as well as the occasional girlfriend. Jake and Eric were particularly sweet with the baby, playing with him and watching him when I stepped out. And you can ask Stephen - Michael definitely said Mama this weekend (whether or not it was on purpose is completely irrelevant!).

And the latest precious picture of our little guy: