Silence of the Lambs

It puts the lotion in the basket.

Birthday Camping

Per Rya's request we rented a little log cabin on a lake at the camp site down the street from our house.

We took the dogs and walked the nature trail, we rode in a paddle boat around the lake, we visited a nearby Plantation via hayride, we fished, we told spooky stories, we sat by a fire and enjoyed the fresh outdoor weather.

The whole family really enjoyed this mini getaway.  But I think Rya loved it the most.
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On November 17, Rya woke to a birthday breakfast that we cooked over an open fire.

Happy 5th Birthday my lovely Rya D.

Dear Five-Year-Old Rya D.,

Now that you're five that means you'll be off to Kindergarten next year.  My emotions are a pendulum swinging from pure excitement (Eight hours all to myself!) to utter sadness (Eight hours all to myself?).  I’m certainly going to enjoy my time alone but I’ll also miss my little helper, crazy co-pilot, and favorite lunch date.    

Your speech has improved greatly but you still have trouble pronouncing some words like “Currier” to you is “Turrier”, which we all think is adorable so we don’t correct you on that one.  The speech therapists and doctors think you’re caught up to speed now so you should have an easy transition into Kindergarten.   

Lately you’re obsessed with what you were like as a baby.  We look at the blog almost daily so you can see pictures of yourself and listen to the stories.  It make me feel thankful that I started this blog so you and Currier can always come back to see your lives unfold. 

I'm trying to revel in every moment with you as your school years are quickly approaching.  Sometimes I wrap you in a blanket and rock you on my lap (per your request!) just like I did when you were a baby.  We both love this.  As you grow into a young lady, I can imagine you’ll still want to be swaddled on my lap but I hope you’ll always come to me for warmth and love. 

All my love,

Mama

Beer Tasting/Painting Class

Last night I went to a beer tasting/painting class at the Westbrook Brewery with my buddy, Laura.  It was a lovely evening of beer, pizza and painting = The holy trinity. 

 

Rya's 5th Birthday Party

We celebrated Rya's 5th birthday with her requested puppy themed party, gaggles of girls, yummy treats, lots of laughs and a mountain of presents.  It was a wonderful time!  

Mrs Adams 2nd Grade Class

Lowcountry Lacrosse

Currier's playing Lacrosse now.  We're making our rounds through all the sports until he finds the one for him.

Bruco's Birthday

We adopted Bruco when he was two and today he turned ten.  It feels like it was just yesterday this little narcissistic asshole of a roller coaster ride came into our lives.  And we couldn't imagine our family without him!  Happy Birthday Bruco, you're officially a senior citizen of the canine world. 

Halloween 2013

Grim Reaper and Dorothy with Toto in tot skipped their way through the neighborhood frightening and delighting our community with their costumes.  

 Making it rain, Bitches!

Mandarin Pumpkins

It's Currier's turn to provide the classroom snack.  Seriously, what would we do without Pinterest and it's adorable ideas? 

Instructional Baseball

 We signed Currier up for Instructional Baseball coached by the College of Charleston coaches and players.

Currier was thrilled to see that the Aukamp boys were also signed up for the program.  It was every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:15-8:00 which was late for school nights and hectic for family dinners.   

Regardless he finished the program and received a trophy.  We're proud of him!

Pumpkin Patch 2013

This year our annual trip to the Boone Hall Plantation Pumpkin Patch happened to be the morning after my 40th birthday party.  Although a wee bit hungover, it was still a memorable, fun time. 

Grabbing "40" by the Horns!

This was my birthday present from my husband. He totally misunderstood and thought I said I wanted to get "bucked" hard for my 40th birthday.

I envisioned myself looking sexy like Debra Winger riding the bull in Urban Cowboy but a chicken biscuit fell out from in between one of my fat rolls and I broke my toe! 40 is fabulous.

Being surrounded by my loving family and over 50 friends along with dozens of their kids and dogs made this my best birthday yet!  I was completely passed out and in bed by 5 PM but that's how 40-year-olds roll.  

Fire Hydrant Flush Flash Dance

This child is a free spirit and could have fun in a paper bag!