Beach x2

Jonathan and I were lucky enough to get to spend Memorial Day weekend in Charleston with friends.  One of our parents (I honestly don't remember which one - I think his mom and stepdad) watched the kids while we took off for a few days.  It was Heather and Mike's 10th anniversary and they decided to spend it with friends in Charleston!  It was so, so, so good to see Heather again - we hadn't seen each other in about 9 months since they moved to Missouri.  She was my absolute closest friend in NC and it was so hard when she left.  Heather's brother and his girlfriend, along with two of their other couple friends, were all part of the fun.  We spent many hours on the beach talking, listening to music, and just enjoying a little kid-free time.  We were able to go out for late dinners and sleep in in the mornings.  I got some weird random eye thing (an allergic reaction to sunscreen I think) that ruined a couple hours of the trip, but otherwise it was perfect.  We stayed in Foley Beach, which we really liked.  Jonathan and I went to Charleston for a little while on Sunday, which was also fun to just go do something with no regard for nap times or kid menus.  

 reunited finally

 during a little Charleston day-outing

 out to dinner

right before we had to leave on Monday - so sad!

Honestly this year we thought we may not make it to the beach - but surprisingly another opportunity opened up that we jumped on.  Jonathan's brother Brandan was having his bachelor party in Carolina Beach and the only house the guys could find was a week-long rental one street over from the ocean.  Since none of the guys were going down until Wednesday, the four of us plus my mom headed to use the house from Sunday until Wednesday.  We had so much fun hanging out at the ocean, going to a fun local restaurant called Hang Ten, going down to the boardwalk, and introducing my mom to Trader Joe's.  It was a great mini-vacation, and was much appreciated by Brenna who had been itching to get to the beach!

 happy beach bum

 dinner date

 ready for dinner on our awesome porch that overlooked the ocean

 trying a Britt's Donut on the boardwalk

 love this picture

 dinner with my mom

 family photo at a cool little park near a dinner location one night

Mrs. Jones and Mrs. White

Two of my best friends got married this summer! As you may (or may not) know, I teach with two of the best teachers ever! For the past 4 years we have had a 4 person team in third grade. Lisa taught with Susan and Sheri taught with me! Then last year, after Susan died, Sara took her place and we loved her, too. But, unfortunately, this year our numbers are low so we had to send Sara to fifth grade (sniff, sniff) and we're left with a 3 person team. And now it's a married-girls-only club!

Sheri met Justin last January (or was it February?) and he proposed this February. He's a great guy and his personality balances Sheri's really well. Did I mention he knew she was the one by June or July of last year and bought the ring, but waited to ask her so her dad wouldn't freak out because it was too soon. Oh wait, is that a secret? I remember sitting on my couch (big, huge, and SO ready for Brenna, but that's beside the point - I could still jump up and shout with joy with the best of them!) and seeing that Sheri sent me a picture message. I knew it was going to be of a ring, because that's the way I told her I was engaged 2 years ago. And, I was right! They got married July 24 at Pulaski Memorial Baptist with a reception at Muse Hall in Radford. Sheri had waited a long time for this day, and she was a beaming bride! She had been a bridesmaid like ten times or something, and that morning when I texted her to check on her, she replies "I'm great. I'm finally the bride!" It made me cry that the day she had waited and prayed for had finally come for her.

Lisa met Kevin when she first started at Macy because he's our band teacher! He got in touch with her last year after Susan passed away and they started dating. He proposed to her in April of this year. I got a text while we were at the Braves game in April of another ring. Gotta love technology! Kevin and Lisa are perfect for each other. They are artsy, but not weird, and they love the Lord first and foremost. They got married in Kenbridge, VA at her aun't home and it was PERFECT for them. Outside and really laid back - and perfect! Lisa was stunning in her $99 dress (yep, we sure know how to find those things!) and Kevin just looked so happy. Kevin's daughter, Emilie, was thrilled too, and they make a gorgeous family!

Ok, so what you really want is pictures, right? Here goes!

Sheri and her bridesmaids/flower girl with our charms at the bridal luncheon

the bride and her bridesmaids at the rehearsal

Sheri looking at Brenna's pictures on facebook the morning of the wedding

Sheri in the robe I got her that said - Mrs. Jones est. July 24, 2010

:)

Sheri and her mama - check out that train!!

Brenna playing with Sheri's neice, Peighton, before the wedding

Brenna and "Aunt" Sheri

first dance as Mr. and Mrs.

Sheri's a definite daddy's girl!

dancin' with my family

Can you guess where the bouquet ended up? Yep, in the light!

Lisa in her robe from yours truly - Mrs. White est. August 7, 2010

Lisa and her new step-daughter, Emilie

the newlyweds

They both love Brenna.

A lot has changed in the past 2 years for this group of girls!

so sweet!!

Lisa dancing with her daddy and her neice, Adaline

I can not begin to tell you how red her face was!

Off to honeymoon in Asheville, NC.

Halsey/Basham Vaca 2010

On July 25, Jonathan and I packed up our baby and our car and headed south. This was the second year in a row that we've decided to vacation with Jeremy and April in Murrell's Inlet, SC where Jeremy's parents own a townhouse. This year, of course, we had two extra house guests. So, instead of boring you with too many details, I'll tell you about our vacation in pictures!

Are we there yet? Brenna was a champion traveler and she slept most of the way to and from the beach. She also was super cooperative and nursed in many random parking lots!

London was so happy to see Brenna when we got there! They even shared toys!

July 26, 2010 - Brenna's first time putting her feet in the sand!

She didn't seem to mind it, except when the sand "disappeared" under her feet - she wasn't a fan!

Here is our family photo on our first day at the beach!

Brenna really mastered sitting up while we were at the beach, and she really liked beach toys!

Polka dotted buddies!

She was a great napper at the beach. This is still day 1.


Jeremy and April babysat Brenna while we went out for our 2nd anniversary. We went to the Melting Pot and enjoyed it so, so much. Two years and I definitely still do!

Buddies!

Brenna's first time in the pool was a success. She liked splashing!

Twinkle Toes!

The boys took the kids down the slide - Brenna's first time. I'm so dorky that I actually videotaped this.

2 sleeping babies = success!!

Swimming with Daddy is SO MUCH FUN!

We repaid the favor and babysat London one night. We were brave and took both kids out to eat at Phillip's Seafood. We didn't regret until the screaming-loaded drive home.

Don't waste your time with Phillip's Seafood in Mytle Beach. London and I weren't impressed.

Jonathan and Jeremy went fishing on Thursday while April, the babies, and I shopped. They caught crabs and cooked them for a snack.

Mom, I love vacations!

London, GET OFF ME! Brenna, I'm trying!

Rocking the zebra hat from Finley and the polka dotted bathing suit from Aunt Sheri. I'm a super-stylish beach bum.

Here's our group shot on our last full day.

We met up with the Mann family on Friday night and we took Megan and Jacob to a MB Pelicans game with us so Brian and Ashley could go on a date. It was loads of fun!

He absolutely adores Brenna.

Megan is a natural!

We had a great trip and made lots and lots of memories. We're already looking forward to our next vacation!