This past week, we took a family trip to the beautiful state of South Carolina. Matt recently accepted the position of Director of Safety with Nucor Steel. The company, with locations across the US, is one of the top steel producers in the United States. They are also extremely family oriented and go above and beyond to take care of their employees AND their families. So, they flew the three of us to South Carolina for an 8 day house hunting trip.
After a 6:00 a.m. departure out of Lawton, we arrived in Charleston, SC just before noon. Unfortunately, another stroller bites the dust with a broken rear wheel, but it was still useable. Alas, we got our rental car and drove into the heart of Charleston to the Mills House. It's a beautiful and historic hotel with tons of character. We were able to walk to the water within a few minutes and many other gorgeous areas. It reminded me of Alexandria, VA, but the homes were 5 times bigger! Breathtaking really, but as we're in the process of house hunting and whatnot, the only thing I can think of is how in the world people afford the house AND the taxes!
Early flight, but always happy to leave Lawton
Daddy, armed with a huge coffee, back pack and Elijah's car seat :)
My happy boys
So once we were settled and Elijah had a chance to nap, we took advantage of a wonderful opportunity to visit with Chaplain Joel Harris, the gentleman who married us at West Point. CH Harris was the chaplain at West Point when Matt was a cadet. He is now the chaplain at Citadel and enjoying the beautiful weather (especially compared to northern New York).
After dinner photo at The Variety Store with CH Harris and his wife
The Variety Store had a wonderful and fresh seafood selection, but it definitely called for an evening stroll. Plus, after spending the better part of the day inside a building or plane, we all needed fresh air.
Tuesday was another beautiful day in South Carolina, so before getting in the car for a two hour drive North to Florence we went for a walk to check out the huge waterfront plantation style homes. The streets were beautiful and the homes looked like they were the setting for all the pictures in Restoration Hardware. It reminded me of Old Town in Alexandria, VA, but the homes were MONSTER compared to those in Old Town.
Right along the waterfront
Our new house.....yeah right!
Self shot...just like the old days
After a lovely morning, we jumped in the car and got on the road to Florence. Elijah was lonely in the backseat, so Mommy climbed back there and tortured him for a minute. He was in a wonderful mood, so we captured a few giggles :) Those always make our day, so hopefully they will make yours.
We arrived in Florence and I was pleasantly surprised with how clean and beautiful the town appeared. I was somewhat concerned when I was doing research on the town the and crime rate was higher than Lawton. I can honestly say, it's a much nicer town and the crime rate is skewed because of other reasons that I won't get into here. Nonetheless, there are good and bad areas and our real estate agent, a 30 year resident of Florence, was able to educate us and give us a tour. And amid the tour and hunting, we even had time to play!
Riding in the hot rod with Ms. Kaye
After the long days of riding in the car looking for homes, getting in and out no less than 7 times, Elijah needed plenty of time to play at the hotel. Thankfully, Nucor took GREAT care of us and booked a two room suite so Elijah had space to crawl, play and sleep without being disturbed by Mommy and Daddy. We even brought a slew of fun toys to play with so Elijah could wear himself out :)
The only authorized resting position for push-ups
Being a good boy in the car
Skyping with Grandma:)
On Saturday, after a long week of traveling, house hunting and being busy, we took the entire day to play with Elijah and get outside! We went to Ebenezer Park, right next to one of the neighborhoods we're looking in, to play, swing and ride.
Swinging really high!!!
Riding the tractor :)
On Sunday, we decided we would take an impromptu trip to Myrtle Beach, since it's only an hour and a half from Florence. It was Elijah's first visit to the beach and although he was a bit nervous about that water coming up to his feet, he seemed to enjoy the sun, the sights and sand.
Elijah and Daddy out to lunch
Eating grilled cheese. Yum yum
Walking toward the water and digging our toes in the sand
Probably my favorite picture of Elijah recently
Watching the birds on the beach
Taking a nap under the canopy after an exhausting day at the beach
On our way home, we drove back to Charleston and stayed the night. We didn't have much time to do anything as we had continued our house hunt in the morning, but we still managed to have fun. Once in our final hotel room, I started talking in a funny 'drunk' voice and walking silly and Elijah thought it was HILARIOUS! We were all laughing so hard, we almost forgot to capture it on video. So I wasn't drunk, only acting like it...just to clarify.
Anyhow, it was a wild and crazy trip to South Carolina. And although we didn't find our next home just yet, at least we know the areas to move and a better idea of what we want. It was a success in that regard and we're looking forward to our next trip...which may be when we move out into our temporary housing. Thank God for a safe visit and our health. Hope you enjoyed this week long recap!
Today was my first Easter! Mommy and Daddy told me all about what we are celebrating on Easter and then we heard stories about Jesus in church. I was on my best behavior and I even got to dress up for church. Things have been really busy lately, so it was nice to slow down and enjoy this holiday with one another.
Uncle Justin was able to visit us here in Lawton, OK for an impromptu day and a half rendezvous. We didn't have a chance to capture too many photos unfortunately, but Elijah had a really great time visiting and playing with J. We really enjoyed his company and can't wait to see him again soon...maybe once we move to South Carolina!
Uncle Justin and E-bug playing with Daddy's WP bell
His first attempt at feeding a baby...
Apparently it was no good from the front so he had to take a lap and come in on a rear approach
Elijah's new favorite food is bananas covered in crushed graham crackers (to help him pick them up). They are super tasty and he thinks they're NUMBER 1! Elijah can say "nana" and I think this is what he wants. Elijah has passed the 'can feed myself' test. That's our big boy!
Daddy had to go to Dallas this weekend, so Mommy and I are playing a lot to keep occupied until he comes home. We miss him a lot, but we've been having a lot of fun. Yesterday, when Mommy and I were at the park, we spotted a yard sale and Mommy picked up an activity table for me for only 2 dollars!!! I love it and am really improving my standing and balance skills. Pretty soon, I'll be walking and Mommy and Daddy won't know what happened. Not to mention, those poor kitties...life will never be the same.
This weekend, Daddy has a 4-day conference in Dallas, so Mommy and I have been keeping busy with all sorts of fun activities. After my morning nap, Mommy and I drove on post to one of the amazing playgrounds for some time in the swings. I giggled the whole time Mommy was pushing me!
Laughing non-stop and looking good with my backwards Texas hat
Afterwards, I needed some food and downtime, so we went home and I crashed. Thankfully, I didn't sleep too long and miss a good time! Ms. Julie, Ellie's Mommy, called Mommy and invited us to their house for some creative fun, so we walked to their house and got into some finger paints! It was the first time I painted and I really loved it. The texture of the paint was my favorite, especially when I got a fist full of paint and squished it between my fingers. I even painted my legs, diaper, Ellie and Mommy! Hopefully I'll get some of my very own paint someday!!!
Now that I'm crawling, I'm getting into lots of things and occasionally bumping into all sorts of obstacles. Today, I learned that table legs are very hard and they hurt! I was crawling for a kitty toy and when I reached out for it, BOOM, I bumped my head. See my bruise?
It's right there, on my forehead
It's okay though, because Mommy says I'm a tough kid. Plus, I'm sure this will be the first of many bruises if I'm anything like my Daddy.
This weekend, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Georgetown, TX. I have such a great time playing with my grandparents and their dog, Abby! They like to play all the time...even when I'm supposed to be eating (GRANDPA!). We also get to go out on walks, since their neighborhood is so nice and everyone is very friendly.
What's better is that Grandma and Grandpa made me an Easter basket!!!! I didn't know what Easter was, but they gave me a book about it and we read it together. But guess who was in my Easter basket?! M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! My very first Mickey Mouse was inside my basket! It really makes me smile and I enjoyed him the entire visit and ride home.
Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a super fun visit! I can't wait to see you again!
Power nap en route to Grandma and Grandpa's house!!!
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!!!
Me and Grandma!
I tried to teach Grandpa how to crawl...he needs more work
Hanging out with Grandpa during Uncle Andy's birthday party
Jumping on Mommy's lap during the party
On our way home to Oklahoma. Taking a potty break on Daddy's lap!
Well, we now have proof that we have a Mickey Mouse Maniac on our hands. After attending Maci's 1st birthday party yesterday (Minnie themed), Elijah has been asking to wear his ears. So this morning, while watching our Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode, Elijah sported his new favorite accessory!
We officially have a little mover in the house! YIKES! He's into everything and after everything. The poor kitties are on high alert for tail grabbing and we're on the lookout for safety issues. Elijah was already into the kitty toys...well actually the kitty toy was into his mouth. YUCK. Excuse the sideways video, but you get the idea. Cutest part is Elijah's high five at the end! We just love this kid!
It's spring in Oklahoma, with the weather being in the 70's most days. We've been walking almost every day and playing with our friends as much as possible. Today, we went to Ellie's house to play for a bit. She has so many great toys and is really good at sharing with Elijah.
Such a big boy
Sporting our Texas hat
Ellie's Tonka Truck...great for learning to walk
Gulping some ice cold water. Yum yum.
Cutest kids on the block!
Elijah's road rage face...Get OUTTA my way!
Shaking his fist at the other drivers! Hahaha....he takes after his mommy.
Mommy had drill this weekend, so Daddy and I had a ton of fun. The key phrase was, "Don't tell mommy". Daddy says she doesn't need to know about our messes and dancing parties.
Anyhow, when Mommy came home today, she said her Army friends were going out for dinner at the Sushi/Hibachi restaurant, so we decided to go meet these jokers. It was fun and this time, I wasn't even scared of the fire! I ate my star puffs, Mum Mum snacks and even had some sweet potatoes. Mommy and Daddy needed a dinner date, so I cooperated this time. Gotta keep them on their toes!
Elijah watching the flames from the onion choo-choo
Elijah has been trying new foods on a weekly basis and we have a new favorite breakfast!!! Kashi blueberry waffles have become a staple item. He loves the little blueberry bites and by the end of breakfast, his little hands are blue/purple from the berries. Yum! This kid just cracks us up!
