Living Local!

We have had very few weekends here in the lowcountry this summer.  Since traveling to East Bend, we have had two weekends at home.  We have been busy and we have had several changes in our lives.  Miss Cindy is no longer watching Payton and Ella during the day.  We had to make some quick decisions as a result of this change and we have had a few stressful weeks.  Starting August 17th Payton will join Ella at a local children's center.  Originally, I was not ready for this change and was not sure that I was ready for him to start attending a pre-school.  After touring the school twice, I realize that this will be best for both Payton and Ella.  I know they will thrive in this environment.  I am anxious to see how much they will learn within the first few weeks!

Although we managed to stay off the roads for two weeks (except for Chad traveling nearly all week both weeks!) we were still very busy.   Friday the 17th we had a play date with Ella and Lila at the water park.  As usual, Payton had a great time with his girlfriends!  We will definitely be making another trip to the water park!

 Chad's cousin Christie and her fiance Brandon came for one night on July 17th.  We had a quick visit but were still able to hit two favorite spots - California Dreaming and Poe's.  It was great to spend a little extra time with both of them.  Our visits with extended family in NC always seem so rushed so I was happy that Payton had the chance to see them for a more extended period.  

Last weekend was busy again.  Friday was too busy for a play date!  Payton and I ran lots of errands and we went with Chad to tour the Children's Center in the afternoon.  Payton decided he did not need to nap...at all...so he helped me cook and bake in the kitchen!

Saturday we had planned to go out for a day long boating trip with Matt and Lindsey and a few of their friends.  We had a babysitter for Payton and Ella.  They enjoyed spending the entire day with Elizabeth and we enjoyed a day out on the water.  We left around 9 in the morning, traveled all the way to Lake Moultrie, enjoyed lots of good eating on the boat, and didn't make it back until 7 in the evening.  We were exhausted but it was definitely worth it!  Chad and I have been eager to get out on the water.  This trip has definitely led to a few craigslist boat searches!  We'll see what happens!  Chad and I usually don't do so well when we both want something!  We hoping to have a trial run on my dad's boat to see how Payton tolerates the water and a life jacket!

Check out pics on Lindsey's Blog.

Sunday we headed off to church - Payton did not cry when we dropped him off in the nursery and was not crying when we picked him up!  Yeah!  We may be making progress!  After Payton's afternoon nap we headed to the pool with Andrew and Laura and then enjoyed dinner at our house with them.  

This has been yet another busy week...I guess this is the new pattern of my life.  Chad will be back home tomorrow.  Eric and Amy and Kade will be coming to our house tomorrow night.  We have another weekend to live as locals!  They have not seen Payton in about 2 months.  I know he will have changed so much when they see him!  We are hoping to have time at the beach, the pool, and our favorite restaurants.  We are excited to have a babysitter for one night and we will enjoy getting out without the little guy for a few hours.  

They will leave on Sunday and then we will be getting new house guests - Chandra, Calyn and Carson will be here with us all week.  What an exciting week we have ahead!