Play time with family!

The weekend before Easter, we were lucky to have Chad's sister's family come down for a visit.  We were all very excited to have Chandra, Allen, Calyn and Carson join us for the weekend.

They brought one last birthday present for Payton...and he loved it!  His very own baseball helmet, a set of bases and a pitching machine!  He is in the big leagues now!  He is very excited with all of his new gear.

 Carson brought an old bat...we are happy to have it...but, you better watch out if you're around and he's swinging!

They also brought a few new books.  As always, they were great books and the kids enjoyed story time!

 

We enjoyed a trial run with the pitching machine! 

Payton kept his eye on the ball and hit a few home runs! 

Sunday we all went to church together for Palm Sunday.  Payton enjoyed going to "big boy" church with us!  After church, we had an early lunch and headed out to Sullivan's Island to enjoy an afternoon at the beach.  It was a beautiful day.

 Lots of fun in the sun!

Owen was not afraid of the sand!  He had started to crawl and as soon as he was down on the towels he was on the move.  The sand didn't slow him down!  His hands were immediately covered and it didn't bother him at all!

Allen bought a few cheap kites at Target - they worked out just perfect and the kids had fun flying kites.

 Aunt Chandra trying to keep Owen out of the sand...and to keep him from eating it!

 Owen enjoyed sitting in the beach chair!

 

 He liked standing in it even more!  This kid is going to be trouble one day in the near future!

What a day!

 Kites flying high in the sky!

Love those little baby toes!

These pictures and this beach trip will always remind me of the news I received on this sunny, Palm Sunday afternoon.  My phone rang, Chad answered, and we got the sudden news of my Papaw Joe's death.  I was devastated and sat in a state of shock for the next hour.  Being at the beach was a comfort - I was able to sit back and let it sink in while Payton, Owen, Calyn and Carson continued to play.  I was able to slowly process the news I had just received.  The more I reflect, the more symbolic it becomes.  I now realize that my grandpa was looking down on us, enjoying watching the boys play on the beach. The beach was one of his favorite spots and lighthouses were a few of his favorite things. So, as I got the news that day, I was surrounded by such powerful reminders of my Grandfather - the beautiful beach, the calm ocean waters, and two lighthouses in the distance guiding the way.  When I got the call that day, I wondered if I would ever be able to go back out to Sullivan's Island without feeling the same sadness I felt that day...but, now, I know that each trip I make to Sullivan's Island will only be that much more special...and each trip will remind me of my wonderful Grandfather!  I know I'll have a sign that he is watching over us each time I am there!