Friday, June 29, 2012

Beach Vacation '12

We had our summer vacation a couple of weeks ago. Mom and Dad were nice enough to let us use their condo on the beach.  We had the best time.  Avery was a little nervous about the ocean at first. After a few attempts, she ended up stomping and splashing all around.  She was really cute running into the water and then scurrying away when a big wave came.  Salem enjoyed playing in the sand and splashing in the ocean too. Besides being on the beach, the resort has an awesome water park. There are slides, fountains, a lazy river, and even a baby pool.  The kids loved it!
After the week to ourselves, Mom and Dad came down for the weekend.  They babysat for our 8 year anniversary.  I can't believe it's been that long! To celebrate, we went to our favorite italian restaurant and brought a great bottle of wine from our local connoisseur (Dad). Best meal and wine ever!
The next day, my brother and Amy came down for Father's Day.  We went to a calabash seafood place and had our fill of hush puppies.  Afterwards, Mom found a photographer to take pictures of the whole family on the beach.  The kids did great and it was a wonderful way to remember our vacation. I can't wait until next year!
Going to hunt for shells with Daddy
Digging to China
Rainy day entertainment in the condo
This pool toy has been great. Avery loved it and so does Salem. 

At first, Salem wasn't thrilled about the sand on his hands. Later we had to make sure he didn't eat it!
You can't go to the beach with out getting ice-cream. 
 Avery's chocolate mouth.  She calls chocolate 'the brown flavor'.
Seriously, guys.  Let's go!

The baby pool
Japanese steak house
Anniversary dinner 
And wine
And the dessert Tim will be talking about for a long time.  
Aunt Shaunna and Princess
Happy Father's Day, Daddy!
 Here are a some quick shots I took followed by the professional shoot. 

 Smith Family Photo Shoot
A couple of cute videos:
Avery telling jokes/ Salem animal sounds

Baby Pool




Sunday, June 3, 2012

Salem's First Birthday, a Hospital Visit, & Little Gym

My precious boy is 1 year old!  Salem has brought so much joy to our lives.  This year has passed with a blink of an eye.  I remember vividly bringing our little boy home for the first time and Avery holding her new baby brother.  I get teary eyed just thinking about it. We celebrated his special day with just our immediate family.  We're going to have a big party for him when my parents get back from their trip abroad. Avery adores her little brother and prepared pretend cupcakes for his birthday days in advance.  She was really excited to sing his birthday song and give him presents.  She kept saying over and over "and he will let me play with them too!"  On his birthday, we went to an event called, 'Sundown on the River'.  There was live music and picnics everywhere. Avery especially enjoyed dancing and playing with the other kids.  Salem enjoyed is first real cupcake and people watching.  We had a wonderful time.  Happy Birthday to my sweet Salem Boy!!
Before all of the birthday fun, we had a little health scare.  Salem became sick after Avery's birthday party.  He had a rash, virus, and double ear infections as I posted previously.  Well, about 8 days after starting his antibiotics, our boy broke out horribly in a different type of rash.  I noticed he was wheezing when I got home from work and immediately called the doctor.  They sent us on to the kids' emergency clinic at the hospital.  Salem was such a champ.  He never acted as if he felt bad.  We were at the hospital for several hours and given benadryl for a possible amoxicillin allergy.  The next morning, Salem was no better.  We went to our pediatrician and they are 90% sure it was a severe reaction to amoxicillin.  Salem was given a 5 day cycle of steroids instead of the benadryl. Thank goodness, the steriods regulated his breathing and slowly reduced the rash.  SCARY!  I am glad it is something we know about and can avoid in the future.  I'm so glad my buddy is back to his old self again.
Avery graduated from her first Little Gym class in our new town.  She really excelled with this teacher.  Avery's favorite things are doing somersaults and bar work.... and just running around laughing :).  Avery also finished her swim camp this week.  She did such a good job.  I think she is pretty used to the water now and knows her water safety rules.  The teacher was really sweet and gave the kids special treats after the last lesson.  She said out of all the kids she coaches, Avery was the ONLY one who said thank you for the treat.  I am a proud momma!
Little Gym Graduation
Good little ones waiting in line
Running into a somersault
Wheelbarrow into a forward roll
Monkey!
Getting her medal
Her buddy is the one on the far left.  Such a sweet boy. 
Proud Princess
Sundown on the River
Salem's first cupcake
Mmmm
Messy Girl
 Salem's Amoxicillin Allergy
Scary Rash
Still happy
This plus wheezing is enough to freak a momma out!
 Sweet Siblings
They will not be thrilled with me later, but sooo cute!
Salem loves crawling over to Avery's kitchen and pulling out everything 
A little pan music
Love those baby blues!
Salem 51 Weeks
Still with his rash :(
I feel like Avery's been missing out on pictures lately, so Avery at 3 years and a few weeks
Helping Mommy shuck corn

 Salem 52 Weeks
Playing with new toys
Awesome new tunnel
Following the leader
Mrs. Sandi gave Avery a 'Word Wall' pillow. We've been practicing every night.  Thanks Mrs. Sandi!!
My Smart Cookie
 
Sweet Princess