Addie Kate on the Beach

Last Thursday, we all headed to Charleston for a long weekend at the beach. Our vacation this year was to Denver, CO, but we just had to let sweet Addie feel the beach! This was special for several reasons. Not only was it her first trip to the beach, in the water, and on the sand, it also turned into her first weekend away from Mommy and Daddy! Tommy surprised me and planned for Addie to ride back with Elliott and Laurie to Lexington, so that he and I could enjoy some time to ourselves before I had to go back to work. It was tough being without her, but we knew she was in good hands with her grandmother (my mom - she has no official grandparent name yet!), Gorga, Uncle Paul, and Aunt Sue. And, it was so nice to be able to enjoy some time to ourselves - it was long overdue!

When we took Addie to the beach, the first thing she noticed were the birds. She cracks us up that she loves animals - mom and dad, not so much! I took her out to the water and just helped her stand in it at first. She wanted none of that - she wanted in! Once I sat her down she started splashing just like in the pool - not minding in the least the sand or the fact that it was salt water going in her eyes. Eventually she became comfortable enough that she just started crawling around in it! She was precious, and has no fear! One time a wave came in too quickly and knocked her over - I ran to grab her (soaking the camera of course), and she started crying, but most likely from me grabbing her and not from the wave. As soon as I sat her back down in it, she was playing again! We took her up the beach to the sand to see what she would do. Yes, she is her mama's child - she did not like it! She just looked at her hands like, "What is this junk?" Thankfully, she didn't put any in her mouth. I realize it's part of the experience, but let's face it... the Atlantic is one of the most polluted oceans on this planet - ugh! Finally, we just put her back in the water. So sweet, Tommy and I loved it as much as she did!

On Friday, before Addie left, she and I did get to do a little shopping, just us girls. We visited The Pink Crocodile in Summerville, from where she's gotten many gifts, but we'd never been ourselves. I bought Addie the cutest little puppy that has quickly become a favorite! We also enjoyed meeting Dena, a blogging friend, and owner of the precious store! We will be visiting you again Dena! Anyone near Summerville, go check her out. She has an amazing selection. I can't wait to get Addie some pink and green polka dot shoes from her!


Tommy and I did a little of everything in Charleston. Mostly though, we just ate and ate and ate, as much seafood as we could pack in! We did some shopping, but amazingly the only person that ended up with anything was Tommy (with a super cute pair of orange and white seersucker shorts from the best men's store ever - Dumas!). On Saturday, Tommy and I, after shopping on King St. (my request), visited Patriot's Point and all the military historical monuments, museums, etc. out there (his request). Other than it being blazing hot, I actually enjoyed it. We then had a wonderful, romantic, and fabulous dinner at Anson's, one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston. It did not disappoint! Then, to top off a great weekend, we were able to meet one of my best friends Jenny, her husband Jason, and twin boys Carter and Harrison for breakfast on Sunday morning. I wish Addie Kate had been there - she loves Carter and Harrison!

Here are some pictures of sweet Addie at the beach and at her grandparents:

Addie and Aiden

So sweet!



Headed to the beach! Isle of Palms, SC.

She loved watching the birds!

Aiden loved running, then running, then running some more!




At the grandparents...
Reading with Aunt Sue:
Playing at the Grandparents (with the cute little puppy from Pink Crocodile!)
Addie loves some Uncle Paul!


And here are some videos of our little beach bunny!
(You can see with the first video that Mommy wasn't ready to let go!)