Laney turned 8

So some of you may think I am a horrible mother and let me tell you I did too on Saturday. This past Saturday was Laney's 8th birthday and I was not there with her. I have never missed any of my kids birthdays until that day. 

Before you start giving me the third degree, let me explain. 8 years ago on July 17th, Laney was born and it happened to fall on the same day as our anniversary. No, we did not plan it that way and yes, Carmel thinks it is easier to remember. So for the past 8 years, Laney has been in the spotlight on this date. Any trips we took would happen before of after this date. Well....when your anniversary falls on a Saturday and your sister has your kids, its hard not to plan a romantic anniversary getaway. So that is what we my wonderful husband did. I will do another post on that later because Carmel deserves the recognition. 

Now don't feel to bad for Laney because my sister spoiled her! She took her to Alabama Adventures, bought her a huge 3 layer birthday cake, took her to supper that night and several presents on top of that. I may start having my birthdays at my sisters house!

Laney did not have a birthday party this year mainly because we were gone so much but also because she wants to go to American Girl in Atlanta. She will get to pick out  a doll, outfit and have  lunch there. Sounds like a pretty good birthday to me. Makes me feel a little better about missing Saturday. We wanted to do a little something for her when she got home last night. While I went and picked the kids up, Carmel went to the Dollar Tree and picked up a few decorations, got cake and ice cream and set it all up. I must say for never having planned a kids birthday party( I wouldn't let him because I love planning the parties!) he did very good. We came home to this......

He had decorations, party hats, cake, ice cream, presents and for entertainment bubbles.

All Laney asked for was her own personal cake she could put her face in so that is what she got.

I think this has something to do with the many 1st birthday parties we went to this year!

I thought it was humorous that Carmel even thought of entertainment.

A special thank you to my sister Rebecca for making Laney's birthday so special!

Beach pictures

Before I show you the beach pictures we took on the beach this year, I want to give you a recap of last years. A few days before we moved, I wanted to get a family beach picture.  It was a disaster! So instead of telling you about it I will just show the picture so you can see for yourself.

Needless to say this one did not make it above the fireplace.

I wanted to try again when we went to Hilton Head. We planned to take them the evening before we left( so I would have a tan for the picture). Well, the rains came crashing down that evening so that idea was out. So we decided to get up the next morning and do them. 

The only thing about taking them in the morning is competing with the sun. We ended up having to close our eyes, counting 1,2,3 and them opening them again. It was definitely an improvement from last years picture.

Just a few of the other shots we took that morning. I did not get a lot because we had to get back so I could repack the kids and meet my sister.

kids and their tats

Carmel and his best friend Scott

We had a great time in Hilton Head, SC. Of course, I always have a good time when I am with family, friends and the BEACH.

I miss the beach!

I am a  beach girl. Always have been and  always will be. I love the warm sun, the waves and the relaxation. There is nothing better than sitting in a chair with your feet in the water while  feeling the ocean breeze. It has been a year since we moved from Fl and I miss being so close to the beach. 

This past week we went to Hilton Head, SC with some friends of ours. The weather was perfect( except for when we wanted to take pictures). 

The Wood family has a boy and a girl close to Laney and Ella's age so we let Griffin bring a buddy so he would have someone to hang out with.

My hubby trying the skimz board.

hmmmm.......aren't you suppost to stay on the board?

Ella and Addi......the little mermaids.

Griffin sunbathing.......nice farmers tan.

The kids kept finding starfish and sand dollars in the water. Laney wanted to bring this one home to keep as a pet. Let's just say it did not live long enough to see our home.We had a great science lesson though. I told Laney the starfish needed salt water from the ocean to live. She then tells me, "So if I get water from the sink and put salt in it then it should stay alive."

We had a great time going back and forth from the beach to the pool. A tip: this is a great way to get a majority of the sand off before going home. 

What would summer be without watermelon?

Griffin had a few fireworks left from the fourth that he was dying to set off. I am sure the ones that went to bed early loved us.

The last night we were there we went to eat at The Salty Dog. 

After supper, we drove to Pope Avenue which is the main strip there. Jessica and I slipped into a boutique for a quick peak. When we cam out this is what we found........

all the kids were getting spray on tatoos. I knew we should have kept an eye on the men.

Notice how Laney pick out one that was so fitting for her. She said she wanted to pick out the one that had a little girl with horns and said, "Little devil." I am glad she didn't.

Even the boys had to get one. There's were symbols that meant brotherhood.

We wanted to go takes pictures on the beach that evening but the weather did not cooperate. We decided to take them the next morning. Check back tomorrow to see if they went better than the ones we got last year. And yes,  I will post the one from last year for those of you who may not remember our nice family photo.

OCC

The day before we left New York, I went with my friend to run errands. We happen to pass this place.

Some of you maybe wondering what it is. Have you ever seen the show Orange County Choppers on TLC? This is their shop and where they film the bikes they create. It is located in Newburgh, NY. Even if you are not a die hard motorcycle fan like my hubby. This is still a cool place to check out. They have several bikes on display from the show. Most of them have a theme. These were some of my favorites....

The ride and grill

dedicated to Christopher Reeves

Old School

Dedicated to those victims from The Shuttles

for Santa

Air Force

 and my favorite......

The one dedicated to the FDNY from 911

They even incorporated a piece from the Twin Towers onto the bike.

Well, that about wraps up our trip to New York. I am very exhausted from doing so much but it was well worth it. Thank you again Christie for being such a great friend and hostess!

Our next destination.......Hilton Head, SC