I just love impromptu late night family photo shoots. Mom and Dad had watched the boys while I was playing tennis tonight so that Bryant could work late. When we finished tennis, I called B's phone and learned that they were all just sitting down to dinner. While I would have loved to have 30 or 45 minutes in my house alone, I remembered that the double jogger was down there and it wouldn't fit into B's car. I'm so glad I went over there. Dinner was just delicious - sauteed tilapia, spinach, and vidalia onion casserole (to die for!). We got home late because the rain stifled any thoughts of loading boys and gear, and since Bennett had had a power nap at the grandparents', he wasn't quite ready to go right back down when we finally did get home. Bryant got on the floor and played with both boys, and I immediately ran and grabbed the camera. Bennett is often already in bed when Bryant gets home, so this was a really special time. I just love these pictures.
One of Bennett's favorite things is a ball attached to this rope. Probably not the safest toy, but he never plays with it unless we're around, and the delight it brings is worth it.
He has recently been all about Daddy. I definitely play second fiddle when the Daddy's around.
No one is safe when both boys attack! Bennett is really beginning to be able to join in the fun. Thankfully, Reeves doesn't seem to mind too much.
Luckily, Daddy survived the attack just fine and was able to regain control.
It doesn't get much better than this. All the mommy frustrations just melt away at times like these.
One of Bennett's favorite things is a ball attached to this rope. Probably not the safest toy, but he never plays with it unless we're around, and the delight it brings is worth it.He has recently been all about Daddy. I definitely play second fiddle when the Daddy's around.No one is safe when both boys attack! Bennett is really beginning to be able to join in the fun. Thankfully, Reeves doesn't seem to mind too much.Luckily, Daddy survived the attack just fine and was able to regain control.It doesn't get much better than this. All the mommy frustrations just melt away at times like these.
So this is what my days have been since Tuesday - drugs, drops, and sleep. My children stayed out in the country this whole time. I can't thank the Bairs enough for their help with the boys. There was no way I would have been able to take care of either of them. The Lortab was the only thing in those first days that would even touch the pain, and, since they made me dizzy, nauseous, and tired, I just wouldn't have been able to mommy. We're heading out today to see the boys. I miss them more than I thought I would. Bryant has seen them everyday, but somehow, his reports just aren't quite fulfilling enough. I can't wait to have them in my arms. 
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra played at Smythe Park, and we all set up a tailgate to enjoy the show. Apparently, there was a tailgating competition, but we, of course, weren't even thinking of that when we began our preparations. 
Yeah, right! We pulled out and dusted off all of our Charleston Cup decor and started our own Daniel Island Yacht Club right there. Despite the throngs of passersby who would have placed bets that we would win, we didn't even get an Honorable Mention. Perhaps it was because they didn't notice us. 
It's so easy to overlook a 15 foot flagpole complete with four fullsize flags waving in the breeze! Luckily, the oversight on the judges' part did not dissuade us from having a perfectly marvelous time. While we and the Smiths did most of the set up, our wonderful friends provides all the nourishment for the crowd. (Plus some divine pork tenderloin cooked up by Stephen. He truly is a grilling master!) We had everything from pickled shrimp to cucumber sandwiches to peanut butter brownies. It was quite a spread. 
And, as much as he drives me crazy when it comes to doing stuff like this, Bryant's flowers were just gorgeous, and his ideas always turn out great. They were the last things to be finished, but they really completed the whole layout. 
We had some of our dearest friends in the spot right next to us. As you can see, their theme was Crazy Mexican, and Jason just couldn't help himself! 
Yo quiero kaluha ice cream!
Thanks to Stephen and Matt, however, some of us were able to snuggle up on the Smith's Party Porch furniture under Aileen's blanket. (Honestly, we had WICKER FURNITURE out there, and we still didn't win?) 
This proved to be the perfect spot to watch the fireworks. 
The breakdown was pleasantly uneventful and quick. I can't thank everyone enough for all they did to make this night turn out to be such a success, and special props go to Caroline for getting us all involved in the first place. It was a perfect evening spent with friends in a beautiful setting. We look forward to resurrecting the DIYC next year!
Reeves had his first dentist's appointment on April 8. Luckily, I'd been preparing him for this day since he was a month old by making fairly regular visits to the office just to go ahead and get him acquainted. Well, that and I suppose visiting his grandfather had something to do with it. Actually, I am convinced that those past visits did indeed get him excited about finally getting into the chair where he has seen his Pops working on so many people.
Like anyone who goes to the dentist, we made sure to brush his teeth right before we went. He first got to watch me get me teeth cleaned. (No cavities, thank you!) Kim, Dad's wonderful hygenist, let Reeves assist her with my cleaning. 
When it was finally his turn, he jumped right up in the chair, where he got to wear some "pretty tool" sunglasses. She counted his teeth (20) and even polished a few. 
She told him and showed him everything she was going to do. I can't thank her enough for being so patient with him. It's not really a pediatric dental office, so I'm glad we were able to pull some strings to get in!
Reeves thought it was really neat when Pops came in to check out his teeth. And naturally, I thought it was very special that Reeves got to have his grandfather do this.
