Parker's 2K Class Photo

I guess its safe to say our little man is growing up WAY TOO FAST! All of you "adults" out there are saying, we told you so and finally we are listening!

Here is Parker's 2K classroom picture and he looks pretty darn handsome and so grown up. The one thing I struggle with on the poor guy is what I like to call his "Dumb and Dumber" hair-do. Unfortunately, he has acquired my baby fine hair and Patrick's crazy thick, fastest growing hair on earth which always results in the "bowl cut" look but despite it all I guess this is as good as a class photo can get.

Santa Claus came to town!

Phew...why does it always seem that Christmas comes and goes as quick as a flash?? And I remember when I was little how that feeling of "joy" would continue for days as I played with all of my new gifts. Now as adults, the day seems so anti-climatic as the next day we are back to the same old, same old.

This year was particularly special for us in that Parker really understood all that was going on. It was so fun to watch the wonder and amazement in his eyes as he opened his gifts and helped play Santa with Uncle Drew!

Due to some complications with our pregnancy starting last week...(more potential pre-term labor contractions like I had with Parker) I was on modified bed rest and had to rely on my "elves" my mom and Patrick to handle most of the work and details of the big day! As you can see below they didn't do too shabby of a job getting all of the loot under the tree and ready for the big reveal. A huge thank you to everyone who assisted while I watched half helplessly from the couch!

We are so thankful to have some of our family close-by. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without the love and traditions surrounding us! Until next year...

Parker wasn't quite sure what to think of Santa at first- but once they bonded over the duck food they became quick buds!

How many Santas do you know that feed the ducks?

Santa & Mrs. Claus- Lake Keowee


The Mathews crew (minus Patrick & Drew)

My "elves" are good- all ready to go...Santa has come to town!

Such a big boy- won't be long until we are running to catch up with him...maybe now Patrick will actually let me replace my beloved beach cruiser?

Parker absolutely loves sour things (like his Mommy) and even won the best sour face contest at school one day. Needless to say one of his favorite things to do as of late is see who can make the best sour face and he wants to do it over and over again...I think here this is actually a "real" reaction as he is licking one of those lemon juice squirters- ewww!

Digging for more goodies in his "McQueen" bag from Nana & Papa

Ready to try it out...not quite sure what to think but he does love the bells!

29 weeks and growing!

My little man

Sadie relaxing by the fire- its been a long day of chewing bones and wrestling with Brandie!

Christmas!

What a fun Christmas season we are having this year with a bright and bubbly toddler running around. I am amazed at how much Parker has changed since last year. He actually seems to "get it" this year and is loving all of the Christmas songs, foods, decorations and traditions that come with the season! he is being a very good boy and hasn't even tried to open any of the gifts wrapped for him under the tree. He does come down each morning to make sure his "treats" are still there...I am adoring how sweet and gentle he is with everything!

He's not quite sure what to think of Santa...the last few weeks we have had a remodel project going on in our home so we have spent a lot of times at Lowe's...and the past two weekends Santa has been there. Parker begs us to go visit him but then when we get closer he stops and just wants to wave and talk to him from afar. Not sure if I am even going to attempt pictures this year...we will see.

We've also officially started the tradition of Elf on a Shelf in our home. Parker has proudly named his elf "Parker Halpin" and is very proud to tell you so. I can't even believe how cute he is each morning when he wakes up and comes running downstairs to see where "Parker Halpin" has moved. We can hear him from our bedroom calling, "Where are you elf?" We have been trying to catch some of this on video so hopefully I can upload something soon!

I am so excited that our two boys will have something to look forward to each year. The holidays are such a special time of traditions and memories for me and its fun to have a family of your own to create new ones and also carry on old ones too!

This year this is much to be thankful for!

God Bless America

We are so fortunate to always be surrounded by good friends and this 4th of July was no exception. After a great day hanging out at the pool we headed up to Holly Tree Country Club with the Rehbergers, Alexanders and Andersons for an evening of good BBQ, games for the kiddos and of course fireworks. As you can see, fun was had by all...including Parker who had a blast running around with all of the older kids. He really got into the spirit of the day. The fireworks for a bit much for him so I had to leave early...maybe next year!

God Bless America!

The Crew- Halpins, Rehbergers, Alexanders & Andersons

One of my favorite recent shots- Love our new camera

P and the boys- Steve & Ken

Upper SC State Fair

For those of my readers who are from Southern CA, let me start by saying, this is "NO DEL MAR FAIR..." However, one thing I have learned as a parent to a toddler, it doesn't matter if there is one cow or 5 barns full they will still have fun and enjoy themselves either way! This was our first Upper SC State Fair and both Patrick and I were a bit disappointed only because the Del Mar Fair is amazing...its kind of like eating a Kobe Beef Burger and then going to Mc Donalds- they just don't compare...but we did manage to have fun and Parker loved visiting with all of the animals and even got to ride a few rides all by himself. We can't wait to take him back next year!

He was so serious...concentrating the entire time!

I love that he chose a pink car- too funny!

Of course he wanted to bring this furry little thing home...NO WAY!

Hello Mr. Sheep

He was best buddies with all of the animals by the time we left!

Fall Fun!

Fall is one of my favorite times of year, especially here in the South when the days become cooler and we get to head out on alll kinds of fun, family outings. This year we decided to visit a different apple farm from the one we went to last year, Nivens Apple Farm. We had a great afternoon of gold mining, talking to the farm animals, hunting for pumpkins, hay rides and of course mommy' favorite apples, Pink Lady! We had so many good photos I had a tough time deciding what to "cut."

Mommy & Parker acting goofy

Our family of three (+ 1/4)

The only way we could get him to smile was to get him to stick out his tongue- he is all boy!

He was so determined to catch these geese. He didn't seem to notice that the faster he ran, and the louder he called after them the faster they ran away from him!

Our handsome boy- why do they grow so fast?!

I think this one looks just right...

Getting tall!

He wanted to push the huge cart all by himself!

Love his expression

Check out the major air!

Here I come

Very serious when it comes to his John Deere!

Gold Mining at Nivens

Safety Day

Our local Lowes is a treasure trove of fun, free activities for kids. I am so amazed at what amazing community stewards they are! On this day we headed out for their Annual Safety Day. Parker got to ride in fire trucks, ambulances and even build his very own wooden firetruck with siren. We all had a blast and love that Parker is now old enough to enjoy some of these fun activities. Can't wait for next year!

Look Mommy & Daddy

Getting into trouble...his face is priceless, like "WHAT?"

His very own fire hat!

Charleston

In October we took a long-weekend trip to Charleston to celebrate our 6th anniversary. Nana and Papa kept Parker so we could enjoy some much needed alone time. We figured with another on the way this might one of your last times for a trip in a while! We had such a nice time being on our schedule for a change and took full advantage of the freedom. There isn't one square inch of the beautiful city of Charleston that we didn't explore. We spent time visiting the battery, wandering down quaint cobblestone streets and of course managed to eat some of the best food imaginable. One of the days we visited funky Folly Beach, which transported us instantly back to our care-free days living on the peninsula in Newport Beach. We did some shopping in the surf shops, ate at world-famous Taco Boy, went for a long walk on the beach (see our future beach house below) and enjoyed some cocktails (mocktails for me) as we just relaxed and got lost in the beauty of the ocean. It was such a great weekend and we can't wait to do it again soon.

These homes are amazing. This particular home must have had over 1000 different gourds and pumpkins in their gorgeous fall display!

Patrick showing off the cannon balls on the Battery

Starting to show

Patrick with the Cooper River Bridge in the background

This is quintessential Charleston- I would love to live her someday

Patrick really wanted to find out what this "club" was all about!

It was just a little windy- otherwise beautiful, sunny weather

Our view from the Marriott- thank you Will and Michael

Exploring the battery