Chuck E Cheese!!!

So, Samantha's new favorite place in the world is Chuck E Cheese. We went to a birthday party there last month, and she has been asking to go back ever since. For the first few days after the party, she requested it for every meal, including breakfast. Me: "Samantha, would you like muffins or toast?" Samantha: "Chuck E Cheese!"

The first time we went it was just the two of us. I don't know when you were last at Chuck E Cheese, but envision me, pregnant, carrying around a toddler, a cup of tokens, a wad of tickets and a drink. I knew immediately that I wanted to bring her back and that we would make it a family affair! Jerry and Connie joined the three of us last week, and we still could have used a few more hands!!

Samantha's favorite part is the animals on the stage that sing every now and again. I find them a bit creepy myself! She will play a few of the games, but for the most part she walks around taking in the sights and sounds, which are plentiful. Rest assured our tokens didn't go to waste ... the adults managed to have a pretty good time, too. After all, you don't really go to Chuck E Cheese for the great pizza ...

Playing skeeball with a little help from Daddy.

Talking to Chuck E. himself!

Driving ... sort of. She would let anyone touch the pedal. Notice Connie's hand trying to sneak around so she won't see it!

She had to shoot some hoops after she saw Daddy and Papaw do it.

A great way to end the night - on the dance machine.

Showing off her loot with Wawa and Papaw. She got a pretty good haul - a frog game, bendy straw, a ring, and some stickers.

"Chick-a-nooga"

We paid a visit to "Caroline's house" in "Chick-a-nooga" last weekend. Sorry Bill, Elise and Will, you apparently only live there because Caroline wants you to! We were glad to get to spend time with them before Bill heads out on a new adventure in Pittsburgh. The rest of the family will be joining him a little later. We will miss them terribly, but are looking forward to having a new city to visit.

I packed a small bag of toys for Samantha but they were never touched. Wherever Caroline was, Samantha was not too far behind. The girls enjoyed the Children's Discovery Museum Saturday morning while the boys went car shopping. While we were fishing, playing instruments from around the world, and learning where toots come from, Will got himself a brand new Honda Civic. I try not to think about it too much, because if I accept the fact that Will is a responsible licensed driver, I must also accept the fact that I'm getting old!

We had a great weekend, and we'll be looking forward to doing it again ... in Chattanooga or Pittsburgh!

We always find something fun to play with at Caroline's house!

"Fishing" at the museum. I think she would've done this the whole time we were there if we hadn't made her look around!

Playing xylophones with Caroline.

Not sure what this instrument was called, but you can feel the vibrations of the music if you lay on top of it. Caroline was brave enough to try it while Samantha played. I'm happy to report there were no injuries.

Caroline making toots, scientifically speaking, of course. We had waaaaaay more fun with this than we should have. Samantha could've cared less. It was part of the Grossology exhibit ... the science of bodily functions. Fun, fun!

Getting some relief from an air vent while watching bees on the rooftop garden.

Playing a life-sized game of Operation with a little help from Aunt Elise.

Digging for dinosaur bones with Caroline.

Enjoying a late afternoon slide with Daddy at the Pumpkin Patch, a great playground on Signal Mountain.

Running across a bridge at the Pumpkin Patch.

No nap + a hot afternoon at the playground = one tired little girl.

Beach Trip!!

Long time, no blog. We just returned from an amazing week at Isle of Palms, followed by a long weekend in Hilton Head. 1,050 miles later, we are glad to be home!! For the first leg of our trip, we met college friends and rented a big house a block from the beach. We ate well and enjoyed being together. With kids popping up everywhere, our visits seem to get more precious by the year! Samantha had a great time with her friends, too. She wasn't too fond of the ocean, but she loved being on the beach and playing in "mud puddles." For those not up to par on Samantha-ese, mud puddles are actually tide pools! She also gained quite a bit of confidence in the pool. Given the choice, she probably would pick the pool!

It just so happened that the end of our vacation coincided with the beginning of Jerry and Connie's. They twisted our arms (wasn't actully that hard), and we drove from Isle of Palms to Hilton Head on Saturday for the long Memorial Day weekend. Ten days on the beach doesn't stink!! After a few tears, we left Samantha (and a big chunk of our hearts) with Wawa and Papaw in Hilton Head for the rest of the week. I am happy to report that she is still having a great time, and seems to be more fascinated with the playground across from the condo than the beach or the pool.

Steve and I are counting the days til we get our sweet girl back, and trying to bide our time by getting the house organized to start prepping for baby Carl. Just so you know, Carl is NOT his name, but a nickname given to him by our friend Jason that stuck. Since we won't be telling his name til he is born, we have to have a nickname to keep ourselves from saying it accidentally. Hence, baby Carl. Here are a few photos of our great week.

Samantha and Daddy in the pool at the beach house.

All greased up and ready for a day at the beach!

Not too long after this, we decided it was time to go in and take a nap. You have to be tired to lay in sand.

Playing in "mud puddles."

Checking out the creatures caught by Kate ... fish, crabs, and even a baby shrimp!

Samantha and Kate playing in their hand dug trenches.

Enjoying a snack with her friend Lane.

Chasing pigeons in Battery Park.

Wiped out (thankfully) on the drive from Isle of Plams to Hilton Head. She fell asleep with her new parrot and shark, just purchased from Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.

In the fancy pool at the Marriot Grande Ocean, riding a gator with an assist from Papaw.

Looking for mud puddles on the beach in Hilton Head.

Jumping in the water with Daddy. She was getting some serious air!

Eating ice cream with Wawa at the Salty Dog Cafe.

At the playground across from condo.

Giving Daddy a kiss in the Samantha-sized pool.