August: The month of birthdays

This past weekend we packed up and headed to South Carolina.  Apparently, August is THE month for birthdays when it comes to Phillip's family and friends.  Phillip is scheduled to work every weekend in August, except this last one.  We decided to take advantage of this and head on down. 

Our first stop was a birthday party for Chris' niece, Carly.  Chris, for those of you not familiar, is Phillip's best friend...since diapers.  No lie.  Chris also had a birthday at the beginning of the month, but now Carly gets all of the attention.  We had such a good time catching up with everyone.  Carly is adorable.  We were surprised at how much she's grown since we saw her a few months ago.  I have been begging Chris to get married and have kids.  The McNairs make some pretty babies.  Carly is beginning to look exactly like her mama.  She's one of the most gorgeous babies ever.  We decided that since she doesn't live with us the best birthday present would be Melissa & Doug art supplies.  We even got finger paints for her to use on Uncle Christopher's truck.  Here's the birthday girl after the party (sleepy) with her uncle and mom.  Isn't she ADORABLE?!  I love those blue eyes!

After the party, we decided to go back to Aunt Diane's.  She was ready for the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, so she and I left Phillip to nap since his sleep schedule was quite messed up.  Now, I've tried to find comparable farmers markets around us, but they just don't exist.  I LOVE this place.  I loaded up on fresh cucs, squash, local honey from Pamplico, peaches, blueberries, homemade apple bread from McLeod Farms, etc.  Next time we're down the scuppernong grapes should be ready...we hope.  Those are free for the picking!  I had so much fun.  When we got back home I got to nap!  South Carolina is SO relaxing. 

Obviously Emma agrees.  It was post-bath, pre-bed time.  She was zoned.  The pjs are precious!

Phillip and Lee spent quite a few hours ignoring the rest of us and watching UFC.  Look at how happy Lee looks.  Quite disturbing, my friend!

FINALLY, Uncle Phillip decided it was time to play (conveniently before bed).  He became a jungle gym first. 

Then he started push ups with a 4, 5, and 10 year old on board.  They were intermittently watching A Bug's Life.  (Love the red face...nice P!)

You always have to work the arms.  Why not add a 5 year old for additional weight. 

It's always important to end a workout with a little cool down.  Look how happy the girls are with Phillip.  He's so good with little ones.

Cute Emma and Taylor decided to take a walk to the pond.  Gracie, of course, never far behind.  Apparently, she likes people her size. 

Emma wasn't too sure about Mason splashing around in the pond. 

I love this. Emma wanted the rocks.  Not sure why.  Lee was happy to oblige. 

Mason is a very patient dog.  Taylor, well, is not a patient little person.

Gracie does not do water.  At all.  Logan insisted that Gracie needed to swim.  Look closely, I don't think Gracie agrees with her opinion.

He took the pic, you'd think he would know to smile.  P.S. - Excuse the clothes.  You wear nothing nice to the pond.  I ended up getting quite soaked.  Lovely!

After the Stephenses went home, the girls took their baths and wanted to play Monopoly.  Phillip had loads of fun trying to explain to a 5 year old why she had to roll doubles to get out of jail.  The girls spent the night because Phillip's mom had her 40th high school reunion.  She broke curfew too.  We decided she was grounded this week.  (Mama Harris - you better stick to it or you get two weeks!)

Logan got bored waiting on Taylor to roll doubles, Taylor was tired of jail, so she began taking pics...of everything. 

I'm a great aunt.  Always teaching them the important things in life.  Obviously.

We had such a great weekend!  We want to wish a Happy Happy Birthday to Linda, Chris, Lee, Carly, and the rest of the gang!