Fun in the Sun

Miss Madelyn just loves playing outside.  If it wasn't so dang hot and humid we probably would have spent a lot more time outside.  But luckily it's finally starting to cool down here so I'm seeing more fun times outside in our future.  :)  

She has because quite the little artist too.  Coloring is one of her favorite things to do.  So sidewalk chalk was a big hit.

My parents even got Madi a little car to play around in.  For the first few days we had it she played in it non stop.  Inside, outside, you name it.  She was constantly asking to go outside and go for rides. At least it gave us some good exercise pushing her around! 

 She even ate her snacks in her car.  She was obsessed.  ;)

Myrtle Beach, SC

In July our whole family got to go on a trip to Myrtle Beach. It was the first time we had all been there together in two years.  It was also Madi's first time at the beach.

Because I am behind a couple of months in my blogging the details have started to run together.   Oh well, at least I'm writing something down right?  

One of our first nights there we went mini golfing.  Madi golfed maybe one hole and then she was all over the place, climbing and running around.  She loved it. Oh and the humidity made her hair curl even more, it was so cute! Below are just a few of my favorite pictures from that night.  

 Whenever we go to Myrtle Beach we always stay at Kingston Plantation.  We grew up going there and love going back because it brings back so many fun family memories.  One reason we love Kingston Plantation is because you not only have access to the beach but also several pools, hot tubs, a lazy river, a kiddie park, restaurants, rec center, live music...you name it.  Here are some pics of Madi going down the slide, playing in the sand, and eating some grub.

 Another night we drove down to where all the boats come in.  It was so pretty down there. I loved walking on the dock.  We wanted to eat at a restaurant where Black Beard the pirate used to hide his treasure but the wait was too long so we went to Carrabba's instead.  Just as yummy!

On our last day there we rented wave runners.  Me, Bruce, and Madi hopped on one and rode around for about 5 minutes.  By then Madi was done.  I think the water was splashing in her face so she wasn't too happy.  I walked around the dock with Madi while Bruce rode around and then my mom came and watched Madi so I could have a turn too.  I love wave runners.  They are so fun! The only picture we got was the one we bought from the rental company.  So here is a picture of a picture. hehe.

Here are some pics of Madi playing in the sand.  She was so funny. She would play in the sand some and then just run around, back and forth, around in circles, etc., like a little crazy person. 

 Also, our family can't go to the beach with out taking some gymnastics pictures.  How old do you have to be before it's weird to be doing this kind of stuff in public? haha.

Of course Madi wanted to join in the fun and do handstands too. :)  Below are just some family pics.  I love family!

And here are some pics of us playing in the pool.  Madi started out the summer being very nervous in the water and by the end of the trip she was getting in past her shoulders.  So proud of my little girl!

Here's my sweetie pie all zonked out after our trip.

Ah, we had so much fun on our trip. Thanks mom and dad for everything!!!

Returned With Honor

In July my little brother Weston came home from his mission. He served a 2 year mission for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) in Santiago Chile. We were a little anxious and very excited to see him again.  It was also the first time that Madi had met Uncle Weston. 

Weston went through three pairs of shoes during his mission. He even tried duct taping the last pair to make them last until he got home.  

Watching my brother come home from serving an honorable and successful mission was such an amazing experience.  I didn't expect it to be so spiritual.  Watching him walk up the terminal and get emotional as he got closer, and then watching him with each of my parents as they embraced for the first time in two years was so symbolic, to me, of our return to our Heavenly Father. I imagined my brothers embrace with my parents to be similar to the embrace that we will have with our Father in Heaven having served Him faithfully during our time on earth. Here's to Returning With Honor!!! :)