Sleepy Girls

New Years

Hard to believe that it was already time to celebrate New Years!  But as usual, it snuck up on us way to fast but we were going to celebrate and make the best of it!  The Grangers offered to watch the girls that night for us and we happily accepted their offer.  I dropped them off right before lunch and they were so excited to be with their Nana and Big V they didn’t look back to say goodbye.  Vaughn and I then met up for lunch and a drink at Pawleys Front Porch before heading to JJ and Jills for the night.  Yes, I’m drinking ‘beer’ now and I like it!

After a yummy burger, we headed home, packed up the wagon and walked down to JJ & Jill’s, it’s nice having great friends that live only a couple houses down!

Jill and I spent the day drinking champagne while rocking on her back porch while the boy did what boys do (drink beer, grill and play corn hole).  Later that evening Vaughn cooked us all wings, and they were AMAZING!

We enjoyed everyone else’s fireworks.  Seeing that it’s known not to be a safe thing for our group to do, this was less stressful and more enjoyable!

Girl shot, missing Jill

Celebrated these two!  Excited for their wedding this year! To be Hollis’

The Helfers

Shellenbergs

Grangers

Lynyrd

and Waller!

Lots of fun had by all at the Shellenbergs.  Looking forward to a great 2012!

Zoo with Cousins

While my cousin and her two little ones were still in town for Christmas, we took the opportunity to see them one more time and headed to the Zoo!  It happen to be really cold that day, rare for around here right now, so we bundled the kiddos up and headed out for some zoo fun.

William and Callie didn’t stop running then entire time we were there, which equaled to great naps that afternoon!

She sat for a quick second, but was back at it in no time!

Our favorite spot was of course the giraffes, we LOVE feeding them!

This one particular giraffe was being very friendly so we took the opportunity to get our picture with it.  I love the progression on the photos, so fun!

We weren’t quite ready to leave so climbing on the lions at the exit extended our visit/play time!

When we get the chance to play like this with them it makes me sad that we don’t live in the same city.  Were hoping they’ll move here soon, but until then it gives me a great excuse to head to Clemson!

Making our Christmas Ornaments

One of my favorite things to do with the girls during Christmas time is making our ornaments at the Mad Platter.  These are special treats for our house and the grandparents, and any excuse to paint something Callie loves. 

We let them pick out two colors (versions of red and green) to paint, however, Callie stuck with the red and made sure all her pieces were covered

I’m loving that our tree is filling up with all their sweet creations from each year!

Their first savings account

Right before Christmas I took the girls down to the bank to set up their very own savings account, with their very own money.  Callie was very excited about this, and I guess Chloe was too- just excited to be going somewhere!

Our banker, Mikey, got us all set up

Callie brought her piggy bank so she could count her change in the coin machine.  One rule in our house is that you save 10% (savings account), give 10% (church), then you are allowed to spend the rest on what you’d like.  In this case, Callie wanted to buy daddy’s Christmas present, a pair of brown shoes and a watch.  Its amazing what $20 bucks can get you when you own a clothing store ;)

I was glad  both girls enjoyed the experience of putting money in the bank and saving, just hope this will continue for a long time to come!

For Stevie

Sunday night we lit a candle in memory of Stevie. My cousin Andrea emailed all of us (The Rowlands) earlier in the week and shared with us a group called The Compasionate Friends. It's a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. In response to the need for grieving families to have one special day during the difficult holidays to remember, honor and reflect on the lives of children who have passed away at any age from any cause, 15 years ago they created the Worldwide Candle Lighting. It is usually held the second Sunday of each December, but since we just learned of this after the fact, she chose the third Sunday. At 7pm we all lit a candle to honor Stevie. We all still think of him daily, still ake for his parents, still know that he's better where he is now even though it's hard. So, for Stevie we remember and well never forget.

Our Tree

I love that our tree is filling up with all the girls' handmade decorations!