Toes in the Sand

This month the entire Neal family, minus Rolf who was working, went on vacation together for the first time in 9 years. Growing up my family always went to The Cloisters in Sea Island, Georgia for family vacation in July but now that we have all "left the nest" and have our own families it has been difficult to take a family vacation with all of us having such different schedules. This summer with a special thanks to Gabi for inviting us all to join she and Ian at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we were able to enjoy four sun-filled days of family fun. We actually enjoyed hanging out with each other so much that we are planning on doing it again next summer. Maybe we can talk mom and dad into taking us back to The Cloisters!! They went this summer to celebrate their 30th anniversary but for some reason they didn't invite the rest of us to tag along.

Here is a little slideshow of all the fun we had while on vacation:

Cherished Moments

"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided for them but for the feeling that you cherished them." ~ Richard L. Evans

A couple of weeks ago now Rolf, Liam, and I ventured out to Mt. Trashmore for the afternoon. We had a great time walking around the lake, playing in the grass at the top of the hill, watching the kites, and swinging on the swings.

Here are some pictures from our afternoon:

Much to Rolf's dismay Liam was not a fan of sitting in the grass. It was a pretty dry and prickly but boys aren't supposed to mind those sort of things.

Liam and Rolf running down the hill. Thank goodness for the jogging stroller because it was a pretty bumpy ride.

Snuggling with Mommy. One of Mommy's most favorite things in the whole world.

Playing with Daddy.

I love it when Daddy tosses me HIGH but Mommy doesn't!!

Riding on Daddy's shoulders like a big boy. I love playing with his hat while I am up there.

I love swingin' on the swings!

I like to lean way forward and watch the ground.

It's That Time of Year Again

Yes, it is that time of year again, the best time of year...football season. Here in the Graning household we are ready and celebrated the first pre-season game with a dinner of boneless buffalo wings, chips with guacamole, and Yuengling.

Here is Liam when I told him the Steelers were playing Thursday night and he got to wear his new jersey.

Here is Liam when I told him the game came on way past his bed time.

Here is Liam when I told him he might to stay up late and watch the game with Daddy!

Here's to a great season! Go Steelers!!

Welcome to Parenthood...

Rolf and I can now say we have officially been "christened" as parents.

Three nights ago, Rolf and I were lucky enough to be able to go out on a date. Yes, a date! My mom was in town and offered to babysit so we could go out and grab a quick dinner just the two of us. We had both just changed our clothes and were getting ready to walk out the door. I was holding Liam and Rolf was helping me to give him some medicine. Well the medicine went down just fine but quickly came back up along with most of his dinner all over my nice dress, Rolf's new jeans, Liam's PJs, and the floor. As we were cleaning up the mess and settling Liam back down my mom came walking in and with a big smile said, "Welcome to parenthood." So I guess we are now officially parents.

Sorry no pictures for this post :-)!

A Round of Applause

This past week Liam started clapping for the first time and I quickly caught it on video just in case he didn't do it again for a while. He has kept it up and even performed for Rolf that evening when we got home from work. He has the cutest clap and does it just about every time I say yea or cheer for him. He seems to be very proud of himself and his new talent!!

Best Buddies...

Matthew and Liam

On our way back from our girls weekend Liam was able to hang out with his new buddy Matthew for a little while. Matthew is the son of my bestest friend Lesley and was the ring bearer in our wedding. He has been a very special part of my life for the last 9 and a half years and I am so happy that Liam was able to meet him and hang out for just a little while.

L'ton Girls Weekend 2009, Carolina Beach, NC

This past weekend I met up with my 3 best girlfriends from growing up for a reunion weekend at Carolina Beach, NC. We had an awesome time hanging out, gossiping, shopping, eating way too much, and watching girlie movies. Because we don't all live in Lumberton any more, we aren't able to all get together very often or even talk as much as we would like but when we do, we pick up right where we left off. We have seen each other through a lot through the years and I am so blessed to have each of them in my life. With each of us now having our own families we are hoping to start a new tradition this fall or winter of a family weekend and I can't wait!!

Thanks girls for an awesome weekend! I am really looking forward to our family weekend and I can't wait for what has now turned into our annual "shopping" weekend again next year...