Weekend at the Lake

So we had a really, really, realllllyyyyyy awesome time at the lake this weekend.

{one of the many views from the deck}

We left Thursday night with Mike, Molly and little James and made the three-hour trek to Lake Norman. We stayed with Molly's aunt and uncle, who were so wonderful and SO much fun... and also got to meet lots of Molly's extended family (including some of her way-too-cute cousins) that we hadn't been able to meet before.

Needless to say, there was lots of relaxing, eating, spending time at the water, boating, rafting, game-playing, babies and laughing.

Lots of laughing. I think there was at least ten separate occasions where I laughed so hard my stomach hurt and tears were streaming down my face. One of which was when Mol's cousin Samantha, after Chad telling her he was almost 30, said quite matter-of-fact, "Oh, you don't look that age. You look maybe 40 or something." Got 'em.

Those are the best times.

But no doubt, one of the best parts of the trip was getting to spend hours upon hours of quality time with our nephew. He's at such a fun stage where he's still our sweet little baby, but loves interacting with all people. He looks from person to person and just gives the hugest smiles to everyone.

{james showing off his musical skills... and yes, he would play it!}

{uncle chad and his little buddy}

{sweet baby smiles}

And as much as I am a beach person, this trip has me convinced that I want every ounce of our savings beyond retirement to go to a lake house and boat. I do declare I'm converted.

Here are a few other pictures from the weekend:

{morning boat ride to choose our future home...}

{taking in the breeze and sounds on the boat. however, he's not a fan of his life jacket.}

{low country boil on the deck}

{boat ride at sunset}

{lazy James on the dock swing}

{lazy Chad on a boat ride}

We made it back Sunday afternoon in time to celebrate our fathers and watch the final round of the US Open. I'm so grateful for my own dad and everything he means to our family. I'm sure he loved that he was "celebrated" on father's day by having his two daughters, one son, one son-in-law and one daughter-in-law taking naps across the living room with him, with grandson asleep on his belly, and the US Open on softly in the background. It was quite a sight to behold, as I'm sure my mama can testify.

Hope your weekend was just as swell!

Three cheers...

... for my bro and sis-in-law putting up new pictures of baby James on Facebook.

No crappy week can withstand the cuteness of this face first thing on a Thursday.

{i.dont.care.what.anyone.else.says.my.nephew.is.the.absolute.cutest.baby.alive.ever.for.real.ever.}

It just seems unfair that James is here to play and his BFF cousin is still a couple months away...

My best buddy

Since I had a weak blog post this morning, I felt that you at least deserved a little somethin' somethin' of my favoritest little boy in the world.

...be still my heart... (in his hooded towel from Aunt Care)

... are you dying yet? (this was on the way home from the hospital... holding on for dear life)

... heart officially melted. (wondering about what his in-utero cousin is up to)

It is apparent baby Jamesy likes his blue binkie.

Chad and I are crossing our fingers for a baby girl at this point because I don't know how there can be another baby boy in the family as impossibly gorgeous as this one.

And then came James...

Without a doubt, this was one of the most emotional/happy/terrified/excited weekends I've ever had in my life.

I won't share any details, since it is not my story to tell, but I WILL say that I'm so thankful for a God that loves and protects my darling and beautiful Molly, my strong and resilient Mikey and the most precious little baby I have ever seen... my brand new nephew James Henry.





As Mike's big sister, I've experienced such pride in the man that he is over the past few days... I can't even imagine how my parents feel. He emerged as this strong, powerful and protective husband and father. There is this fiercely loyal love he has for his wife and son, and it was just breathtaking to see. I still can't even find the words for all the emotions.

One of the sweetest things I noticed was how right away, the baby was drawn to Mike's voice. Even when he was back with the nurses getting his first bath, the moment Mike would talk, James would look around for him and lock eyes. That boy is going to love his daddy so much.

And to my little Molly - sister, I am SO proud of you. You always amaze me in a million ways, and this just added to it. I know the end of this pregnancy was NOT easy for you, but what a champ you have been. I'm so glad you have this gorgeous, perfect little being on the other end of it as a reward.

Here I am, proud first-time aunt with James Henry. Child, you are so very loved.


(((And yes, it is taking every ounce of strength for me not to run to the hospital and hold him again this minute.)))