Weekend Getaway

This past weekend, we met up with some good friends for some fun in the sun.  Meeting halfway in Hilton Head Island, SC, we spent precious time with Patrick and friends.  Nearly 200 pictures... these help tell the story...

 I95 is a long long highway.

Patrick entertained himself by reading and playing with his Magnadoodle.

Our exit!

Pretty views on the backroads to the coast.

Pooltime!

Little Ellis grew up so fast!

Owen shows off his svelte body and tattoos!

Heading to "a beach!"

It's private, folks.  That means no outsiders are allowed.  :)

Our first view of HIlton Head Island.

Heading to the shore.

Ellis and I took a nap while the others played in the ocean.

We got everyone ice pops, but Patrick "traded" with me and took my ice cream.  He ate the whole thing!

That night, father and son partook in a great bubble bath.

Old friends are definitely the best friends.

Father and son discussing politics.  Or Mickey Mouse.

On the way home, we made a pit stop.

Can you guess where?

29 Months

Patrick turns 29 months today and coincidentally, Mike and I have known each other for 9 years at this point.  Who knew back then that wed be where we are – I had no idea the day I met him!

Anyhow… the latest obsession at home is this item:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last night, Patrick insisted on bringing this to bed with him and has spent this morning lugging it around the house and hugging it.  I don’t know what goes on in that head of his!

It’s not like we don’t have any toys in the house, evidenced here:

And here:

This month we’ve started experiencing more new things; Patrick amazes me daily.  He is very smart and funny.  Last weekend, Cousins Owen and Ellis came to visit and Patrick learned how to taunt a baby.  He would take the pacifier out of his cousin’s mouth then laugh hysterically.  He also likes to grab our feet and “tickle” us.  He is also speaking volumes – up, down, outside, thank you, panda, Buzz, Woody, river, Dora, Manny, Auntie, Uncle, etc, and putting words together - “More please”,  “Nite nite Mama!”.  He loves going out and says hello and goodbye to everyone he passes.  He enjoys playing with his garage and cars, as well as listening to nursery rhymes.  We are often woken in the mornings to hear him singing the ABC song, Apples and Bananas, Baa Baa Black Sheet.  He is helping at home by putting his clothes in the hamper at night and throwing away his dirty diapers.  He has also learned the art of manipulation, turning on the tears in an instant.  It’s becoming increasingly difficult to deny him things when there are tears falling out of his face.  Luckily, Mike and I are tough as nails.  :)

Celebrating with family at Disney World

 

Heading down on the Autotrain, Patrick pretends he is going to behave.

 

No trip would be complete without a trip to Downtown Disney to play at the Lego store.

 

Waiting for the bus to see Mickey Mouse.

 

The family takes over the Mouse House.

Meeting "the Pooh."

Not holding still for a photo.

Enjoying the pool at Saratoga Springs.

The Christmas tree at Hollywood Studios.

Hanging with Manny.

  

The lights at Hollywood Studios.

Thanksgiving dinner at the brother-in-law's house.

 

Back to Disney, Patrick meets a burrito at EPCOT in Mexico.

Making friends at Animal Kingdom.

Patrick meets Goliath from Jojo's Circus.

And practices his "blastoff!" with Leo from Little Einsteins.

Getting along with the Green Army Man.

Patrick meets the red Power Ranger.

Patrick and Owen had tons of fun on the speedway at the Magic Kingdom.

Old friends are the best friends.

 

Patrick and I got caught in the mosh pit dancing with Goofy.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Exhausted after a fun-filled vacation.