Tis the Season....

Ashlyn waiting on the Mount Pleasant parade to start. We went with Rick's parents and our neighbors, Sue and Alli. It was pretty neat. Pretty packed, I should say. I went out there around 2:00 to set out our chairs. Then we all headed back around 4:30. At dark, they had fireworks, and then the parade. It lasted about two hours. It was great. Ashlyn loved all of the lights and noise!!

Santa's little helper!

Yeahhhh....Rick is here this year to handle the wonderful task of hanging the outside lights! After we found the right one, we decided to also get a little one for Ashlyn's room! We just could not resist!

It all started with the search for the perfect tree!Ashlyn's first holiday season has arrived! Things have been pretty busy, but no complaints, as we are having a blast this year.

Thanksgiving Weekend!

The perfect ending to a wonderful weekend!!! On Sunday, Ashlyn was Baptised at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. The same place I was Baptised, as well as the same place that Rick and I were married. Michael, Glenda, Cara, Brooke, Mom, Dad, Terri, Bob, Aunt Sissy, and Uncle Curt were all in town to help us celebrate the special day. Ashlyn was all smiles and did really well through the church service. When the pastor took her, she just looked up at him as if she really was listening. They walked up and down the isle and she never lost her focus. It was beautiful. After the service, we all went to Breach Inlet to eat at a family favorite-

The Boathouse!

Opening a Baptism gift.

At least there is ONE morning person in this family! I wonder where she gets this from?

Carving up the bird!

Aunt Sissy & Ashlyn

Turkey Day!

The six & a half pounder!!!

Ashlyn and Uncle Matt!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a fun time with Ashlyn. The three of us joined Rick's parents + 8 at a lake house up near Columbia. We were there Wednesday through Saturday....I think all we did was EAT!!! Thanksgiving Day was perfect. Good food and good friends. Friday the girls hit the mall and, of course, TJ Maxx. We got back in time to do some fishing. Uncle Curt and Rick caught two huge catfish, which were just enough for the catfish stew we had that night. We also had oysters, clam chowder, and a brisket that Papa smoked. Saturday, we all watched football. The Dawgs did not pull through for us......not much to say on the subject....thankfully, Clemson had a good day. Everyone was excited to see USC go down, even the GA fans! All in all, I think it was perfect for Ashlyn's first Thanksgiving!!!

Shagin' and Shuckin' on the Yorktown

Brooke and Cara in front of the plane.

Ashlyn and I checking out one of the planes on display.

The girls!

Rick and Michael at the table; waiting on a hot batch of oysters.

Tonight was awesome! Glenda, Michael, Cara, and Brooke met us over at Patriot's Point. We went onto the USS Yorktown (an aircraft carrier) to the Hangar Deck and had oysters and listened to some good ol' Carolina tunes. It was so much fun to watch the older folks who really know how to shag-the original dance. Rick, Glenda, and Ashlyn hit the dance floor....I was on the other end of the ship, in the museum, so I did not get a picture of Rick and Ashlyn's first dance :( We checked out the rest of the sites and ate so many oysters..... I think I was trying to make up for missing last season (I couldn't eat any while I was preggers!!!).

The Coastal Carolina Fair

DONE!!!

Ashlyn, Rick, and I checking out the rides and lights.

Warren, Amanda & Gavin

Ashlyn and Gavin hanging out before our excursion.

So, last Saturday we decided to go to the fair. We invited Amanda, Warren, and Gavin to go with us. We were not sure, but we figured the lights, noises, and people would keep the kids entertained. We were right. They were both awesome. As for the adults, we rode a couple of rides and stuffed our faces with lots of wonderful fair food. As you know, we fry everything in the south....apparently that list now includes twinkies, oreos, and pickles....Warren may never look at a pickle the same again!

Boo!

Happy Halloween!!!

Ashlyn's first Halloween turned out perfect! We dressed her up and gave out candy at our house. Nana and Papa came over for dinner. Devon and Kellie (our neighbors) came over for dessert. We all watched old scary movies together. She did great, but she didn't quite make it for all the Trick or Treaters....she was out before the last few came knocking!

Our little glow worm!

It all started with the fascination of Freddie the firefly!!!

Ashlyn with her classmates-Avery the gold fish and Lincoln the avocado.

Carving the pumpkins.....we have a tradition. We always have a SC pumpkin and a GA pumpkin!

Looking at the flowers.

Daddy and Ash trying to find the perfect pumpkin to take home.

At the pumpkin patch with Nana and Papa.

The sweetest Halloween!

Rick and I have always enjoyed carving a pumpkin and giving out candy. This year, even though Ash is still very young, we had the most fun! It was a blast picking out her costume and taking her to the pumpkin patch (she got to go TWICE because Nana and Papa took her, too!!!). She even went to her first Halloween party-for kids 3 and under only! This really makes us look forward to the coming years when she is excited, too, and knows a little more about what is actually going on. Either way, she made the SPOOKY night so very SWEET!!!

Growing Girl!!!

After many, many, many attempts Ashlyn has finally decided to start eating! She loves her fruits (that's as far as we have made it) and juice. She even got all crazy yesterday & tried to hold her own bottle. Yea! What's next?

Parris Island-Beaufort, SC

On Friday we headed down to Beaufort to meet up with Papa Chadwick's family from Connecticut. They were in town to celebrate and attend Kyle's graduation from the Marine Corps boot camp. He started in July (yes, can you imagine how hot it was!!!) and finished this week. It was great to see everyone & we were excited to be a part of this day for Kyle.

Michael, Lisa, Kyle, and Kevin Hart

Rick and Kyle

Bob, Kyle, and Terri Lisa, Ashlyn, and Kevin

Ash, Rick, and Leah

With this day in mind, I do have a challenge (yes, we are a competitive family here) to our friends and family (definitely the family) .....make it a goal to purchase an American flag before the New Year and have it up and going. Support OUR guys & the troops. And for those of you, and I know you are out there, that just said "I already have one," THANKS!!, but the challenge goes on....purchase one for your car or, better yet, your neighbor who needs one. Hey, what a great Christmas idea!

Back to the Beach-YES...It is October!!!

Beach BABE in the making!!!

Just hanging out at Breech Inlet... One of our favorite spots for walking and relaxing. You cannot swim here because of the currents, but the view is awesome!

Well, there is NO complaining about the weather here! It is October and we are still hitting the beach! Ashlyn is liking it more and more. I knew she would. Look how far she has already come!

July October

Aunt Jeanne's Visit

Rick and I with Aunt Jeanne and Ashlyn. We were able to visit with Jeanne before and after our weekend away. We were even able to catch dinner a couple of times.

Nana and Papa even took Ash on a road trip! They headed down to Sylvania, GA to see the Bazemore side of the family. Here is Ashlyn with Shirley, Aidan, and Aunt Jeanne. Aunt Sissy took a turn rocking, too. I don't know if Ashlyn even knew we were gone, with all the attention!

Taking a nap??? Fighting sleep??? Who knows...just hanging out. They say she turned over for the first time that day...without me? I don't believe it...Hehehe

At the beach with Nana, Papa, and Aunt Jeanne!

Hanging out at the house with Aunt Jeanne...Bono, too!

The weekend of Sept 20th was a big one for the Chadwick family.....big for Rick and I because we traveled to Colorado Springs for his 10 year reunion at the USAFA....big for Ashlyn because it was the first time we left her for more than one night....big for Nana and Papa because not only were they keeping Ashlyn for several days and nights, but also because Aunt Jeanne (Bob's sister)was coming down from Connecticut for the week. This was the first time Jeanne met Ashlyn. As excited and nervous as I was, everything went well, and Ashlyn seemed to have loads of fun. Who wouldn't when they were getting spoiled 24/7? Aunt Glenda and Brooke even came down to entertain Ash for a night!!!