4th of July!

The 4th of July ...let's see, the weekend was long, busy, and loads of FUN! It all started on Friday...our GA family came into town and we were off...to see and do everything we could possibly fit into three days. Friday afternoon we headed to Palmetto Islands County Park to hit the slides and fountains at the toddler pool. Nana, Uncle Matthew & Jordan, Shannon, Bryan, and Aidan joined us. Some others folks disappeared...yep, you know it, they went shopping!

Ashlyn & Aidan checking out the pool & crowd before deciding to join in on the excitement.

After the water park, we went to Nana and Papa's for a Lowcountry Boil...Yum, Yum, Yummy!

We hung out for a bit & then we all went to check out the new Memorial Park and fishing pier down by the bridge. It was gorgeous!

The morning of the 4th, we were all brave enough to head to the Isle of Palms and hit the beach for the day. Traffic and parking....not too bad. Thanks to Mr. Sowell (he headed out there bright and early with the tents) we had a great spot and plenty of room for the whole family.

The beach is huge...I want to see it ALL...run,run,run!
We really do feed Ashlyn at home, I promise!

Sandcastle time!

I wonder how tall we can build our fortress?

"All of this 4th of July celebrating stuff sure makes me sleepy!!!" After spending the day at the beach, we headed back to Nana's for BBQ, etc. It was a wonderful time. Ashlyn had red, white, and blue beads for everyone to wear. After dinner, she entertained us while we waited for the fireworks show to begin. I am still trying to figure out where in the world she gets her dance moves...

We had the perfect view from Nana & Popa's neighbor. The fireworks were beautiful I was

SO glad that Ashlyn was not afraid of the noise. I think she enjoyed the evening...I did not let her hold any sparklers though. Maybe next year. She did like watching everyone else play. She and Aidan had glow in the dark bracelets and swords.

Watching the fireworks...it was a great night...all we needed was Rick!!!

I kept thinking about Ash's first 4th of July...we were at Fripp Island last year & she was only two and a half months old. Rick held her for the entire show...she SLEPT through it all!

The party was not over yet! On Sunday, we had breakfast with everyone & then we headed to the Children's Museum for a couple of hours. Well, Shannon & Aidan and Ashlyn & I did, anyway. The other ladies in the family took advantage of being downtown and hit the market for some last minute shopping.