The Ratliffs

This weekend we had a long overdue visit with our cousins, The Ratliffs. Before JW, we used to go visit them in Charleston every couple of months. Sometimes I forget whether we are friends that seem like family, or family that seem like friends. I never would have thought that these two cousins

would have remained such good friends. I never would have imagined Jason would marry someone that I love so much, and I would marry someone that Jason loves so much!

They have a little yorkie, Baxter, who is only one month older than Lynyrd. They are the bestest of friends.

Each visit that Lynyrd and Baxter have together is followed by a two day depression for both pups (loss of appetite, fatigue, excessive sleeping, irritability, loss of interest in normal activities, etc.)

But it is well worth it, because they always have a great time!

And are exhausted at the end of each day.

James made sure to welcome Aunt Katie and Uncle Jason with a meltdown, but was on his best behavior for the rest of the visit.

We had the kind of weekend where we hardly got out of our pajamas. IT WAS GREAT. That’s one of my favorite things about Katie. I can always be myself. {whether my hair is washed, I’m tired and grumpy, or I’m in my sweatpants} We just hung out, played Dominos (my new obsession), watched Jersey Shore (yes, I’ll admit that), grilled out, and played some cornhole.

While we cooked out, I couldn’t resist letting James try fruit any longer! Katie and I just had to give him some applesauce.

It seemed bitter at first.

But then maybe something we could get used to.

So we asked for a little more.

And loved it.

Jason, Katie and Baxter, thank you so much for making the trip to Cola. We had a great time even though the dynamic of our vacations has changed a little a lot. A beverage holder that once held beer, now holds a baby monitor.

We love y’all and thanks for a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Happy Birthday to my brother, Hampton. I love you.