Laurie’s 30th

We went to Lake Moultrie last weekend to celebrate Laurie’s 30th birthday! Laurie became my cousin when I married Justin. I’ve loved her since the day I met her, but when she moved to Columbia in October, it didn’t take me long to learn that Laurie would become a lifelong best friend.

So, off to the lake we went! I have to admit, I was a little worried about how James would do after our beach trip last year. Well, last year James was obviously just a little too young and little too colicky for the beach, because this year was a huge success! Mr. independent {well, sometimes independent} is now old enough to play like all the other kids!

From the moment we got there, James wanted to play in the sun.

Playing with a pail and shovel and pushing a “ca” {anything with wheels}, while saying vroom vroom provides quite the entertainment these days.

From the moment we drove up, he was surrounded by love. Literally.

.A plus for him and a plus for his parents, as we were actually able to take a couple of breaks. (Thank you, Sandy)

But what do Mommies do when they have breaks? They give other Mommies a break, and they enjoy the other little ones they love. Because once a Mommy, always a Mommy.

To my surprise, James absolutely LOVED going in the water.

He even got his first swimming lesson, which would make his Great Grandfather, ‘James’ Ratliff very proud. My Granddaddy was the track and swimming coach at the University of South Carolina and started all his grandchildren’s swimming lessons as babies.

James was most excited though, when he learned how to splash the girls.

James loves his cousins. I say, “Do you want to go see Catie and Ellie?” and he lights up and says, “hhhmmmm???”

The only fuss we got from him was when we took him out of the water, teeth-chattering and all.

He soon realized he had worked up an appetite and headed straight for the raspberries and strawberries (which he normally doesn’t even like!).

But why eat fruit when you can eat crackers that you personally dip in ranch?

After a little more eating and a little more drinking… from them {the kids} and us {the adults}…

…it was back to playing.

Then we sang to the birthday girl

and her two precious little shadows.

The day was winding down

so, we put the kiddies down and continued the fun. We did what all overserved cousins do: we posed for pictures.

And some of us saddled up.

Then our children woke us up early (mine, with an ear infection), and we paid for our late night. :)

Happy Birthday, Laurie! You are a dear friend, and I love you so much!