Countdown to Florida.....T-minus 12 Days!

I feel like I have been preparing for our vacation to Florida for the past year, when really it's only been 6 weeks! I remember the days when I could pick up and go to the beach for a weekend and literally pick up and go to the beach THAT DAY, without a care in the world.

Those days are far behind. I am a planner. I might even say OVER planner. I think once you have children your mind goes from carefree to worst case scenario even when going on a trip to Target 5 minutes down the street. This condition can only be cured with proper planning and preventative maintenance. Haha.

I have planned outfits (for four), making sure we have swim suits, CHECK, warm weather clothes, CHECK, cold weather clothes (just in case), CHECK, timing out our stops and traveling, CHECK. Looking up weather details, traffic details, where are the closest hospitals? Also, my "notes" in my iphone is filled with things to remember like: check tire pressure, check oil, diapers?, sippy cup, tablet, nintendo DS?? Yes, I need to be reminded of things and am CONSTANTLY making lists! It also helps the over planning condition!

After I worry myself with every detail, clothing option, and car maintenance I think to myself, "AMANDA, this is supposed to be FUN!!!!" and worrying is NOT fun. Finding the fine line between over-planning stress and FUN is KEY! The key to success? Maybe... but, definitely the key to my sanity.

SO, with that being said, I am trying to loosen up on my planning/worrying and realize this will be a fun vacation to see family and friends! If I forget diapers, guess what? 300 places sell them! If I forget socks, I'm sure we will manage. Besides, who needs socks in beautiful Florida sunshine?!? haha

Now that it is nearing the day of departure, I am getting more excited and less stressed and that makes me happy!

We are going to be visiting my grandparents in New Symrna Beach, FL (where I was born), and then taking the kids to St Augustine to do all the fun historic things and meet with Jeff's childhood friend and his family. My Mom will also be traveling with us to help with these two ANGELS we have who absolutely LOVE the car (insert sarcasm). Very grateful she is coming.

Moms- sometimes it's good to let loose and have fun! Remember that worrying takes out of the FUN!

These are some pictures of our trip last year to Florida! I'm getting excited seeing that bright sunshine!

Need some fresh gear in Summerville?

 I became new to Summerville and surrounding areas almost a year ago. Whew, time flies!
I started getting suggestions on where to go for things like monogramming, hair bows, kids clothing (you know, the necessities) haha. I just want to give these local small businesses some "street cred".

 Obviously, when you have a girl that means monograms and bows become your hobby. You compare prices, search for deals, and look for that "must have" outfit that she will probably only wear once and throw-up on. BUT, we need these things right??? haha

 I have encountered two WONDERFUL places that have gone above and beyond to customize and make the most adorable and AFFORDABLE things for Ellie and Mason.

First, is Girly GIrls Boutique located in Goose Creek. Amanda Farmer is the owner and creator of all things lovely! She designed both of these shirts for Mason and Elliana for our Florida/St. Augustine trip coming up. St. Augustine only makes me think of pirates, so pirates it is!!

Adorable right?? I KNOW!

The next place is in Summerville right off of N Gum St., Fancy Trimmins, they have monogrammed A LOT of Ellie's things, but her 1st birthday outfit I just picked up today and I was just blown away at the girly cuteness of her outfit.

Adorable again??? YES!

So, for any of you in the Summerville and surrounding areas and need suggestions here they are!!!! 

Hello, blogging world!

We have family and friends all over (South Carolina, New Jersey, Florida, Michigan...) so, I thought to start a blog into our daily "fun" would be a great idea to keep everyone in tuned to what goes on with Jeff, me, Mason, and Elliana. Facebook limits me to snapshots and a tiny bit of space for a status here and there of a funny situation or story (which we do encounter daily) so, I thought a blog would be best to fully grasp the daily trials, tribulations, laughs, cries, and FUN that we share and could share with our family and friends who don't get to actually be here to see and enjoy these precious moments and milestones! 

 I hope everyone enjoys and that Mason and Elliana can make you giggle every now and then at their antics!