Our 1st Family Vacation :-)

We drove 14 hours to SC to see our family and had a great time!

We had to take a "getting ready to go" picture!



We got pretty far on our first day, and made it about a half hour away from SC. We stopped in a Fairfield Inn on 95 in Lumberton, VA and it was actually perfect! They gave us a pack and play for Miranda, and it worked out great! I must give baby girl props, b/c she was a real trooper and did WONDERFUL driving down to SC. We took a few stops for feeds and changes, but overall, we kept going. THANK GOODNESS Mike created a CD of Miranda's favorite songs b/c it got us through the times when she was not so happy. (although by the end of the trip, Mike and I now longer like, nor can stand, Laurie Berkener, Elmo, or the Backyardigans!) Haha :-) Also, for any parents making the trip, I highly recommend a PORTABLE DVD! This was a great item, and Mike sat in the back with Peanut while she watched her shows. (Mommy drove through an awful rain storm in VA, but we all had fun!) :-)

Miranda's First Hotel -






The 2nd day we stopped early b/c we wanted a real meal and on 95 the only 'real meal' place is Cracker Barrel, so Cracker Barrel we went! We ordered Miranda her first meal from kids menu! It was sooo exciting! She ate a pancake ( actually, she only ate half, but this thing was HUGE and she did a really great job!)It was so exciting to see her eat on her own at a restaurant!
(Yes, i took pix!)






YUMMM!!!

I think I like this. Time for my water to wash it all down!

I'm Full! :-)

Mommy & Her Pictures! :-)


We made it to Bluffton in 3 hours from the Cracker Barrel, and the ride was pretty smooth sailing.

Almost There!




We got to the Candlewood Suites, checked in, got Miranda's crib all set, and headed back out to go see Josh, Michelle, and the rest of our family who flew and drove down too!

It was WONDERFUL to see family & met our new niece Mallory :-) We also celebrated Abby's 4th birthday together. It was a few days later, but she enjoyed her cake and opening presents again! :-)

Baby Mallory!!




Mallory's Newspaper Announcement -



Miranda hanging out with her cousins, Abby and Mallory :-)





Abby & Miranda playing-



Proud Parents -



Daddy & Mallory -



Aunt Sharon & Baby Mallory -

Me with my brother Josh and our Dad :-)



Abby's 4th Birthday (part 2!) :-)










Miranda and Zayda :-)


Tuesday was supposed to be Savannah, GA day but mother nature & Miranda had other plans= rain & sleep! It's pouring here and it never rains here! So we let baby take a nap...almost 21/2 hours later she's still napping! Her 1st vaca and she slept! :-)
When Miranda finally awoke, we went next door to grab a bite, and ordered miranda her first bowl of spegetti! Haha! Needless to say, it will probably be her last for a while, b/c the noodles are to small for her to grasp, but how cute is this picture!!?!? (Yes, that's a noodle in her mouth, not teeth! haha) :-)


It was nice to spend some quality time with Josh :-) I LOVE this picture!!


On Wednesday, Mike and I took Mirnada to Hilton Head Island. We ate at Salty Dog Cafe (like real tourists should) and shopped a little too :-)







We ate dinner that night as a family, which was really nice. We had BBQ at the Smokehouse - YUM! :-)







Mike got some Daddy and Peanut time in the Pool!











Splish Splash!



Our last night, we spent time at Josh & Michelle's house and just hung out in their back yard, and had a nice time :-) It was so great seeing everyone together and just being together!!





















Such a cute video :-)



We had great time with our family this week, but all good things come to an end, and on Friday we headed back up north. However, Miranda was not loving the trip north, so we made many more stops this time. However, I had a camera in hand!
1st stop - South of The Border!




We got as far as Kings Dominion on the ride home, and stayed in a Confort Suites. I was actually VERY impressed with this hotel! We hoped to get a bit further in VA, but Miranda really needed to get out, so we checked in and were super impressed!! First things first, upon arrival, Miranda enjoyed the BIG BED! Haha! It was so funny watching her play, and Mike had to join in too! And yes, mommy was ready with camera in hand! :-)













Time to go home Miranda Rose -



It was a great trip, and I had to add these amazing rainbow pictures we saw after that crazy rain storm! Loved seeing family and meeting Josh & Michelle's new baby and celebrating Abby's birthday :-)