A Joy Renewed

Our Clara girl turned seven years old this past Thursday, May 2nd.

I. Cannot. Believe. It.

A tradition we started at age three is to take pictures as soon as she wakes up on her birthday morning. Tradition continues . . .

We kicked off her special day with a party at school during snack time. I brought mini muffins, fruit snacks, and juice. Her BCBA, Aaron, played princess music from the computer (she is the only girl in her class, thus, she has been the princess for a while), turned the overhead room lights low, and played flashing lights all over the wall.

She was in heaven!

That night, we treated her to presents, followed by dinner at Freddy's for grilled cheese, french fries, and chocolate ice cream. Camille specifically picked out this superhero bunny and just as Camille expected, Clara loved it. She also loved her Peanuts birthday card that plays the theme song anytime you open and close it. We listen to said theme song over and over and over. :)

Camille was set on a shark birthday bag, don't ask.

We had planned a big birthday bash for her at the park the Saturday after her birthday, but 24 hours before go-time the weather was not looking promising (and I did not have a solid back-up plan for the amount of people I invited, and I didn't want to get stuck with tons of food) so I made the call to cancel the party.

The rain and thunder came crashing hard overnight and by10am Saturday it was clear and beautiful.

Oh well, can't win them all, right? We plan to reschedule for a pool party later this summer.

We turned lemons into lemonade by taking her to her favorite place . . . the carousel!

She loves watching it as much as she loves riding it!

Love her so much! Can't believe this kid is seven years old and can't wait to see what all God has in store for her this next year of her life! We pray this is the year she conquers potty training as well as speaking with her actual voice!

Last month, seven out of the ten women from our church ~~small group~~ not-so-small-group traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, for a quick getaway! A few of the girls planned the entire thing, from picking the dates and destination, to planning the daily itinerary, and it all worked so well. When you have that many people traveling together, having one or two designated as "in charge" really works and eliminates a lot of indecision and wasted time.

Ready to go!!!!

After landing and checking in to our VBRO, the historic Jacob Rabb House (Stay here! We loved it. Sleeps eight, three beds and two baths and fully renovated kitchen and dining areas. Conveniently located to central walking destinations.), and killing some time browsing stores on King Street, we enjoyed lunch at Basic Kitchen. Fresh and delicious.

Next, we toured Drayton Hall and the famous Magnolia Plantation Gardens. Beautiful!

After asking for directions from Drayton Hall to the Magnolia Gardens, some random, but super sweet lady let us all pile in her car and gave us a lift. Such a funny memory!

Poor Alayna . . . I had to sit right on top of her.

Dinner that night was at a random Pub, not worth mentioning, but dessert was note-worthy! Late night "dessert" at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit was delicious. Go here!

They have more elaborate biscuit options, but we decided on simple.
The cinnamon biscuit was by far the favorite.

Saturday morning started off with a visit to the local Farmer's Market. Huge green space with tons of food, caffeine options, and shopping.

After the Farmer's Market, shopping the City Market, and eating lunch at Charleston Crabb House, we decided to forgo our itinerary and hop on a carriage tour via the Classic Carriage Works Company. Best decision! Our tour guide was hilarious and we learned a lot of history about the city.

Pineapple fountain . . . Pineapples can be seen frequently around Charleston and resemble hospitality.

Rainbow Row

Dinner at Magnolias. So amazing. All the food is amazing, if you haven't picked up on that yet,
but this restaurant was out of this world. Pricer than most meals, but worth the splurge.

After dinner at Magnolias, we surprised one of the girls, recently engaged, with a little Bachelorette fun. And by Bachelorette fun I mean we dressed her up and went to sit at a wine bar to consume one glass of wine and mostly water.

Uncork Charleston . . . Trendy and fun wine bar. Does not draw in a crazy, party crowd.
Highly recommend if you are in the area and looking for a place to hang post dinner.

Sunday breakfast at Poogan's Porch. Again, delicious. We did not starve on this trip, in case you were concerned.

After brunch we attended worship at Bright City Church. Such a great service and message on fear by Nick Connolly. If you are new to the area and looking for a church home, or are looking to attend service while you are traveling, please visit Bright City!

Sunday afternoon was a food tour via Savor The Flavor Food Tours. Are you seeing a trend here? Food, food, and more food. No one was complaining, however, I wish there would have been more walking on this tour as extra steps would not have hurt at this point.

Harbor Dinner Cruise on our last night! Fancy and fun!

Since our Sunday had already consisted of brunch, a food tour, and dinner on the water, we felt it necessary to find dessert and landed at Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe. Super unique options that range from kid to adult friendly, although none of us branched out to test the adult friendly menu. :)