First Day in Hilton Head

We arrived into Hilton Head in the dark last night so took a quick tour this morning.  We had this nice corner unit condo and we loved our Ford Explorer!

We stayed at the Spicebush Resort in Sea Pines.  The condo was a tri-level with this nice balcony off of the back.  It was a little too cold to enjoy the swing or the water behind us, but it was a very peaceful location.

Within our first hour of touring our surroundings, Allison spotted this alligator sunning along the shore.  We pulled over the car and took pics, without getting too close.

 We've never seen this sign at home!

The Harbour Town Lighthouse it the main attraction in Sea Pines.

 Its sits right on the marina and the views were stunning from the top.

 It was a crisp, windy day so we didn't last long outside, but I'm glad we made the trek up!

 I loved how the marina had this nice waterfront with red rocking chairs placed all over.

 We were back in the car to tour Lawton Stables, also in Sea Pines.

 Allison overcame her fear of deer and Matt got quite friendly with one.  This guy even hopped the fence to try to follow Matt out!

 Our last stop before Gigi's house was the Coastal Discovery Museum.

 The marshlands were so peaceful and the grounds surrounding the museum were nice to tour.

All of the paths were lined with shells instead of rocks.

 When we got to Gigi's house, she gave us a wonderful tour of her adorable home and the Del Webb community she lives in.  There is so much to do there and she seems so happy with her move!  Then she took us on a tour of Old Town Bluffton.  Everything was closed on Sunday, but it sure was cute!

We stopped at this amazing church, Church of the Cross.  It was in perfect condition and sat right on the water.

 The sunset couldn't have been prettier!

 On the way back to her house, we stopped at this very exclusive community called Palmetto Bluff.  The homes were gorgeous, the cars were expensive and everything seemed over-the-top beautiful!

We enjoyed a yummy pasta dinner at Gigi's before heading back to our condo.  We packed a lot in and love everything about this area...except for the cold weather!

Charleston, South Carolina

Last night, we arrived in Charleston, SC after a long day of travel. The car rental representative recommended FATZ for dinner for delicious  Kalabash chicken and sweet tea.  It was the perfect southern start to our vacation!

 Gigi met us at our hotel in the morning for a tour of Charleston. She couldn't get over how grown up the girls were and it was wonderful to see her!  On our way into downtown, we took a slight detour to The Citadel. 

 It was a beautiful military campus with so much history and really cool monuments.

 Then we parked in downtown Charleston and browsed through a large farmer's market going on in the square across the street.  We couldn't pass up the beignet booth!

 Then it was on to a horse-drawn carriage ride through historic Charleston.  Freddy guided us up and down King Street and Meeting Street to see some of the most gorgeous homes.

 We loved the architecture and uniqueness of these homes!  

After the carriage ride, we stopped for lunch before doing some walking on our own.  Taylor loved her fried green tomato BLT and the shrimp po' boys were amazing.  Of course, we drank more sweet tea!

 We walked down Rainbow Row

 posed in front of more stunning homes

 and walked along the waterfront.

 We couldn't leave Charleston without one more treat before the two hour drive to Hilton Head...

Day of Celebration

 Taylor had quite the birthday celebration today!  It started with balloons covering her bedroom floor and Matt bringing home her favorite Starbucks breakfast before leaving for school.  Madison and Trent showed up with balloons and gift cards and she was spoiled all day with candy and cards from her friends at school.  She also loved all of the Instagram collages friends and family posted throughout the day!

 At 6:00, her friends began arriving for the party.  

 Matt and I each drove car loads of girls to Lazy Dog Cafe and met up with some of her other friends for dinner.  Taylor wanted a "semi dressy" dinner and she loved that everyone obliged!  They all looked so pretty!

 The girls shared many laughs over dinner and every time Matt and I looked down at Taylor, she had a giant grin on her face!

 The girls sang "Happy Birthday" so loud and much of the restaurant joined in.

 Maylie had to leave right after dinner, but Taylor was so happy to have her MayMay there!

 McKayla and Devan

 Taylor with Summer and Madison

 Jenna, Caitlin, Avery and the birthday girl

 Then it was back to the house for Bundtini's and presents.

 Jenna got her this awesome Big Joe bean bag chair

 and she was spoiled with scarves, lotions, gift cards, clothes and nail polish...all things girly!

 At 10:15pm, they finally decided to get into the hot tub.  I swear, they never stop!  By 11:30, I was ready for bed and they came inside to watch movies and hang out.

This is what is left when 9 girls are done in the hot tub!

 Apparently, they didn't all fall asleep until 3:00am...Crazy!

I had to leave early for Allison's game in Anaheim, but this is how I left the girls.  I think that's a sign of a good time had by all.  I loved seeing Taylor have so much fun and am so glad she has kind, polite and supportive friends that make her so happy!

14

Our sweet Taylor Lillian turned 14 today!

You have become such a wonderful young women who makes me proud everyday.  

I love that we talk like best friends and that you still ask me to lay with you some nights when you try to fall asleep.  You bring so much joy and laughter into our family and we crack up at your impersonations!

 You are gorgeous, outgoing, a genuine friend, smart, a real people pleaser and athletic.   You have a great sense of style and I'm not sure where you got your love of hair, makeup and shopping...certainly wasn't from me!

 We battle when you spend too much time on Instagram or Vine or watch episodes of the Kardashian's, but you take care of business.  We still aren't sure if you would be able to find your way home from the mall without a GPS or Allison in the car with you, but you have 2 more years to figure that out!

 I love your sense of adventure and love of travel. You have skied, zip lined, surfed, snorkeled, kayaked and paddle boarded and are always eager to try something new.

I wish I shared your love for sushi and I know you wish you had given dance or cheerleading a try.  It's never too late to try something new, but I also know how much passion you have for soccer.  You will be a great leader on your high school team!

Taylor, I love you to pieces and am so honored to be your Mom!  Stay true to you and you will accomplish so much.  You are beautiful inside and out and I hope and pray that all of your dreams come true.

  Happy 14th Birthday to you!!