Vacation 2008 - Shopping

Day 7 - Today we took Jayden to the Charleston outlet mall for a little shopping. Then we went back to the hotel for some more swimming. Today he was actually trying to paddle and kick his legs. He also kept putting his head into the water. He keeps getting more and more daring each time in the pool. After naptime we took Jayden to dinner to yet another seafood restaurant.

Vacation 2008 - Sightseeing and beach

Day 6 - Today was a busy day. First, we took Jayden to downtown Charleston for a little sightseeing, shopping and lunch. Then it was time to go back to the hotel for Jayden's (and Daddy's - shh, I didn't tell you that) regular afternoon nap.

After napping, we were ready to take Jayden to the beach for the first time. It was not the perfect day for the beach because it was really windy but we decided it was still worth going. Surprisingly, Jayden loved it right away and crawled until he couldn't crawl anymore. He thought it was funny when there was a big wave and the water surprisingly caught up with him. He also enjoyed being a ham for all of the evening walkers who would stop to look at him playing. By the time we were ready to leave, Jayden was covered from head to toe in sand.

Following the beach we all went back to the hotel for showers/baths to remove all of the sand that we stole from the beach. Then it was on to another seafood dinner. Even though it was way past Jayden's bedtime, he was on his best behavior at dinner and even learned to drink from a straw while we were there.

Sightseeing in downtown Charleston, SC

Lunch at King Street Grill located on Mama's favorite street to shop on.

Jayden's first time at the beach.

Washing off all of the sand.

Dinner at Charleston Crab House on the river.

Drinking out of a straw for the first time and southern style (sweet tea).

Vacation 2008 - Charleston, SC

Day 5 - Today we headed down to Charleston for a little family vacation. We checked into our hotel and after a short nap we headed downtown for a seafood dinner and then took Jayden back to the hotel for a night swim. He loved swimming and met a friend (8 year old little boy) in the pool who almost never left his side.

Dinner at the Noisy Oyster in downtown Charleston.

Swimming in the pool at the hotel.

Vacation 2008 - Transition Day

Day 4 - Today Jayden went to visit Mommy's old work and then went to lunch with Mommy and Daddy and a few of Mommy's friends (former co-workers). They couldn't believe how well Jayden behaved. He has been great on vacation so far. After lunch we visited a few of our favorite shops in downtown Columbia and then went back to Amie and Rich's. Below Jayden is trying to feed Rich a leaf on the tree and he just thought it was so funny.

After visiting with Rich, Amie and the kids we went over to Denise's (Mommy's friend) house for dinner and to stay the night before heading to Charleston tomorrow.

Vacation 2008 - Grilling out with friends

Day 3 - Today we had friends over to grill out. It was so nice getting to see old friends, relax and grill out like old times. Everyone really enjoyed getting to see Jayden for the first time and he enjoyed playing outside all evening.

P.S. Mommy failed to take many pictures today but promises to do better in the future.

Vacation 2008 - Visiting with friends

Day 2 - For the first few days of our vacation we are staying with our good friends. Jayden is having a fun time playing with the kids and playing with all of their toys. We really appreciate the hospitality and the company. We miss them so much!!

Tonight Jayden stayed with our friends while Mommy and Daddy attend a friend's wedding. He had a really good time.

First Airplane Trip - South Carolina vacation

Jayden went on his first airplane trip to start his very first vacation. He did wonderfully on the plane and waved and smiled at everyone on the plane. He was definitely the entertainment for everyone sitting around us.

First time swimming in a big pool

Jayden went swimming for the first time in a big pool. Aunt Ashley brought cousin Jacob (6 months old now) for his first time too. The water was pretty chilly but by the end Jayden was having a good time. Jacob loved it immediately. Hopefully, Jayden will get to experience swimming in some warm water on vaction next week.

Jayden's 10 month pictures

Happy 4th of July!

Jayden had a busy first 4th of July. First, we went to a barbecue to celebrate Great-Grandpa Hamilton's birthday.

Then it was on to watch some fireworks for the first time. Surprisingly, Jayden loved them and was just amazed by the show.

Happy Birthday Brooke

Today we celebrated Brooke's 12th birthday. Jayden had fun visiting with all of the family and helping Brooke with the wrapping paper on her gifts. He definitely loves Brooke!

Happy Father's Day!

Jayden had a busy weekend. Here he is playing with Papi on Saturday night (and wearing Papi's hat - which Jayden loves) while Mommy and Aunt Tara watched a movie. On Sunday he ate breakfast with Papi and then spent the day playing with Dada. Then Papa Bettorf came over for a Father's Day dinner. What a fun weekend!

Fun in Baby Pool

Jayden had fun this morning playing in his baby pool. He loves splashing in the water and didn't know what to think about Reesee (our yorkie) trying to get in with him. We can't wait to get him in a real pool on vacation next month.