Mama's Memorial Day Birthday Weekend

I was born on Memorial Day, so I'm used to sharing my birthday weekend with this special holiday. It works out great too, because I always get a nice long weekend to celebrate my birthday! As we have for 15+ years, we all gathered at the lake house to welcome in Summer and celebrate my birthday and Memorial Day. 

Saturday was the BIG day- my birthday and more importantly, at least to the kids anyway, the Memorial Day parade!! Of course, I dressed both of them up in their most patriotic clothes. 

Rachael's outfit was given to her by Aunt Laureen for Christmas and I have been anxiously waiting for this day to roll around so she could wear it!

I had to take a picture of the back view too- SO cute!

Ryan took these great pictures of the kids just before the parade began.

Once the parade began, Rachael stood as close as she could to the action. 

Then she joined her Mama.

David sat with his Daddy the whole time.

Except for when he thought he could talk Ma and Big Daddy into getting one of those...

Back at the house that day [and all weekend long] the kids played in the water table

Then down to the boat dock.




The kids would take turns pretending to drive the boat. 

While the other waited patiently.

The lake water was still a little chilly for some of us to get in. There were only a few brave enough to really get in the water- Ricky, Cate, and Big Daddy. David dipped down from the dock ladder twice, but that was enough for him. Rachael loved sitting on the back of the boat and kicking her feet in the cold water.

Oh, right! Somewhere along the way we celebrated my birthday. Saturday evening we had an awesome low country boil!

My babies and me

Yes, that's my cake. Clean Cookie Dough Balls. Yes, we are 'clean eaters' [or 'hippies' as some of our friends call us] and we love it. Thanks to Aunt Nicole for sharing this recipe! 

Blowing out the candles. Look at David's intensity. 

Did you like that, Rachael?

How about you, David?

I got some help opening presents. Well, really I watched while they opened.






And then while I was opening gifts, this happened...






Our sweet Bogie-dog tolerates so much from his kids. He lets them climb all over him, ride him like a horse, and slide down his head. What a good dog we have. He would never admit it, but I think he really likes his babies. I know they sure like him, a lot.

It was a great birthday weekend full of fun and family!