Farewell, Lake House

Farewell old blue lake house! We had a good run since 1991. We had a lot of fun. Three kids learned how to ski, tube, kneeboard, and wake board. We had a lot of stitches, too. Clarendon Memorial ER probably had us as regulars for a while there.

We definitely grew up as a family in the little blue 1100 square feet of wonderfulness. We definitely had to get along during the summers, because you didn't really have anywhere to go to "get away!" As the family grew, the porch became a fourth bedroom. When the grand babies came, it got especially tight when it had to accommodate the toys that came with the children.

By the end, the vinyl was falling off and the carpet had more than one burn in it the shape of an iron. Something seemed broken all the time. But, it still felt as much like home as the far nicer home we actually grew up in down the road in Sumter.

This house has seen countless friends come and go. Many after-prom parties, and later gatherings of friends from Clemson, and later engagement parties in the yard for sweet friends. It seemed like this tiny house could sleep 20 easily when required.

So, it was no less than bittersweet when the time came to empty it out and begin the next chapter of lakefront living for the Eaves-Smith crew! We had a great weekend moving out. A few tears shed, perhaps. But overall, we know that this next chapter, and the next house, will be so much better for this growing family!

Here's to many fun summers with far less maintenance and just as much fun as the old house!

Happy Valentine's Day!

A Birthday Party for Banks and Eli

For as long as Banks and Eli are happy sharing a birthday party, we are going to let them share a party! The party planning is so much easier that way, and it's easier on the family as well. These sweet boys were unbelievably happy to be surrounded by their friends and family!

We loved the doughnut tree! As you can see above, Banks loved showing the doughnut tree and the park to his sweet friend Haley! Sack races, pinatas, a doughnut tree, an egg race, a photo booth, family and friends.... what a great day to celebrate two of my favorite boys!

Eli and Banks each got their own cake. They were pretty excited to have so much cake! :)

Thank you to everyone who made their birthday so incredibly special! Love to you all!

Birthday Celebrations at School

You can't imagine how much this sweet boy was living and breathing for his birthday celebration at school! He talked about it for weeks before it came. He talked about his birthday "paddles" (which weren't really paddles at all!) and how he would trick his teacher and paddle her instead! He dreamed and schemed. He talked about the cupcakes we would bring and the hat he would wear. Is there any better day to a five year old than his own birthday?

Oh, he rejoiced. He danced in the middle of the circle. He could not have been happier!

This year has been an unbelievable blessing! We love his school, his teachers and his friends!

Happy Birthday, sweet Banks!

Happy birthday, Banks!

Dear sweet, precious Banks,

Why are you growing up so fast? Our sweet baby is five!

You are the greatest big brother I have ever seen. You love Eli, and you watch out for him. You protect him and love on him. You approach him with such a tender heart.

You are so smart at school! I love to see you learning to write your letters and numbers. I love to see how you come home excited to tell us what you learned at school - whether it's about healthy food, dinosaurs, or plants that grow under the ground, there is never a dull moment at Pre-K!

I wanted to record a quick interview with you this year. Here is a glimpse of you at five...

How old are you? five
What makes you happy? playing Scribble (a game)
What is your favorite animal? lions and tigers and snakes and all that stuff
What is your favorite thing to eat? pizza and corn dogs and hot dogs

What is your favorite thing to do? play my video games and play games on my mommy's phone
What is your favorite TV show? Sponge Bob (but you don't let me watch that)
What are you really good at? that game where you punch the aliens and you walk through all the cities and then you get to go to the next level (a math game on the leap pad!)

What is your favorite movie? Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
What is your favorite color? green, red and blue
What is your favorite song? I like to Move It, Move It
Who is your best friend? Haley and Mixon

What do you and mommy do together? snuggle together in mommy's bed
What do you and daddy do together? stay up at nap time or go fishing
What is your favorite sport? soccer and baseball

Where is your favorite place to go? Barberitos and Chili's and El Sombrero
What is your favorite book? Pirate Pete
What do you want to be when you grow up? Policeman or a Firefighter

You are growing into such an amazing young man. You love Jesus, and I love the precious conversations we have at night after reading your bible stories. You love to reflect on how big God is, or how powerful, or how much He loves us... and I hope you never grow out of it.

You have lots of best friends these days! You love to catch Parker and Hunter outside playing, or to run across the street to see Emory and Marley. Mixon, Haley and Grace continue to be best friends at school. We are so blessed with so many sweet friends!

You are sometimes silly, sometimes serious, and always full of love. You are insightful. You are so smart. You amaze me each and every day.

Happy Birthday, sweet Banks. We love you more than you could ever know!

Mommy and Daddy


(Photos taken by Erin Rene Photography)

Love a lazy Saturday morning