September 28, 2010

Departures & Arrivals

Can you imagine your very first time EVER on an airplane being an overnight flight to Germany? Eight hours on a plane is enough to make anyone go a little nutty. Chapel, however, was a most impressive first time flyer. She came prepared with her ipad, gum, books, pens and pencils. And though she was very excited to take-off, she quickly tired and managed to sleep about seven of the eight hours onboard. Fine by me! I enjoyed a movie, two dinners (she never woke to eat hers), and a short nap myself.

Take-off!

We arrived in Frankfurt - one hour from Meredith's house and were met at the airport by a smiling Aunt Mimi and Reese holding flowers. So sweet. We had a very relaxed first day - I decided jet lag had gotten the best of me so I napped a little, showered, and then out on the town of Otterbach we went. We walked to a typical German restaurant in M's town. Such a cute town to walk around and explore. The houses were bright and well-manicured, there were hills all around, the air was cool (a nice break from the heat we left) and there was no humidity, which our hair loved! Dinner was excellent and it was nice to finally have reached our destination.
Outside our dinner venue.
Chapel pretending she is still adjusting to the time difference.
Troy & MiMi - I think this is the only picture I took of the two of them together!
Picking out ice cream for dessert.....

September 23, 2010

So Much To Say

Chapel and I are spending our last night in Germany tonight and I can't believe the vacation is over. Believe me, I miss my babies, Eli, and my sweet husband. But.....

Over the past ten days I have enjoyed laid back days with my sister and Reese; trips to Ramstein Air Force Base where Troy is stationed and where I would look at every American there and wonder what their story was (how they got here, what they are doing, how their lives are living so far from home); I spent two wonderful exciting days in Paris; planned an impromptu trip to Europa Park; and went on several local outings in M's little town that included dinners, ice cream in the evening, walks through parks and even attended one local fundraiser at a fire station! And although I had plans to do this or that when I arrived, I found that fate somehow intervened on several occasions and my plans would change. It has been an incredible and interesting trip! And I have loved spending so much QT with Chapel and Meredith and Reese.

As soon as I get home, I plan to blog about several different adventures, but I also know that I will be playing catch-up with my family, store, school and numerous other commitments. I will get them done, however, so that Chapel will have a complete and accurate account of our trip!

Auf wiedersehen, Deutschland! Charleston, here we come.

Landing in Germany....
Dinner in Otterbach....
Trip to Versailles....

Hanging out....


September 12, 2010

It doesn't get easier....

I thought that after going through 2 first days of school in years past with Chapel and Eli, that the twins starting school for the first time this week would be a breeze. I mean, it should get easier, right?

Here is Chapel on her first day of school at Ashley Hall, she had just turned two the month before and she looked so tiny with her big bookbag walking beside her daddy.
Eli looked like a baby when he started Charlestowne Montessori at 18 months. He did not even have hair!
And so here they are, my last babies, on their first day of school. Which was really just a meet-and-greet with the teacher. For luck, Conor wore the same dress Chapel wore on her first day. Unfortunately, I have no idea what happened to Eli's shirt so Jude wore another of Eli's old outfits for luck.
Wasting no time getting acquainted with their new surroundings.
Love, love, love this cute cupcake board with all the birthdays.
Day two, their actual first day, was too cute. Look at these proud babies with their lunch boxes. Jude stared longingly at the playground and they both lined up right out front waiting for the door to open. Conor only had one moment where she looked like she might be a tad worried about what the day had in store.


Ms. Becky and Ms. Amy said they were not upset in the least when I left them. I, on the other hand, definitely shed a tear when I drove away. The first day just doesn't get easier for mom.

September 09, 2010

It's So Easy...

With school starting back and Brett working nights, lately I have felt as if I am being pulled in a thousand directions and not really having the time to savor any specific moments in my day. This weekend, however, we took a three day excursion and drove to Disney's resort on Hilton Head Island. Once on the road, I just felt myself starting to unwind and relax and being able to finally enjoy some free time with my kiddos and husband. MaMa Anne and Caroline and Uncle Robert also joined in the fun and we stayed in an incredible 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa that allowed everyone plenty of space to shower, watch TV, sleep and hang out without interrupting anyone else's R&R. I love this resort because there are so many planned children's activities and adult activities to boot. There is always something fun to do.We took full advantage of all the resort had to offer: campfires and smores, crabbing and fishing, nature walks, shopping, dining, swimming and more. Here are some great photo's of our relaxing weekend!

The "Disney Effect" - everything is perfectly crafted for guests to enjoy their stay.....

Campfires with entertainment and smores.

Arts and crafts for all ages.....
Swimming and sliding...
Nature walks....








Picnic, crabbing, fishing....








Meeting Shadow - the elusive mascot of the resort....


Goofing off....





September 01, 2010

A New Baby is On the Way

And thank you, Lord, that I am not the one having it! The Barker Four are getting a new cousin in a few weeks and we are beyond excited to have little John Redden Morgan joining our family. My cousin Tina and I grew up like sisters - we were neighbors from the time we were born until we left for college. I can't tell you how many times we played dolls under the big trees in my Granny's front yard or how many summer days we complained about shelling endless buckets of butter beans or how many tears we shed while watching Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons. Congratulations Tina & Joey on what is sure to be a life-changing and amazing experience. And remember, as parental experts of four small children, there is no crisis Brett and I can not talk you through!