Our First Valentine's Day

Ryan and I started dating in 2002 so obviously he has been my Valentine for quite some time. This was just our first time being married during the national day of love. Therefore, it was the most special one yet! I don't know if I have ever mentioned it before but, my hubby is pretty much just great...so of course he didn't disappoint for our "first" Valentine's Day!

He took me to Charleston to stay at the Charleston Place Hotel. He went all out and got the Grill Gourmet Package which included dinner at Charleston Place Grill and a yummy breakfast the next morning. The whole entire time was AMAZING! We were certainly living large that night! The hotel is gorgeous. Charleston is clearly beautiful. The hotel staff treats you like royalty, and the food was some of the best I have ever had.

When we first got into town we strolled through the streets of Charleston taking in all of the sights. Then we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our dinner. We got all dolled up and went to the restaurant for some cocktails while we waited on our table. Once we got to our table we ordered a bottle of wine and a crab cake appetizer. (always tasty!) For our meal, Ryan ordered Duck Confit & Blackberries and I chose Seared Flounder and Crab Succotash. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it all. I had to get dessert (duh!) so we got Devil's Food Cake. Delish!

I thoroughly enjoyed being wined and dined by my man! :)

The Hotel

Our room...they gave us a complimentary upgrade to a suite when we got there!

The yummy treats they had for us.

Before dinner

I wish we could relive our trip every weekend!

I'm leaving you with a picture I took of "The Gonz" this morning...

This is how he sleeps...what a mess!

Under the Big Top

Ryan and I took Addison to the circus when it came to Columbia. Charley is in the process of potty training so she should be able to come visit in the near future. Ryan's rule is that only people who are potty trained can spend the weekend with Aunt Kat and Uncle Ry Ry.

I can't even remember the last time I went to the circus so I was just about as excited as little miss priss was. I was a little disappointed that the whole thing wasn't going to be in a tent. It just doesn't seem right to have a circus with no tent.

We went to the little pre-show they had so Addie could meet some of the circus stars and see the clowns. Then we spent a small fortune on popcorn, drinks, and outrageously overpriced spinney things that light up. Thank goodness for grandparents that stuff Addie's pockets with some extra cash before she heads our way!

Once we were happily munching on the yummy snacks we headed to find our seats. The show was really one of the greatest shows on earth. At least, it was one of the greatest shows that I have ever seen. There were lots of really cool stunts and tons of animals that did some quite impressive tricks. Addie seemed to really enjoy herself. The elephants were her favorite!

The trip/weekend was a success. Ryan and I may possibly be the best babysitters ever!

Happy Birthday, Ashley!

On January 29th my sister, Ashley, turned the big 3-0! I cannot believe she is already 30. It seems like just yesterday we were playing Barbies or acting out the latest episode of Kids Incorporated on my grandma's patio. (and yes we really did that...ha!) I miss those days of just hanging out with no cares whatsoever. Now we have jobs, bills, kids, (not me, just her!) and all the other not so fun things that come with being a grown up. No thank you to that!

But I digress :) The real point of this post is not to complain about all that junk!

For Ashley's birthday her husband, Robby, threw a little oyster roast partay. What a sweet hubby! Ashley is so busy with her job and her two munchkins that she never has time to cut loose. I was glad to see her enjoying herself that night!

The party was a good time. The oysters were delicious and my wine glass was never empty...my kind of night!

Happy Birthday to the best sister in the world! I love you! :)

Me with the birthday girl!

Oyster Shooter - yikes! but oh so yummy :)

Ashley's granny cake

Make a wish....

Yum, yum, yum, yum!