Bahamas!

Eric and I had a wonderful, rejuvenating trip to the Bahamas with many of the doctors (and their wives) that he works closely with through his job. I felt so welcomed by this close knit group, and I can see why Eric loves working with this group of professionals! We had many opportunities for fun and socializing.

Many of us enjoyed a comedy show on the ship after dinner one evening.

We enjoyed beverages and socializing post-too-much-sun-at-the-pool and before dinner.

I became fast friends with Paula at the pool one day. What fun we had just chatting it up! We really enjoyed the special drink of the day --- The Ultimate Suntan! (Eric renamed it "The Ultimate Suntan Unless You Have Too Many and Then It Becomes the Ultimate Sunburn!") Paula and I decided that name was way too long for a drink name! :)

While the doctors (and Eric) were in the lectures, the rest of us were enjoying the pool, magazines, girl talk, slushy beverages, and napping!

We had a stop in Freeport, and we did some shopping with some of the others on our trip. I thought the wind made it a wee bit chilly as you can see from my pink fleece jacket!

Our Nassau stop included a trip to Atlantis! What a paradise! This place is huge and so much fun! We enjoyed looking at all the marine life in the various parts of Atlantis.

We enjoyed the water slides that Atlantis had to offer. Basically, the water slides were like roller coasters minus being strapped into a cart. I chickened out at the top of some of them. I really enjoyed the ones where you rode an innertube as in the one below. However, sharks were swimming all around us!

Yes, that is Eric going down the free fall water slide. I did not go down it...I was very much a chicken!

The post dinner nightlife and casinos proved to be A LOT of fun!

Madeline's future dentist, Dr. Lisa. She's a pediatric dentist and a wonderful poolmate!

The casino was a happening place after dinner and late night!

Eric and Brandon spent an evening around the Blackjack table. Brandon's wife has some serious shopping money when they return to Columbia. I wasn't as lucky!

A very happy and refreshed Mama and Daddy!

The Four Year Degree Dinner table...aka "The Kids Table". Ha-ha!

The study club is very lucky to have this lovely lady, Jacquelyn, as their marketing director. She's a girl after my own heart with her 3 ring binder, divider tabs, sticky notes, and plastic sleeves to keep all her information organized regarding the details of this trip. She definitely helped to make this trip a success and fun for all.

Eric and I had a blast, and we were so excited to see our girl when we got home. However, we both have a little spring in our step after having such a great break from parenthood and life in general! Not to mention, this Mama is loving her tan! :)

What Happens at Grandma's Stays at Grandma's!

Madeline had a wonderful time at my parents' house while we were in the Bahamas! Miss Madeline was given a glowing report in all areas --- sleep, eating, and entertainment! A week in pictures narrated by Madeline:

I had a good time playing on the floor. I did lots of rolling over and pushing up with my arms! Grandpa even found me on my belly one morning when he came to get me from the bed.
Playing and standing by the bathtub while Grandpa got ready for work was a big hit each morning!

Eating in the big girl high chair was fun despite my appearance in this picture.

Grandma and I played in the grass in the afternoons while we waited for Grandpa to get home from work. (I'm sure Grandma was sipping her evening glass of wine...)

We went to church on Sunday, and I stayed in the nursery just like when I go to my church. After the service, I socialized with all of my grandparents friends, and I sucked on a donut hole's sugary goodness. I accidentally chomped off a big hunk and swallowed it before Grandma could pull it out of my mouth!

Grandma introduced me to the sippy cup, but I wasn't really sure how the thing worked. I sure did enjoy the apple juice on the inside when Grandma held the cup to my mouth without the sippy part.

I loved munching on a carrot. It was still a tad too hard to actually eat, and I wasn't really a fan of bite size green beans or peas. I still prefer mashed green beans and peas.

I really LOVE Mum-Mums! They make a great late afternoon snack.

However, when my Mum-Mum was gone, I thought the grass was a good alternative. Grandma told me "No, No!" I thought only Mommies and Daddies said "No, No!"

We went on lots of walks!

I posed for lots of pictures! This one was taken before we went for a morning coffee at the BoJangles! Grandma and Grandpa's friends meet there many Saturday mornings, and since I woke them up early, they decided to take me to meet some friends!

Grandma and Grandpa really make me laugh. I hammed it up for them!

We played pat-a-cake!

Grandma took me to the gym just like my mommy does. EXCEPT Grandma came to pick me up from the kids' care, and we went to the pool!! I LOVE THE POOL!!! It was my first time at the pool.

Grandpa stole lots of kisses from me!

I played in my exersaucer while Grandma did her chores around the house. I sure did impress her with my ability to play independently! "My mommy is training me right!" I told her.

And, of course, I held the ladder for Grandma while she did one of her chores.

Grandma said I could come back anytime, and my mommy and daddy sure do appreciate Grandma and Grandpa taking such good care of me!