Caroliniana Ball

Will and I joined his parents, and hundreds of other South Carolinians, at the Grove Park Inn for the Caroliniana Ball last weekend.  It was a fun get-away and an excuse to get all dressed up, as in white tie and ball gown complete with gloves.  We found sitters for the children and headed out of town Friday afternoon.

We had dinner with three other couples from Columbia on Friday night.  Funny how we had to get out of town in order to be able to sit down and actually visit with people whose children go to our same school.  Dinner was at one of the restaurants in the Grove Park Inn.  Afterwards, we headed to the hospitality suite to visit with lots of other folks.

Will and I went to breakfast on Saturday morning at the Early Girl Eatery.  I had the Early Girl Benny (grit cakes topped with tomato, spinach, poached eggs, tomato gravy and avocado, served with toast) and let me tell you, it was delicious!!  YUM!!  Then, believe it or not, we went back to the hotel for a nap.  There's nothing like a nap before noon!  Will played golf and I went to a tennis clinic.  Thought I signed up for a simple stroke clinic, but it turned out to be an advanced singles clinic - I am neither a singles player nor 'advanced' and was WAY out of my league.  But, I managed to keep up with everyone and not embarrass myself too badly and had a great work-out.

After another trip to the hospitality suite, it was time to get dressed and head to the ball. 

With Will's parents and a new friend.  Can't remember how they know this guy, but he got on stage and sang Blueberry Hill later in the night.  Apparently, he does that every year and he did not disappoint!

With the Gravelys (Will's godparents) and Ginny and Jimmy

On the dance floor

Basketball Tournament

The 3rd grade Trinity girls played the #1 team for the second game of the basketball tournament.  They really did make so much progress during the season.  When Trinity played this team earlier in the season, they lost by 36 points (or so).  They only lost by 10 points during the tournament, though.  I think those girls were shocked that the Trinity girls were able to hold them as well as they did.  

Practicing during the warm-ups

Lunch at Groucho's with a friend after the game

Big Canoe

Went to Big Canoe with some friends last weekend for our Winter Break - 4 families, 16 people in all, 8 children, four girls, four boys, lots of laughs and giggles and sunshine.

(Computer is giving me fits when I try to upload the pictures so this is all I've got for now.  I'll update as I am allowed by this pesky Apple.)

A 'wintry mix' was predicted for Wednesday night/Thursday morning so we weren't sure we were going to be able to get up the mountain.  Thankfully, the sun was shining and there was no 'black ice.'  Friday turned out to be gorgeous and some of our group went on a hike.  Not sure who to credit with this picture of Will and McIver, but it makes me so happy!

We made tacos for the kids Friday night.  They had the entire dining room table to themselves and we happy to pose for some pictures.  Olivia loved having Maggie in Big Canoe.  The girls took over the loft upstairs and enjoyed having their own 'girl space.'

Happy Valentine's Day from McIver

We didn't make a huge deal out of Valentine's Day this year (not that we really do any year, for that matter) but McIver made me the sweetest card during his technology class last week.  He is a whiz at the computer and is his teachers' go-to person when someone needs help with the technology center.

"Dear Mom, I love you with all my heart and you are the most best mom in the world and I will never forget about you.  Love, McIver"

And, a self-portrait on the back of the card.  Love that kid!

Puzzles & Harry Potter

We have a great carpool system this year.  Our friend drives every morning because she has a little one at home who naps in the afternoon.  So, I don't have to rush to get myself ready in the morning so that we can all get out the door unless I'm subbing.  So, most mornings lately, the kids get up, have breakfast and get dressed, then we sit at the dining room table while they do puzzles and I read from the latest Harry Potter book.  McIver and I have read the first three books together.  We don't watch the movie until we have finished the book.  Olivia hasn't been interested in listening in on the books, but she loves the movies and is happy to listen to the latest book (the 4th one) during puzzle time in the morning.  

Now that I've figured out the new camera, McIver said I should take a picture of our new morning activity.

Basketball Tournament

Olivia has had SO much fun playing basketball with other 3rd grade girls from our church.  She really only signed up because that's what other girls from her soccer team were doing during the off-season, but she has been pleasantly surprised at how much fun it has been.  It also helps that she scored 8 of her team's 12 *winning* points during the final game of the season.  Unfortunately, Will was taking McIver to a birthday party so he missed it.  

The good news is that the tournament is a 'single elimination' deal so every team gets to play at least one game.  More good news is that the Trinity Cathedral team's first tournament game was played against their most recent opponent - the team they beat 12-4.  So, they were confident in their ability to win.

Pep talk from one of the coaches before the game.

Olivia on defense - "arms up!"

Practicing during half-time - Trinity was ahead at the half for only the second time this season.

Team picture after the WIN!

The final score - and they get to play again next Saturday.

Technical Difficulties

Oops!  I dropped my camera and it seems to be in a bit of pain.  So, no pictures to share unless I upload them from my phone.  Bear with me...

*UPDATED - I was not able to figure out how to get my camera to take pictures again so I bought a new one the other day.  We've got plans to go to the mountains soon and I just couldn't see going without a camera.

A new obsession ... Pokemon Cards

McIver went to a Pokemon birthday party the Friday before we left for Vail.  Now, he's somewhat obsessed with Pokemon cards.  The party favor was this cute little book and several Pokemon cards.  He likes to read the points and powers of each of the cards and maybe even trade some cards with his friends.

Showing off his new (Gamecock-colored) backpack.

Cookie Time!

Olivia has had a great time selling Girl Scout cookies for the first time.