Beach Trip 20-12

Although I've reeeally been missing Iowa, my friends, and family a lot more lately, I have to say one HUGE perk to living here is the close proximity to so many cool vacation destinations.  We decided to do our first beach trip, since we are only 5 hours away from the Atlantic!  We loaded up the Prius (we can't get 50 mpg from our minivan!) and headed to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  We stayed three nights and decided that next summer we're making a week out of it.  It was beautiful and so much fun!

This girl loved digging in the sand.

And this girl was happy just relaxing in the water!

Justin was like a little boy again in those waves.. and he loved taking the girls out in them!

These sand crabs were all over!

Our attempt at a family photo with the timer on our camera.

Two of the evenings we went to Harbour Town, which was a really cute area with shops, restaurants, live entertainment, free trolley rides.. it was really fun! 

At a cool park in Harbour Town.

Trolley ride!

We stayed on the trolley longer that we needed to just because the girls thought it was so fun!

Sunset on the beach

Love this one of Claire and Daddy

Claire was SCREAMING and CRYING when Justin got this little crab on a shell and picked it up.  Emma, on other hand, LOVED it and wanted to hold it!

We also took the girls mini-golfing, which was seriously one of the most hilarious hours of my life!  They were both free so we figured it would be fun for them to give it a try!

Before our golf outing.

Emma gave up on using the golf club real quick and just started throwing the ball.  She even resorted to laying down.

Trying to instruct.  This didn't last long.

Claire making a good effort.  Emma climbing on rocks.

There was a lot of throwing the ball down the green (Emma got a hole in one on one of her throws!  Justin got it on video so I'll have to post it!), placing the ball in the hole, climbing rocks, running around, and very little golf actually happening.  The most hilarious part of the night was at the end.  You know how you putt into the final hole and your ball goes into the ball return and disppears?  Yeah, well, we didn't prepare the girls for this.  They were devestated when they couldn't get their balls back.

It was quite an experience! :)  We had a really great trip and are already looking forward to going back next year!

What a week!

Here are a few photo highlights of our visit with Grammy and Babu.  It was a wonderful week and we were all sad when it ended.  Claire is already asking when they are coming back!  ;)

Grammy and Emma reading

Since my dad collects license plates and loves bird houses for his wooded backyard, we got him a bird house made out of an Iowa licenese plate for father's day! 

Baking with Grammy.

Hanging out in the backyard.

Before going out to dinner one night.

These girls love their Babu!

We spent a lot of time at the pool in our neighborhood.  Have I mentioned we get to use this for free?! 

Claire goes down the big slide by herself and doesn't even need someone to catch her!  Then she swims over to the ladder, climbs out of the pool, and does it all over again.  My mom thinks she went at least 50 times one day we were there!

Justin and Emma coming down the slide.

We visited Justin at work one day and had a picnic lunch.

Me and my mama!

Claire was thrilled that she got to go on a "Babu date!"  They went to a trail near our house and Claire biked while Babu ran.

What a great week!!  Let us know when you're ready to come back!  ;)

Daddy's Day!

The Shoe girls had so much fun celebrating our main man today!!  He is an incredible father and these two little ladies are so blessed to have a daddy that not only cherishes them and loves them, but teaches them about the One who loves them most.. their Heavenly Father.

Daddy got a new golf bag and a couple new clubs!

I loved hearing Claire's answers to these questions!

Yummy lunch after church at one of Justin's new favorite ATL restaurants.. Fresh 2 Order!

Happy Father's Day, Justin!!!  We love you. xoxo

Dancing Queen

I promise I won't post ballet pictures after class every week, but I just cannot stand how cute it is!  And this week we got to have Grammy and Babu come with to see Claire in action.

Ready to go!

Waiting with Babu

Pointing toes!

Tippy toes!

Check out that form! ;)

Practicing her curtsy.

Hanging with Grammy!