Everybody loves Caleb

Caleb lives in a sibling war zone where he is likely to be poked in the head, laid on, screamed at, or jumped over. But for the most part, I think he loves being part of the krew.

Colleen loves Caleb and is usually right on top of him saying, "Hey Cayub!"

2 Sweet

Colleen turned two on family vacation, so we sang and she opened gifts at the beach. Later, at home, we had a night to celebrate alone with her. I made a cake and Jason helped her blow out the candles and open her present. She loved it all and we took great pleasure in watching her. She is full of personality, love, and life. Still a baby in so many ways and yet changing before our eyes into a big girl. To a well-trained Mother's ear she is saying so many words and beginning to string them together in order to communicate better. She is learning colors and letters and I find myself amazed at what she picks up on her own, just playing, listening, and observing. I am reminded that "there are little eyes upon me" and we are growing a very special little girl. Happy Birthday Colleen.

Making the cake

Waiting for the cake

Blowing out the candles

And finally eating the cake

Her gift from us was a porcelain doll holding the number 2. She loves small dolls so this was a favorite.
She has been using the potty a lot lately and so to encourage things along, she was given a pack of Princess panties!

Edisto Island 2010

This year for the Riley Family vacation we spent a week in Edisto Island, South Carolina. The beach was full of shells and the ocean was very calm, perfect for the small kids to play in. We found sand dollars and horseshoe crabs, built sand castles, swam, fished, golfed, rode bikes...you name it, we did it! The islanders have affectionately named the place "Edislow" because of the no-rush lifestyle there. And while there are very few "slow" moments when all 18 (19 including Grandmama) of us are together, the week was one of great fun, escape, new experiences, and most importantly...family. We wouldn't trade the madness for anything in the world! Thank you Papa Ron and Nonna for a great time.

All present and accounted for

It was a descent walk to the beach so these two shots were pretty regular sights each day

Papa Ron and the three "smelly boys"

Riley, Shea, and Colleen taking a Capri Sun break under the cabana

Jason loved boogie boarding and playing in the ocean with Ty and Josiah

Colleen played with the sand a lot and enjoyed finding shells

Grandmama joined us for vacation this year and was so helpful with all of the kids. She loves the water and was often out there in the midst of everyone splashing around.

Caleb just likes being with us!

Nonna and Colleen searching for shells

Wesley, Will, and Jon Langley are really growing up and wanting to do more things with the adults. Here they are playing putt-putt with Samuel.

One day as we were riding bikes, we saw this man working hard to reel in a fish. Samuel and the boys ran to help out, but ultimately it took a woman to take off her shoes, get in the water, and pull out the catch...a huge red drum. 'At a girl!

Samuel giving Jason a ride on the boogie board

Wesley loves Samuel and was pretty much by his side whenever possible. Here they are fishing together.

The Three Amigos

One morning, it was just our family on the beach and we quickly built a sand castle before the tide washed it away.
Mr. Cool already!

The men and three older boys went golfing one morning and had a great time. Wesley, Will, and Jon Langley said it was their favorite part of the trip.

Love that smile

Daddy and Caleb ready to swim

Our Lola!

Colleen was Aunt Jessica's buddy all week long. That may have something to do with how often Aunt Jess eats!