Summer Vacation - Part 1

We headed off on vacation Wednesday last week. Xander travels very well and we had a good flight to Charlotte through Knoxville. We ate in Knoxville and Xander was very interested in lunch. This kid is so ready to start solid foods.




We stayed the evening in Charlotte with Erin's parents and the next morning had a nice visit with her grandparents. Here's a shot of Jackie Xaver, Kathy McParland, Erin McParland Lewis, and Xander.


That afternoon we left for Southport, NC to visit my father. This was Xander's first chance to meet his grandfather and grandmother, and they had a great time together. We stayed with dad for two full days and spent time playing and helping him with a few things around the house.


On Sunday morning we got up early and drove to Hilton Head, SC to meet back up with the McParland clan for a week at the beach. We of course wanted to get pictures of the three new babies, Xander, Morgan, and Ella. It turns out that it is very challenging to get pictures of three babies, all happy, at the same time.

It has been a suprisingly relaxing vacation, with three infants, a 2 year old, and a 5 year old. I think it has been very effective birth control for newly wed Shane and Jess Orr.

The whole family headed out for an evening sailing trip on Monday. We were on a beautiful 62' schooner, a replica of the first US Coast Guard Revenue Cutters. We had a relaxing sail around Hilton Head and enjoyed seeing dolphins and a lovely sunset. Xander seemed to enjoy himself on the boat, haning out with his cousin Morgan and the rest of the family.



Xander has also been enjoying his first beach experience. We have had lots of fun playing in the surf, and although it can be a little surprising at times, he seems to really enjoy it.


We are looking forward to the rest of the week here in Hilton Head, and a visit to my mom this weekend. Stay tuned for more updates!

-Jake