Myrtle Beach continued...Heading Home!

We came, we shopped, we conquered! After 3 days of shopping, we were all ready to head home. We really had great weather for November. It was unseasonably warm so on our way home, we stopped for a quick walk on the beach. I really enjoyed my time with Williams mom and 2 sisters. I consider myself really blessed to have in laws that I love and enjoy!



Us with our many shopping bags!


It always amazes me that we manage to fit everything in the car!


Great day for a walk on the beach!

Myrtle Beach continued.... Medieval Times!

After a day of shopping, we decided to take in a show. This year we went to "Medieval Times". Out of our group, only I had been before. It has been a few years since I went (I went back in college) and I'm sad to say that the show was pretty much the same! I think Rachel, Jennifer and Katherine enjoyed it.








This picture makes us laugh!! Notice the knight on the end - he is so serious!

Annual Girls Trip to Myrtle Beach!

Today is the day we leave for our annual trip to Myrtle Beach!  After William and I got married, the Bell girls started a tradition of heading there to start our Christmas shopping! We stay at a place near the beach, we sleep in, eat out, go see a show and most importantly - Shop till ya drop! I've really looked forward to these trips, especially now after having Cora because it is so nice to get away and have a break from being a "mommy" for a moment. I'm really thankful for William for being able to handle Cora while I'm gone to. I will say that the Bell women can really shop - so I probably came back more exhausted than when I left. It's worth it though!


Here is a before shot. Before all the shopping craziness!


Rachel and Jennifer, eating dinner at Johnny Rockets!


Katherine and I, we got a yummy milkshake!


A group shot before we start the day of shopping!

Multi-Tasking....

Cora enjoying "Sesame Street"!!

Super Doubles!!

How much do you think I paid for all of this? Without coupons, it would have been (before tax) $27.75! But since this week is "super doubles" at Harris Teeter, I was able to get all of this for only $3.24! Thank you to Harris Teeter for the great deals and to my dad for giving me coupons!

18 month stats!

Today, Cora had her 18 month well child visit with Dr. Waller.  Here are her stats!!

Weight = 24 lbs 7 oz (50th percentile)
Length = 32 1/2 inches (75th percentile)
Head = 18 1/4 inches (25-50 percentile)

Dr. Waller said Cora was looking great!  She is super smart and beautiful :)  I am so thankful to have a healthy child.  Thank you Lord for this blessing as I know I take it for granted everyday. 

Sweet Visit from a great friend!

I had the most wonderful surprise today! Pictured below is a shot of Cora and I with our dear friend, Christi Shoaf. Christi and her husband, Drew, moved out to Washington State in 2008 for Drew to fulfill his dream of being a "travel nurse". They are sweet friends from college who were also involved with Campus Crusade for Christ. They got engaged the same time William and I did and they also got married the same year that we did. I have missed them a lot since they moved from Greenville. Though, they have loved living near Seattle and we've loved hearing about all their adventures. We actually flew out to visit them (before Cora) back in September, 2008. They really showed us a great time!


Back to my wonderful surprise! Christi has actually flown back to NC for a little while so that she can take care of her 90 year old grandpa. He was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and in need of a caretaker while Christi's parents are on business. What I love about Christi is that she didn't even need to think twice. Her and Drew both said, "Let's get you a ticket and get you home to take care of him." On this day, she had a "day off" and came to Greenville and called us for a visit. Christi was definitely the highlight of my day. She is such an encouragement to me and our visit was such a great reminder of what wonderful friends the Lord has blessed me with. I'm so thankful we share this common bond of Jesus Christ in our lives!!