Whitley's Week: Spring Break!

The Watsons have enjoyed another beautiful spring break! Tom chaperoned a student trip to London and Paris, and Whitley and I headed to South Carolina to spend the week being spoiled by my parents. We went to the beach nearly every day, and though it was often overcast and cool, it didn't stop Whitley from enjoying the sand and surf! In fact, CC and I were usually begging Whitley to come out of the water and up on higher ground so we could warm up. That girl would've splashed until she was blue from head to toe! There were other highlights from the trip: 1. We went to the Disney store one day, and you would've thought we took Whitley back to Disney World. She was sooo excited to see the rows and rows of princesses, hear her favorite songs, and see large TVs showing her favorite movie clips. And she was able to add to her Rapunzel look! We got a little stuffed Pascal to sit on her shoulder when she dresses up. :) 2. Whitley karaoked, and it has got to be one of the cutest things I've ever seen. My parents, our good friends the Orbans, Whitley and I all went to a little beach restaurant and bar that has live music most nights, and karaoke on Tuesdays. Mom was insistant that I sing (and let's face it- I was definitely going to) but Whitley beat me to the mic! We watched a few folks give some interesting performances, and then "Karaoke Cheryl" asked, "So, who wants to sing next?" Whitley raised her hand straight up and piped, "I do!" She walked up to the lady, who asked what she wanted to sing. Whitley immediately answered, "Ra Ra, Uh Uh Uh," which I translated as Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance". Now, she didn't really know how to hold the microphone, so Cheryl sang along with her, but Whitley shook her shoulders and grinned throughout the song. Some of the other patrons and the waitresses were so tickled by her, and honestly, I was in awe. When Whitley sat back down with us, she was beaming, and proudly noted, "They all clapped for me." 3. One evening, CC, Whitley and I went to The Carolina Opry to see one of their live shows. It was a late evening for us, but Whitley really liked seeing the dancing girls. (Gotta get that girl signed up for lessons!) 4. Our last day, CC, Day Day, Whitley and I all went to Broadway at the Beach. We ate a nice lunch on the water, and were entertained by the massive and hideous catfish that gaped at us, begging for food. After eating, we wandered around, peeking in shops, enjoying the weather, and watched Whitley try several kiddie rides. 5. And of course, the best part of the trip was just being with my parents. CC spent literally every second awake with Whitley, doting and loving on her in her sweet, special way. Those two hid Easter eggs, ran all over the yard, made and decorated cookies, played with dolls, painted and colored, read stories, and any other fun activity a four-year-old would love. Day Day cooked all my favorite foods, including a big fish fry with three kinds of fish, oysters, and french fries. He said the best part of our visit was getting Whitley when she first woke up, and the big hug she'd give him every morning before settling in for some doughnuts and cartoons.

On the evening before Tom flew out for the week, we three hit up Maple View Farms for some ice cream.

Whitley ordered strawberry and slowly licked every... single... drop.

Easter treats from CC and Day Day!

Ooooh, an egg to decorate.

Playing in an ocean puddle.

At the beach bar, the outdoor stage was empty since the karaoke was inside. Whitley wanted to spend nearly every moment dancing on the stage. She'd beg different members of our party to come watch her and clap!