Last of the Recap Pics from the Beach + Father’s Day + Name Reveal

June 16, 2014
 On the last evening we were at the beach, I took the children out to the beach with my trusty iPhone and captured these beautiful photos.  Scroll down to see the rest.
My apologies for the photo overload in today’s post!
Both girls became terrific swimmers as the week progressed.  They can now both swim across the deep end successfully without any help!  You have no idea how helpful this is for me at the pool with all four of them this summer!
Attempting some hula hoop action with one of my nieces.
CHEESE!
Still enjoying my J.Crew Cover-Up.  Definitely my favorite so far this year.
Use code: SHOPNOW and take 30% off.
Thank goodness the kids were in good spirits when we headed to the beach so I could get some photos of them.
 Loved every single photo!  Still having a hard time deciding which ones to order and frame.
 Lilly Pulitzer Little Lilly Shifts (available here and here)
When I started this blog over four years ago, I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d still be blogging today.  I’d always thought I’d get burned out and had the “well, it was fun while it lasted” kind of mentality.  Well, it’s been almost four and half years later and I’m still here!
In the beginning, I never revealed my children’s names because I was kind of afraid to put myself out there.  The internet is a pretty broad, open place, and I had no idea what I was doing at the time.  What I mean when I say I didn’t know what I was doing: while my childrens’ names were kept hidden, my blog email was (and still is) my entire name.  So much for being private, right?
I still haven’t taken a single blogging class, changed from the regular blogger platform or purchased PhotoShop.  I’m sure if I did any of those, there’d be benefits, but I’m still digging what I’ve got here.  I’m all about simplicity and not trying to complicate things.
It wasn’t until I started getting more followers and more public I kind of liked the fact that their names were kept hidden.  Yes, I’m sure with a little research you could probably find out their names on the internet.  I was okay with that.  If I wasn’t, I would’ve taken down my personal Facebook page.  And many of you know that if you’ve ever emailed me inquiring about their names, I’ve always told you.
I’m hoping that with you seeing their faces with their names, you’ll be able to meet them as they are, have a better connection, not just as initials.  I mean there are so many of you that I’ve connected with, and know your children’s names, I felt it was only fair that I’d share mine.  Finally, right?
Enjoy!
First off, the hubs.  His name is Lanier.  His parents are both from southern Georgia.  This is a very familiar name in their family and in that area of Georgia.
Meet Wheeler Beatrice (6 in two days).
Wheeler was my husband’s great-grandmother’s maiden name.
Beatrice was my babysitter’s name, Miss Bea is what we called her.  A 74 year old that babysat us six girls.  How could I not?
Meet Evelene Virginia, “Effie” (4 1/2).
My mother’s mother (my grandmother) was Maisie Evelene and went by Effie.
Virginia was my husband’s great-grandmother’s name.
Meet Logan Lanier (2 1/2).
My great, great-grandfather’s name was Marcus Logan.
Lanier is my husband’s name.
Meet Vaughn Godwin (19 months).
My dad’s name is Winston Yuvawn.  We changed it a little, but wanted to name him after my dad.  Another sister had already named her son, Winston.
Godwin is my maiden name.
From now on I’ll be referring to them as their real names, but wanted to explain them to y’all first.

Since Lanier wasn’t able to make it to the beach with us, he was extremely glad to see us when we got home on Saturday.  We were so excited to see him too!  He had the corn hole boards and good beer in the backyard ready to go!
While playing, I glanced and saw this.  Incredible.
I’ve always imagined this as a little glimpse of heaven.
 On Sunday, we went and picked up Bojangle’s for Lanier on Father’s Day (his favorite).
While I had a great time hanging out with my dad this past week at the beach, it was great to get home before Father’s Day so we could celebrate it with Lanier too.

We headed over to my inlaw’s neighbors’ pool for most of the day.
 My father-in-law launching Wheeler.
I had a reader ask about Effie’s tunic.  I got it a few months ago from Old Navy.
This navy print is the only one left, and it’s on sale.  Use code THANKS and get it for 30% off.
It’s pretty hot here today.  Thought this was the perfect thing to wear.  I know I wear them all the time but these FRAME Denim Cutoffs are still on sale,  $50 off!  The softest denim you’ll ever own.  For sizing, they run large so order a size down.  The necklace is Melvin.  These Tory Burch Leticia Sandals go with everything, and are super comfortable.  True to size.
The Twiggy Tank is c/o La Senoria Jolie ($34).  Receive free shipping when you use LSJ-ACK-FS at checkout.
Hope y’all have a great start to your week!  And welcome to the family!

72 thoughts on “Last of the Recap Pics from the Beach + Father’s Day + Name Reveal”

  1. Oh my goodness! I was just reading through old posts of yours because you're kind of a new find for me and I was thinking (like maybe 10 minutes ago) I wish I knew the kids' names (I knew they would be good) and can I just say they are even more awesome than I imagined. Thank you for sharing! I'm so excited to know everyone by their real names!!

  2. Your children have the most perfect Southern names! I love them! Thank you for sharing. I love getting a taste of the south up here in the north.

  3. So fun to know all the kids' names! Love all the family history to them- so sweet and southern!!! Thanks for sharing:)

  4. thank you for sharing your children's names with us! such a personal touch to your blog! your beach trip looked lovely!

  5. Very lovely names, I especially like Wheeler. Our 4 kids all have family ties in their names too. Looks like you all had a beautiful fathers day!

    heavensenthousewife.blogspot.com

  7. Best blog post ever! I've wondered their names for years. My southern family is big on the familial names and using prior maiden names as first or middle names. Thanks for the Monday surprise!

  8. New reader and I was also very curious about their names but I also respected the fact that you decided to keep them private. Their names are lovely and I love reading your blog!

  10. I love all their names and especially hearing the history behind the choices. They are beautiful children and all the pictures are fabulous. Your blog is the first blog I ever read and I still find it the best because it is so genuine and a perfect blend of all the important things … family, fun and fashion. 🙂

  12. Beautiful names for beautiful children! I had to make sure I kept that part covered on your Christmas Card photo when I showed how I displayed mine! Cheers to good old Southern names full of family history! XO

  14. I was always so curious about your children's names! I love how unique they are yet they're also family names at the same time. What a wonderful way to carry on your family names and remember lived ones!

    SHF
    thechroniclesofs.blogspot.com

  16. I've always been curious about their names but understood completely why you kept them private. It was very fun to find out, though! I have a Wheeler, but mine is a boy. It was my grandfather's middle name. I never thought of it for a girl, but I really like it!!! They are all great and I loved hearing the stories behind them. I bet you will have to make an effort to remember type the whole thing out from now on ;). Looks like y'all had a great week and weekend!

  17. I LOVE LOVE LOVE their names & meanings. It's even more special that they're family names that mean something and not just something pretty you found in a book.

  18. Your kids are beyond adorable! I love family names. Evelene Virginia and Wheeler are my favorites!

    Kristin
    thedixiedaisy.blogspot.com

  19. Strong southern names…can't get much better than that. We live in Lanier county in GA (city of lakeland to be exact). Just curious if this is where your husband grew up or where they got his name from?

  20. I couldn't have imagined more beautiful names for your children! I have guessed about them all, but wasn't very close for any of them. Thank you so much for inviting us into your family. 🙂

  23. Awesome!! I assumed they were Willow, Emma, Logan & Vince. Ha! I was a little off. Enjoyed the stories behind the names.

  24. The beach pictures are beautiful! There is something so magical about the beach. Love knowing your children's names! I've always enjoyed guessing but I was way way off! Thanks for sharing! Now if you could share the secret to how your family of six sisters all get along so well 😉

  25. Such classic & strong names-thank you for sharing!! I recently exposed my kids' names on blog, though I sometimes accidentally revert to initials out of habit or to avoid redundancy if it's a particularly name-heavy post 🙂 I have to know, where did you find the adorable little skinny-stripe onesies that Vaughn is wearing in this post!?

  27. I loved hearing about each of the names and that you used family ones! Such a beautiful group and I love their matching Lilly dresses!

  28. The beach pictures are great!! I love that one of the four of them from behind. So fun to finally find out their names- I love all of them and love that they are unique with family significance.

  29. I will admit I've been a lurker since I discovered your blog about a year ago and I always imagined what your kids names were. They're such beautiful names. I can't believe I'm admitting this but it's because of you (your blog) and how you make motherhood seem effortless (or at least manageable)with more than one child that I'm considering more children…at 43! LOL I only have a daughter but would love to make her a big sister. Thanks for sharing your life and your beautiful family with us and for being so inspiring!

  31. So excited to hear the name reveal! I've been a long time blog reader of yours, but always wondered what their names were. And to be honest, I had guessed at them, but they're soooo much better than I had made up for them! beautiful names, beautiful meanings, beautiful family! You're greatly blessed and seem like just a nice, down to earth family 🙂

  32. Hey there…
    What beautiful beach pictures… it's always so nice to be allowed into the lives of bloggers. When I was blogging I did not reveal my daughter's name, and instead used a nickname, so I completely respected your privacy to do the same! But, I always guessed! I had them as Winnie (winifred), Ellie (elanor); Liam or Luke and Vinnie (vincent) how OFF was I?!? So fun to guess. I LOVE all of them and their extra special meanings! And i adore "different" names that make each child unique. My daughter's name is Mirabella Grace…. no family name here, instead after the fashion editor Grace Mirabella! ha!
    Thanks again for the beach piccies… and making me jealous! 🙂

  34. Beautiful names to go with beautiful children! Where you came up with their names is just so special too. Thanks for sharing! I love seeing their beautiful pictures along with the pretty pictures of you and your fabulous style. Love reading your blog!

  36. First of all, I love your blog and I came across your blog from seeing that you knew my cousin and her husband! I go to school in Utah and your blog keeps me loving everything about the south. I love the way that you kept the names hidden and I would continually try figure them out but now that I know i just love them even more. They are very unique and classy! Thanks for taking the time to share your daily thoughts and pictures with us. 🙂

  39. Gorgeous. And totally with you on the little glimpse of heaven. I've thought that since I was a little girl. Love your babies names! Can't ever go wrong with family names… We have Anne Bradley (Bradley is my mother inlaws maiden name and my husbands name) and Margaret Stuart, aka Molly. All fam names. Your kiddos names totally fit their faces! Molly and Logan share a birthday!

  40. I just saw this post today! I love that you have revealed their names and what awesome names they have !! I have always understood why you kept to keep them as an initials but I am so excited that you have shared them with us. All of the names are so unique and amazing and I always love when it is a family name. Love this! And you have the most beautiful children. I would have never guessed any of those.

  41. I just saw this post today! I love that you have revealed their names and what awesome names they have !! I have always understood why you kept to keep them as an initials but I am so excited that you have shared them with us. All of the names are so unique and amazing and I always love when it is a family name. Love this! And you have the most beautiful children. I would have never guessed any of those.

  42. I have been reading your blog for ages (though rarely comment), but I just had to reach out to thank you for sharing their names. I've always wondered!! They are wonderful and unique names- and just so fun to finally know!! Love your blog! 🙂

  43. I've been reading your blog for about 2 years and it's so fun to know their names! I guessed it was Whitney, Emily, Logan or Luke, and Vincent haha

  45. Thanks so much for sharing. I always love it when people use maiden names and family names for their children. I plan on doing that with my own. Oh, and gorgeous pics from the beach!

  46. It looks like you had a wonderful vacation. I LOVE the ocean.
    I was the same way when I started my blog…I did not want to say their name or even show pictures of their faces. Over time I became more comfortable with it. I still question myself when I post pictures of places that are close to my home…are people going to find out the specific town where I live.
    I LOVE your kids names. We named out kids after family members as well.

  47. Aww, I LOVE their names! Unique and just perfect. I love the connection when you give your children family names. They make them even more special. We plan on doing the same thing when we have children one day. 🙂

  49. Love hearing their beautiful names and how they are related to family names. You are a lovely family. You are doing such a great job with their children and love reading about your family life!

  50. Thanks for sharing. I know it is very personal to every blogger. When I started blogging I tried to keep my children's names private, but I ended up just using their real names. As you said, if someone wants to know, they can find out…Also I love good southern family names. We no longer live in the south and it gets a little old when I have to explain that both of my children have last names for first names and that is "normal" where we come from! Love your blog.

  51. I love your kids names! They are beautiful and sound perfect together! I had always guessed they were Willa, Elizabeth/Emma, Lucas and Vincent haha. Yours are so much better!

  52. Lanier is my daughter's name. We named her after my grandmother whose maiden name was Lanier, and she was from Savannah. Small world, huh?

  53. These are all gorgeous names, but I have to say Evelene Virginia is my very favorite. 🙂 Virginia was my grandmother's name! All of them are so unique and beautiful.

    2. Too funny! My husbands parents both went to UGA also! They live in statesboro! We drive through Metter to get there! I got a speeding ticket in Metter : ( his mom is originally from Millan.

  55. I'm a fairly new follower on your blog and IG. Love, love, love their names! I'm still where you were (with my children's names) when you started, but this post gives me hope that maybe I'll be comfortable sharing the names of my children one day, too!!!

  56. Thank you for sharing! I was always so curious because your children are adorable, but then I felt SO creepy for being curious! Names are just as adorable as their faces 🙂

  57. Love love love each and every name 🙂 So glad you shared, I have always wondered what their names were!! My great grandmother was Effie!!

  59. What a surprise I got when I stumbled upon this on Facebook in a Melvin Jewelry post. I was just enjoying the great pictures of the beach and the cute kids, and then when you revealed your youngest child's name, I realized that I went to high school with your Dad and the rest of the Godwin crowd in Cheraw. Your Dad was a year ahead of me and Larry (Paul) was a year younger. Very small world indeed! You have precious beautiful children.

  63. Thanks for revealing their sweet southern names! My guesses were Winifred, Eleanor, Lloyd, and Vance. I like their actual names so much better!

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