July 2017

We had an artist draw the picture you see above of our family.  I think she caught everybody's personality very well.  It was fun to see ourselves as cartoons! 

July was very busy and included a trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina.  You'll see those photos below.  First, I've posted a few of the kids before church and around the house this month.

Early July

Adalynn always wants to match or dress "similar" to her sister!

Playing while Mommy was getting ready

Ready for church

Walking with his new hiking stick made for him by our sweet friend, Jen.

New school supplies (math manipulatives) make fun toys

Before church one week

Making backpacks for the local crisis pregnancy center to give out to children in need.

They didn't want Daddy to leave town again!

Fun in the recycling bin

Hilton Head 2017

My mom asked if we could all go to Hilton Head, SC to celebrate her 70th birthday.  Twelve of us stayed in a house that was minutes from the beach.  We enjoyed visiting, playing, eating meals, and just being together, building memories we will always cherish.  We thank God for time with family and feel blessed beyond measure.

Her first time at the beach.  She wasn't sure in the beginning, but loved it in the end.

Daddy with his girls

We always enjoy bike riding in Hilton Head

They had fun riding!

He learned how to ride his bike specifically for this trip.  I'm so glad he did!

All dressed for the beach on day 2!

She headed straight for the water

What fun!

Playing games on the beach

Building sand castles with their cousins

He was very serious about his game

Zeke doing his signature hop (noticed by Jami!) each time he threw the ball!

More sand castles

Learning to ride the waves

He got the hang of it

Fun with Uncle Jared

Running with abandon!

Fun in the pool at our rental home

Cousins

Mom and Dad's 46th wedding anniversary dinner (the rest of us stayed home and cooked out!)

The morning of Gregg's birthday

Dinner out to celebrate Gregg and Jared's birthdays

The delicious chocolate cake my mom ordered from Publix

They call themselves "cousin sisters" or "sister cousins!"

The other birthday boy and his family!

A little male bonding

At the nail salon where Adalynn decided not to have her nails done!

She loved the pool too!

Matching sisters!

Harper and Adalynn 3 years ago compared to this year...so sweet!

Sweet cousins

A visit to a local gelato place, Pino Gelato

Playing games at the rental house

More fun playing games

Pulling into the driveway at home after a great trip!

The week went by too quickly, but we had a blast.  I will post the professional photos in a separate post to keep this one from being too long.  We are already looking forward to going back in a couple of years.  We thank God for our family and the precious moments we get to spend together.

4th of July + Daddy's quick visit

July 4, 2017

As I've mentioned, Gregg has been traveling a LOT this summer.  He was in Alaska for July 4th.  We stayed home for the most part, but managed to do a few special things.  Our friends, the Crumps, gave us a cupcake decorating kit for Uncle Sam cupcakes.  We decided to make our favorite carrot muffins and topped them with whipped cream for a fun treat!

We had our friends, the Almeidas, over to swim on Monday and stayed home on the 4th.  We were actually in our PJs until we go dressed to take some pictures that you'll see below.  We had hot dogs for dinner and Zeke and I watched fireworks out our front window that were being set off at the winery in our neighborhood!  

Uncle Sam muffins

Ready for church!

Swimming with silly Zachary!

Relaxing in the pool

Our own little photo shoot on the 4th

Happy girl

Sweet big boy

Sweet girl

These two adore one another

Outtake #1

Outtake #2 (going for that red bow!)

All 3 in the same 6/9 month outfit minus the lace for Zeke
(Zeke and Adalynn were around 5 months, Lily Faith is 13 months!)

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Although, the 4th was a day of celebration for many, our family was mourning that day.  My Uncle Joe (my dad's sister, Nancy's, husband) went to be with the Lord on July 4th.  We will miss him dearly.  We thank God for the 2 grand baby boys that he got to meet before he passed.  Colton (Reed's son) and Roy (Ross' son) are a light during a time of darkness for our family.  I know Nancy and the boys would appreciate your prayers during this difficult time.  

Uncle Joe was not big on photos, so my mom found this one she had placed in a scrapbook from Christmas 2002.  The outside of the picture is not in great condition, but it's a sweet picture of Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy.  

Daddy comes home

Gregg came home from Alaska and was able to spend 2 days with us.  He left for Canada today at 3:30am (yikes!).  We had such a nice time together for 2 days, though.  We look forward to the end of the month when all 5 of us get to go to Hilton Head together to spend time with my parents and Jared, Jami, and the girls!

The salmon he caught for us!

All is right in their world!

Love these guys!

The kids watching Gregg get the umbrella out of the pool (it was a wood pole that had swollen and gotten stuck in the water).  It required major maneuvering, but he did it!

Selfie after our haircuts!

That is all for now.  I'll post again after we return home from the beach.  Praying for you all!  Thanks for reading!