Arrr Matie!

My friend Emily invited us to join their family at Chick-Fil-A for Princess and Pirate night. Since they have two girls we thought it would be a great evening for our families. Lets just say- that up to this point of my boys' lives, we have not been that adventurous. This was our very first experience dressing up for anything other than Halloween. They were so into it and loved dressing up. Nolan kept saying "Arr Mate!" and I asked him if he was a Australian pirate. Elliott continues to growl like a lion with a "matie" on the end of it. Cute!! We headed there early because I had a feeling it may get a little packed. OH.MY.CRAZINESS!!! They had a princess and pirate there to take pictures with the kids and there were kids everywhere!! I sat down with our food and did not move until we left. That is how introverts deal with mass chaos! :) The boys did great eating- which is huge- and had a blast. I am so glad we braved the evening- thanks Emily and Paul for braving it with us!!

Elliott's "scruff" was better earlier in the evening!

creapy pirate dude

Princess Annie and Emma Kate

A Photo Finish

Well ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls (I am sure mostly ladies and girls- except for Jerel and my brother- hi, Tom!)- the end is so near I can almost smell it. I have almost survived another summer. I say almost because they start school next Wednesday and Friday and today I took them to orientation. Whew- it wasn't really all that bad. Gives me much hope for next summer!! Last year when I took Nolan to orientation we had a "Mommy/Son" date at Dunkin Donuts after. I thought I would take both boys this year and call it a tradition! Elliott is also going to do one morning a week, and I think it is going to be good for all of us.

I sometimes have to say, very quietly to myself so no one hears, "It's a good thing he's cute!! ;)

While the Cat's Away...

As the saying goes- While the cat's away the mice will play. Apparently Nolan is the cat and Elliott was one excited little mouse the week his older brother was gone. I thought they might really miss each other but I think the real truth is that they were each excited about the undivided attention they had for one week.

Jerel was on vacation the week Nolan was gone. Elliott got to ride on the lawn mower for the first time and became a tool junkie helping Jerel hang our bike rack. The two of them had 3 1/2 days to bond while I was getting Nolan. How great is my husband that he took vacation to take care of Elliott so I could go to Florida for a few days?? (Julia- now you know! ;))

Nolan's Vacation

My mom mentioned about 8 months ago that she would love to fly up here and take Nolan back down to Florida with her for a week. Sounded great to me- we just had to find a time that would work. Apparently the last week of July/first week of August was the perfect time. Always a lovely time to visit South Florida (not really- I am being sarcastic!! :)).

So, my mom came up on a Thursday and Jerel and I were able to have a staycation 5th anniversary. We went downtown, sat by the river with our feet in the water and talked, stayed at a beautiful historic hotel, ate at one of our favorite restaurants, and SLEPT IN!! It was a great little retreat in our cute little town!

The next day I packed up my first born and put him on a plane, hoping for the best. He did so great and now loves to fly.

 Nolan took this picture of my mom on the plane.

He was there 4 days before I came  down to get him. And they were busy.

Grandpa taught him how to play the guitar. They also built a stool for Nolan to use while he was there and a few other little projects.

 Grandma took him to the park @ 3:00 in the afternoon. Crazy Grandma!!

They live on a golf course and he had several different tee times! :)

I got there on Thursday and I think everyone was happy to see me.

I also took him to the park, but I took him @ 8:30 in the morning. It is just so dang hot down there and I could usually only handle 30 minutes!

So, I took him to the lake to play at the "beach". That he loved and could have played in the water for hours.

Then it was time to leave. Nolan wasn't sure that he wanted to go because "Grandma and Grandpa would be sad without me here". I assured him they would get over it! :)

 Doesn't he look so old in this picture?

He was a lovely travel companion and I couldn't have been more proud of him. He really had a great time and is looking forward to his next visit with Grandma and Grandpa. I am voting for February!!

My Hygrometer

A Hygrometer (UK: /haɪˈɡrɒmɪtə/) is an instrument used for measuring the moisture content in the environmental air, or humidity. Humidity is difficult to measure accurately. Most measurement devices usually rely on measurements of some other quantity such as temperature, pressure, mass or a mechanical or electrical change in a substance as moisture is absorbed.

Well, I don't need no fancy hygrometer- I have Nolan's head. And apparently we were at 100% humidity today! :)

Our 4th

We went into the weekend having no real plans but ended up enjoying a great holiday as a family and with friends.
We headed to the pool early to beat the crowds and secure an umbrella for our stuff. Nolan jumped off the diving board 379 times. Ok- probably not literally.

Elliott and I sat on the sides cheering him on and eating Goldfish!

We ate lunch then then came home in time for the boys to crash. Always a glorious event!! Then we went over to our friends house for a cookout and games. We really had so much fun.

I made this glorious fruit pizza- and I do mean glorious!!!

There was a seed spitting contest-

I love that the dad's are down there showing them how to get it done.

Then there was a egg race and water balloon throwing contest.

 The next 3 shots are classic Nolan-

We then did fireworks on the driveway. Nolan wanted no part of the fire and noise while I had to fight to keep Elliott out of it. Such is my life!! :)

It is such a blessing to celebrate FREEDOM with these boys and our continual prayer is that they will one day come to appreciate the freedom that we have as American citizens but ultimately the freedom that is offered to them though Christ. We hope you were able to have a great holiday as well!

A Faithful Friend

Meet Giraffe- he is a faithful friend indeed!

 He apparently loves to swing-

Enjoys snacks while watching Wimbledon-

Is a lovely dinner guest-

Plays hide-n-seek (or at least I assume that is what is going on here)-

Cools off in the kitty's (aka Bob or Patches, depending on who you ask) water bowl-

 He also joins us at the pool, in the car, at Publix, Home Depot, Trader Joes and Costco. He would like to go to church and the gym, but I have to cut him off at some point! :)