4th of July...

Over the years, our 4th of July festivities have taken on a slower pace, a more intimate group, and a lot more simple. Life has a way of taking that mile when you give an inch, and so we have had to be pretty intentional in the way that we have brought some space and peace back into our home.

This year, we just invited family. We skipped the early morning parade, had a wonderfully unhurried morning and guests didn't arrive until after lunch. Carolyn brought crab, Shirley brought her famous fudge, and Pops and Gran spoiled us all with homemade ice cream. We ate yummy food, took a dip in the lake, floated in the pool, and then spread out blankets on the putting green to watch fireworks from the backyard. 

This 4th of July was perfection. Though I do wish my crew could have joined us. And if I've learned one thing through these past few years, it's that it is ok to go back to the drawing board, make some changes, and embrace a good ole reset!

June Wrap-Up...

June was mainly highlighted by out Turks trip, but there are a few extra little tidbits to share! 

First off, the day the boys finished Gran's flowerbeds (they spent hours and hours cleaning them out, laying liner, buying plants, putting down mulch and planting), a little evening brother putting practice, a summer storm that brought lots of needed rain, Remi's finished Hail Mary Lego project, more putting practice viewing from my watercolor window, cereal and snuggles in bed with Ro, an oldie but goodie for 4th decor, popsicles toes for the beach! 

Nothing monumental, but lots of sweet blessings tucked into the everyday!

NTJGT Gainesville...

Two days after getting home from Turks & Caicos, the boys had a golf tournament at one of the local courses. Roen didn't play amazing but well enough to tie for 2nd. Remi went out and had a heck of round and tied for 6th. Overall, for not getting in any practice for the past week, I was pleased!

Remi:  83

Roen: 77

I had to walk for the first half of the tournament, so my pictures are sparse. I was also solo since Micah needed to be in the office, so I had to split my time between the two boys. Thankfully, (hallelujah) Micah snagged a cart around lunch and came to my rescue!

There are moms out there who walk every round for the steps and exercise... let me be very clear, that is not this mom. I want to have my cooler of Waterloos, my snacks, several books, my cute seat cover that keeps my legs from sticking to the seat, a place to put my drinks, and a place to prop my feet up! When they told me they ran out of carts, I wanted to load up and go home.... hahahaha!!

Turks & Caicos Family Photography...

I am so thankful we did these pictures while we were all together! It is so hard to get every single person, at one place, at the same time, and so, this fantastic idea was yours truly! You all know how much I love pictures!

I don't think any of the men or children were real thrilled, but they are done and I think everyone got at least a few shots they feel are worthy of framing! The wind was brutal, so the beach shots weren't great!

And I haven't really touched on this, but there were several medical complications, and up until the very last day, we weren't even sure everyone would be able to come. So, that makes these pictures that much more special. As I look back over these pictures, the very last one has to be my favorite. It represents what is most important in life, and that is the loved ones right beside you, and the blessing of right now. We aren't promised tomorrow, next summer or next year, so lets love each other big, right now, in the present! Make the time, take the trip, and love on your people every chance you get!

Our Last Day in Turks & Caicos...

This was our last day to live it up! We beached, relaxed, and shell collected as long as we could before having to start packing, deflating floats, drying shells, and then getting ready for dinner!

In honor of Prince, we decided we would have one night where we all wore purple for dinner! And our incredible host also gave us the most beautiful table set-up in honor of our last night. Please note, that he even moved the table, so the sunset would set right between the palm trees and line up perfectly with the table... the spoiled us! It was the most perfect ending to such a special and incredible experience!

I ended with a few moonlight pictures of the property taken from the security tower and then a few pictures of the next morning as we waited for transportation to the airport!