Our first beach trip of the year...Naples

I love the gulf waters. There are so many wonderful places to visit along the gulf and I have been lucky enough to visit so many. This year I added a new "gulf town" to my list...Naples, FL. The waters are warm - my lord in July they are almost bath water warm - and the sand is that amazing white. Although, I did notice that in Naples - there are more seashells in the sand - making it less like the sugary sandy beaches of Destin. That said, I can't complain - any town along the gulf with access to the beach is wonderful for me...and for the boys. We have really tried to get them into the water every chance we get this year so they are more prepared for swimming. Hatcher and Aidan both have the concept down - but need to build up their courage to take off and succeed. But until we reach that point - the floating rings are a go. With them, the boys are fearless. Hatcher was using swimming strokes and kicking with his ring and on would be out in the water before me.



I had Hatcher take this picture of Derek and I at lunch one day. This outdoor restaurant reminded me of the feel of our honeymoon. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed it. Staying at a hotel on the beach is so different from renting a house - two completely unique types of beach vacations - both perfect in their own way. I mean with water, sand and sun...what are you missing besides a float and a cool drink?


Day two was all about building sand castles in between our swim fests in the gulf. Check out this creation the boys and I made while Derek was working.







Day three was about making the biggest sand castle - which turned into burying our hands and feet...


which turned into burying Aidan's body...which turned into making a race car in the sand...





So then Hatcher wanted his own car - and of course it had to be bigger - his also had to have bigger wheels and the number 4 on top. I was busting out some calories on the beach this day.





While we were in town, we got a chance to visit my Aunt Jacquie (my dad's sister) and Uncle Bill. I haven't seen her in probably 10+ years and Uncle Bill probably longer. And it was the first time Uncle Bill had met Derek. Of course it was the first time that my Aunt and Uncle met the boys. It was so great to visit with my Aunt. We talked for hours - ha - me probably most of it. They both look so great for 70! We enjoyed dinner with them and I know it was hard for them to watch the boys get so antsy at the table. Another great story...while we were at dinner Hatcher noticed the national weather forecast on TV. So, he stood in his chair, pointed at the screen and loudly said, "look it is raining at home guys!" My uncle was floored. Hatcher was able to pick out the state of GA in the national map but also noticed that we were covered in "green" noting precipitation. Ha...too cute. Good to see you again Aunt Jacquie and Uncle Bill...until next summer. xoxoxo

Happy 3rd Birthday Aidan

Rounding out birthdays for the month of July...we celebrate Aidan's 3rd birthday - July 25th. I remember the day exactly 3 years ago...going to the doctor's office and Derek "strongly suggesting" that we (as in me really) get induced that day. I was 6 days shy of my due date and 5+ cm dilated - but no regular contractions. And when there was a glimmer of hope in both the mid-wife and Derek's eyes...we proceeded from the office to the hospital across the street. Pitocin was again needed to move me along but around 7 that evening Aidan was born. He was perfect and Derek and I were thrilled to meet him.


But fast forward to today...a little guy who is super care free, very funny and his own individual. I tried for weeks to get Aidan to tell me what theme or design he might want for his birthday and every time it was something different. The only unchanged was the venue - he wanted his party at Monkey Joe's. Can I just tell you how tired I am of parties held at Monkey Joe's. It is super easy - I will give you that. But...really! It all worked out for the best - as life always does. It was so freaking hot outside that day - you broke into a sweat at 11 am just getting from your car into the facility. I mean - really - do we need summer to be so hot? But it was perfect for the kids and a much better experience than Hatcher's.


So I had to capture this cake. I finally broke down and took Aidan to publix and we flipped through the entire cake picture book. He was all over the map...but we ended up with this one - the Harley Davidson motorcycle cake. HA! No theme...although I did get cars, trucks and motorcycle toys as party favor gifts and stuck with the whole cars and motorcycle theme.


So here are some of my favorite pictures of the day. There are a good many - so hope you enjoy. Wasn't enough for a montage - but thought it best to let you enjoy them all too!













I will say, that as the boys grow up, they have become really good friends. They do fight over toys and such but 80% of the time, they play really well together. They take up for each other when someone is in time out or gets into trouble. Even at school, they protect each other if there is the "toddler scuffle" over god knows what. They are great boys...Derek and I are super lucky!

Happy Birthday Grandma

Birthdays, birthdays and more birthdays. So much fun and such a great reason to eat cake! Who doesn't love cake? Seriously...love it. Well, on July 20 - Grandma turned 62...and doesn't she look FABULOUS? I sure hope I have those amazing "aging well" genes. The boys loved helping me make cake for "the party" as they always do and we were able to have a big dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Tom. It is funny, Hatcher is at the "why" age and wants an explanation for almost everything. So for Grandma's birthday, Hatcher asked me if there is a medium old since she wasn't really old but not old like me or Daddy. HA - old...it is a relative term isn't it? Happy Birthday Grandma!

Uncle Chad's 40th Birthday and a visit from The Adams Family and Grandaddy Wayne and Abuelita

A trip to Athens with Aunt Roxie, Uncle Jim and Hilton

The Adams family came for a visit the weekend of Chad's 40th birthday. And how lucky that on Chad's big day they closed on their new house in Watkinsville. Being so close to Athens, that when we drove everyone to see the new house - Roxie and I decided we would take the kids to campus to run around. And...since Uncle Jim had never seen it either, we brought him along. It was such a great time - although really hot! The kids had fun ringing the bell, running around all the green space and playing in the fountain. We stayed on North campus and toured the rest by car - but not before heading downtown for some ice cream to cool us off a bit!








Happy 40th Birthday Uncle Chad!
Hard to believe we are all approaching that milestone. Since Chad and family were busy on his actual birthday moving and such, we decided to host a birthday celebration at our house. Derek and Grandaddy Wayne visited the party store for decorations and were sure to remind Chad of his age - old age that is. The kids had so much fun getting ready for the party. It is great that they are living local now - so the boys can see each other more often. It was wonderful to have all the cousins together so they could play and create new memories. The boys are all 2 years or less apart...so they will likely be somewhat close as they grow up. Uncle Jim made ribs and Derek and I finished all the side dishes.


It didn't take long for Derek to corale everyone down to the basement to play Rock Band. I think everyone took turns playing at least one musical instrument - or singing. Here are some of my favorite pictures.





Grandaddy Wayne and all his grandchildren...couldn't get one where everyone was looking at the camera and smiling...this was the best one!



Before everyone left Sunday morning, I got this cute picture of the boys all telling me who was tallest...too cute! They are each near exactly 18 months apart.