2 to Grow With : July 2017

I have been practicing savoring the moments, being more present than working through my to do list in my head or finding a way to get to the next thing. We have enjoyed the pool more than I ever thought. Jimmy comments often he does not know anyone to enjoy a pool and never get in it...referring to me. I do get in, but not often and prefer to lay on a float and watch the girls play.

Pure joy on her face!

taking after her mama, the sun is so relaxing

mini me!

Of course some good Bella snuggles!

We as parents have witnessed sweet sister moments of snuggles, lots of pool play, helping each other and yet for all those there are moments when I wonder why we decided to have two that could fight and have such unkind words to each other.... which gets under my skin more than anything ever could. I have to practice lots of breathing to remain calm. Ha.

May favorite moment related to this is when the girls were fighting over something... not even sure what really other than it had to do with Gracie's lack of patience for her sister and it was not on her timeframe for whatever she was wanting. They both stood at the top of the stairs trying to state their case. I made the comment to Gracie that she needed to have a little patience with her sister. Maggie quickly said "yeah Love, Joy, Peace, PATIENCE..." and then looked at her as sassy as possible as if she had just won. I quickly responded "kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and SELF CONTROL". I won! ha. Jimmy was in the kitchen and chuckled away. Glad to know what they learn at home, school, and church is always being reinforced.

The girls have had camps this summer that they have loved. Gracie had her first overnight weeklong camp at Vesper Point. When we picked her up she raved about all the fun things they did but then proudly said "I am not coming back I was too home sick". We are praying that changes. It was a beautiful experience for her. She met some new girls and always got to spend a week with her dearest friend Lucy.

Gracie received this award for how she helped Lucy get through the week being home sick too.

The view from where they did Vespers (devotions)

Breakfast after we picked her up from camp. Her request: First Watch

someone was a little tired

Hunter Art Camp. It is right by the glass bridge downtown. One morning Jimmy and Gracie walked on it before camp. The next day Mommy and Gracie just had to get a picture too.

While Jimmy's parents are building their house near us, we have had the pleasure for them to spend a lot of time with us as well as to have our niece for the week. The girls had missed time with Ally. They always do a show when they are together. They call themselves the Feisty Fiesta Girls.

Maggie, Ally, and Gracie

4th of July is not complete without family and fireworks!

Breakfast with Grammy and Papa one morning

Maggie and Papa snuggled up

We celebrated Silas 1st Birthday with a pool party. I never take for granted that my girls have the blessing to grow up close to my brother, sister in law and their kids. They have such a special bond and we all do too!

Jimmy was so helpful! I love how he loves others so well.

These two adore each other.

Auntie Rach's favorite little man!

Just down the street from us are fields of sunflowers. They are stunning. We took an evening ride out to see them and of course snag some fun pictures. This is a new annual must do in July for us. It was so much fun...but also so hot!

Other fun moments of friends, snuggles and date night! Our daughters are grown so fast and we are soaking in every moment and clinging to each other as we embrace the next years.