Busy Summer

I swear we are busier during the summer than we are during the school year. We hit the ground running after our beach trip last week with VBS this week. Tuttle absolutely loved VBS last year and was eager to return. I am always so proud of him for entering situations where he does not know anyone. He confidently walked into his classroom on the first day and barely looked back. :)

Since our church is a 20-30 minute drive with traffic, it was a commitment to make the trek everyday to drop Tuttle off and pick him up. Maggie was such a trooper. Luckily she became OBSESSED with the VBS mascot this year, Yeti. She talked about him all day while Tuttle was gone and could not wait to search for him. 

Tuttle's week was filled with art projects, music, playground time, and Bible stories. We wrapped up VBS with a visit from the Varsity food truck and icees for a treat. 

While our mornings were filled with VBS, we kept our afternoons packed, too. Maggie enjoyed gymnastics, and Tuttle had a great piano lesson with Ms. Donna. Unfortunately we had our last playdate with Tuttle's best buddy, Cooper. His photo below represents his feelings about Cooper moving to Florida. :(

We were able to meet some new friends at a German Immersion playdate with the rising Kindergarten students that may be in Tuttle's class. Tuttle has several buddies from preschool that will be joining him at Ashford Park Elementary in the fall, as well.

We left the park the dirtiest that Tuttle and Maggie have ever been! Seriously. I put them in the trunk of my Enclave to ride home in the neighborhood and threw them directly into the shower when we arrived home. It was a very successful and messy afternoon.

We finished our week with a visit to Fernbank today with James and Avery. Tuttle has been begging to see the new "Brains" exhibit, and he loved it! We will definitely head back to explore it more closely. Tuttle is very interested in science topics and asked a lot of great questions at the museum. :)

I think we all feel a little frazzled after our crazy week. Much like the picture above! Luckily we have a calm weekend ahead since our July is PACKED!  

Annual St. Simons Island Vacation with Gram

We returned home Saturday from a week long beach vacation to St. Simons Island with Gram. The kids and I look forward to this annual trip each year. This year was our third time. We soaked up every minute especially since next year will be a little more challenging with a six month old baby in tow. :)

Gram completely understands how to have a successful trip with two young kids. The key is staying busy the entire time, and Gram was up to the challenge. We spent our days visiting the beach, swimming at the pool, eating a lot of ice cream, exploring the local shops, climbing the lighthouse, checking out the fishermens' catches on the pier (the favorite was the sharks!), and eating out every night for dinner.

Tuttle was obsessed with the ocean, and we could hardly keep him out. I attempted beach pictures at dusk one evening and turned around to find Tuttle swimming in his clothes!

Maggie liked the ocean on the first day until the tide started to come up. She completely freaked out and was not calm until we were on the boardwalk and away from the water. I think she was under the impression that the water was coming to get her. The next time we went to the beach she sat in Gram's lap and would not get within an inch of the water. Hopefully she overcomes this fear because Tuttle and I had a blast riding his boogie board and crashing into the waves.

Gram's favorite memory of Maggie was watching her hunt for shells on the beach (before the tide incident). We found some shells that contained residents, so Maggie was very cautious with each find. She would lean in very closely and say, "Hello! Is anyone in there?" It cracked us up! :)

Like every year one of the highlights of the trip is the beach house. It is so comfortable, and the rooms are decorated straight out of a coastal magazine. The kids definitely think it is our personal beach house.

We found a few new restaurants this year that we will return to every year from now on. Our favorites included Bubba Garcias, Palmers (for breakfast), The Half Shell, and Palm Coast Cafe. 

I cannot thank Gram enough for our trip to St. Simons Island. She is providing the kids with lifelong memories, and I love having special time with my mom away from the hustle and bustle of real life. We love you so much, Gram!

Happy Father's Day!

We returned from a week long beach vacation with Gram yesterday and had such an unforgettable time. I have a zillion pictures to share, but I need another day to recover before I dive into that blog post. :)

We enjoyed a very relaxing Father's Day together at Grandmommy and Grandaddy's house. Jay and I got the kids up early and headed to Madison for the day. Aunt Peach, Uncle Drew, and Holland were there to celebrate, too. It was Holland's first big trip, and Tuttle and Maggie could not get enough of her!

After giving Smelly a bath, Daddy pulled out the go-cart and zipped Tuttle and Maggie around the yard. Maggie insisted that Jay go as fast as possible! It always scares me to death to watch Jay fly around the turns, but the smiles on all three of their faces makes me hold my tongue. :)

Maggie and Daddy concluded the backyard fun with a dip in the baby pool. Maggie loved having a naked tea party. (Jay kept his clothes on!)

The rest of the afternoon included a long nap for Mommy, tons of playtime for Maggie and Tuttle, and family time catching up in the living room. The grand finale was a complete southern dinner prepared by Grandmommy- fried chicken, steak, butter beans, potato salad, squash casserole, and rolls. Dessert included homemade key lime pie and rice krispy treats! Yum!

We were thrilled to celebrate Daddy, Grandaddy, Grumps, and Uncle Drew. You make our lives so much richer and are such strong examples of caring, generous, and smart men. We love you!

Happy Father's Day!

Big News For Our Family

We have known for several weeks now, but we broke the news to Big Brother Tuttle and Big Sister Maggie yesterday at lunch after my first OBGYN appointment. We happily saw a little baby with a strong heartbeat, so we could not wait to share our news any longer! Jay and I are thrilled to grow our family and appreciate everyone's prayers during this pregnancy! :)

Trip to the Dentist

We ventured to the dentist this morning for the kids' six month cleanings. This was not a new thing for Tuttle, but it was Maggie's first time actually getting her teeth cleaned. 

Tuttle went back first by himself. Once he was done, I went back with Maggie. She did so well! She listened the entire time and did not seem nervous at all. I was very proud of Maggie for bravely trying something new.

Tuttle and Maggie left the dentist with good reports, new toothbrushes, and toys from the prize area. I do not think we will have any issues returning in six months. :)

We also visited Maggie's new ballet studio this morning. She has been asking to start ballet for several months now. Maggie will begin her weekly classes in the fall. She loved exploring the studio and checking out the bars and huge mirrors.

I had to steal this photo that Jay took yesterday of Tuttle. They spent ALL AFTERNOON playing on Daddy's original Nintendo, specifically Zelda. He titled the picture "Raisin' Him Right." I do not know who had more fun- Tuttle or Jay! :)

For once we do not have super busy week. I am still adjusting to my new role as SAHM, and I am loving every single second!

Water, Water, Everywhere

We have spent a lot of time this week in the water. We started with our first trip to the YMCA pool on Monday with some friends. Rain was in the forecast, but it held off, and the sun came out for most of our visit. Tuttle attempted the swim test to be able to use the big water slide, but we still have a little work to do before he is ready. He must swim the length of the pool freestyle, tread water for sixty seconds, and float on his back for ten seconds. I was so proud of him for trying so hard! :)

We stopped by Brookrun Park Tuesday for some playground play, but immediately discovered that the water had already been turned on in the little park creek. Even though we did not have bathing suits, Tuttle and Maggie loved cooling off their feet in the water.

We returned to Brookrun Park on Wednesday ready to get soaked in bathing suits. Jack, Lilly, Baby Alice, and Ellie met us there, too! Tuttle found some big boys with water guns to run around with, so he was completely happy and entertained. 

I think our summer is starting off with a bang! Water is a must in the Atlanta summer heat!