.Happy 4th!

It's Independence Day!  

I'm not too upset that it falls on a week day this year because this little break from work is quite nice.  Wishing you all a fun day in the sun, with lots of good grilling.  We're off to get ready for a day full of swimming, a fish fry, and fireworks!  It should be a good time now that Dylan is officially a little walking machine.  Watch out world!  Dylan the explorer is on the loose.

P.S. Past fourths here, here and here.

.The Last of the Day's Sunshine.

I love eating outside.  Many times I wish we lived in a big city just to have the option to do it more often. Unfortunately where we live, eating outdoors is only pleasant a very short time of the year due to the excessive heat and humidity.  As this season slowly winds down though, the summer evenings are becoming more and more pleasant.  Last week we had dinner at our friend Kyle's, where we snuck Emily's amazing cookies while the food was cooking and listened to music outside.  While we all couldn't agree on what defined "good music" {there are people who don't like Mumford & Sons??}, it was a nice summer night nonetheless.

A midweek dinner with friends is a perfect way to break up a hectic and stressful week.

.Summer Afternoon.

Summer afternoon... to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.

.Henry James.

For the fourth of July we spent the afternoon at the home of our good friends Raz and Ashley.  The afternoon could not be more pleasant from the weather, to the company and conversation.  We had our fill of "baby talk" as Lori and I just had our little girls only four days apart, but they enjoyed the afternoon themselves... mostly napping.  Our pups, on the other hand, were not fans of the fireworks which resulted in quite a disaster for us as the loud light show continued for most of the evening.  Luckily our newborn slept through the whole thing and G and I were able to enjoy the last of the long weekend putting our feet up and unwinding together.

.Independence Day.

Happy fourth of July from our family to yours.  May everyone be spending it with great company, grilling and good food, gratitude in their hearts, and a little bit of sparkle.

.Spring Slumber.

Weddings, babies, toddlers, dinners, and girls nights, oh my.

I've missed my friends.

So glad we're all coming out of cold weather's hibernation,

to spend some valuable time together.

Quiet alone time is wonderful,

but spending hours laughing is pretty priceless

and true nourishment to the soul.

.Mother's Day Weekend.

 Did you know that mayonnaise can be a substitute for eggs in a recipe?  It was news to me, but when we were not fully prepared for Mary's cupcake cooking desperate times called for desperate measures {thanks google}.  This weekend was exactly what I needed full of grilling, very adult discussions about parenting, catching up on my DVR, cabin time napping in the sun, and a DIY project for the nursery enjoyed outdoors.  The relaxing routine that develops during warm months is comforting and little is better than simple puppy smiles.

.Grill.

G and I had our first grill-out of the season this weekend.  Although I love Fall and the holidays, this time of year tends to bring out our dormant playfulness the way only warm weather can.  Baby Lily joined in on the fun and after much grub, we all settled on the deck in the cool night and enjoyed discussing the mysteries of our still-newly embarked upon adult world.  It's funny how every obligation and challenge seems more bearable and slightly more entertaining when shared with friends.