July

... in August!
SIGH!

I had such great plans to have this post up and live BEFORE the end of July.  
However, the beach called.  

As did the movie theater.  
And bike rides.  
And the beach.  

And trips to the park.  
And walks with the kids.  
And the beach.  

So, you'll forgive me that I'm a couple days behind, won't you?

July always starts with a bang for us.  
Fireworks aside, it's two other things that make the 4th a special day for us.

Motorman and I celebrated our 15th anniversary.  I am blessed beyond measure to be married to this man.  I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again:  he makes being married easy.   I could sing (or type) his praises here, but I'd rather save those for his ears.  I am grateful for him, and I attempt to make sure he knows that every single day.  

We were able to get away for a couple days (thanks friends who kept the young 'uns!) and went to Louisiana, just outside New Orleans.  

We stayed at a plantation which was perfect for us, and made us feel quite special.  

Oak Alley Plantation

We toured additional plantations with rich histories, visited New Orleans, and the WWII Museum.  

Laura Plantation

We also made time for drives, walks, and eating dinner in a local restaurant/bar/redneck hangout where we tried fried frog legs.  (My vote: meh.  His vote: yum!)  

The fourth is also special because 5 years after we married, MotorMan and I welcomed our first baby, CraftyGirl.  That's right, she was born on our 5th anniversary, July 4th!

For her birthday, CG asked to spend the day shopping and making a bear with a couple of her friends at Build A Bear workshop.  It was quite fun!!

How she has arrived at 10 years so swiftly has our heads spinning.  We are so overjoyed at the hugs, smiles, and giggles she brings to our home.  

Her sweet heart, crafty ingenuity, and love for others bless us all daily.  We look forward to seeing what God has planned for her.

In July, we also purchased our first band instruments!  CraftyGirl has decided she'd like to learn violin in addition to the piano she already practices.  TheBoy has decided on trumpet.  (I'm gonna keep my snarky comments about squeaky violins and thundering trumpets to myself here, but it ain't easy, I tell ya!)

I also had the opportunity to set up my photography booth at the local Gallery Night, where I was our church's sponsored artist.  It was great fun to talk to people about both my photography and the new project our church is working on, The Rex!  

We finished up our month by stuffing as much fun into it as we could!!

Be blessed,
The Greyhairs