JULY!

Our JULY was filled with a 4th of July zoo visit with dear work friends, the arrival of our sweet Birmingham friend's baby girl, an impromptu visit from cousin Lyla (and her sweet mommy) that included blueberry picking, a wonderful first beach trip (see ridiculously long beach post), and Jack falling in love with all things "digger" or "tool" related, not unrelated to the fact that, after 12 months of living with Ed and Melda during Luke's training, four more months of house searching, and two failed contracts, WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!! 

Super close to the elephants!

Hanging out with some meerkats.

Jack loves the reptile/amphibian house!

Thanks, Hyatts, for the carousel tokens!

Blueberry picking!

Cousins at Cracker Barrel after blueberry picking.

Using his "digger" to scoop an animal cracker into his mouth.

Comparing tool belts with Uncle Philip.

Across the threshold!

Best birthday present ever: my sweet family in our new home. 

Even Jack got some cake. :)

JUNE!

In JUNE, we soaked up summer with family and friends! 

Jack with his activity bag, being my big helper on errands and at an alumni board meeting.

A visit to the Nashville Zoo with cousin Lyla -- and lots of wonderful aunts and uncles! 

Could this little boy be any happier?!

 This fall, I'll get to be a bridesmaid in my dear friend Ann Wade's wedding.
Ann Wade's high school BFF, Emily, and I took a day trip to Virginia for the engagement party!

What a special, fun night! We got to meet Briggs for the first time!

Jack can point out each family member in his family face book, and tell me something they've done together!

Giving Grandad his Father's Day card at lunch!

Pool and bubble time with "Aunt Lyrad" and "Uncle Adam"!

and WATERMELON! 

...the best teether ever.

Finally, enjoying Bluegrass and Pancakes (and the playground there) with Mimi and Uncle Rob.

And don't forget Alabama peaches!

MAY!

In MAY...

I started editing for a children's book company in Franklin in the afternoons! As a result, Luke was able to stop working all the crazy extra shifts he'd been working, and traded it for time playing with Jack in the afternoons.

Jack was ecstatic when Aunt Savannah came home from college!!! 

He also loved watching Uncle Will play soccer!

And tried his first "meat on a stick" :)... 

...and learned to climb on the table. :)

Jack loved going to Birmingham with me and spending time with sweet friends from Cooking Light.

And helping out with Allison's baby shower!!! 

Sweet kisses from wonderful "Aunt Allison."

We finished the month off with Memorial Day house sitting at Adam and Lyrad's, and taking advantage of their grill...

and pool!

What a wonderful start to summer!

APRIL!

There were three extra-exciting things in April: EASTER, JULIANNA'S BRIDAL SHOWER, and CALIFORNIA SPRING BREAK!!!

Sunrise service

Easter lunch with family

 

JULIANNA'S FIRST SHOWER:

We are so excited to be getting ready for Julianna's wedding to her awesome fiance, Trey! They are getting married on Luke's birthday and you'll never guess who the ring bearer is. :)

The bride and Jack!

Gilman girls! (and Jack)

SPRING BREAK:

Airport oatmeal breakfast before heading out to California!

Early morning bread making with Grandpa.

Aunt Denise and Uncle Paul!

Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Paiva

Aunties!!!

Sweet Melody

Cool morning walks

Own seat on his ride home!

Big (sleepy) helper on the delayed flights home.

Happy to be home playing with friends! (Thanks for the ridiculous picture, Bec!)