Finally

Ok...so here's a LONG update for happenings over the last 4...yes 4....months.

April

In April, we celebrated Easter & had a visit from my parents. We took a trip to the zoo. Not much to report.

May

The first weekend of May brought a "millenial flood." Basically, the type of flooding we had only occurs every 1000 years. We did not have any damage at our house, but it was hairy for a little while. Several homes and businesses in our area were damaged. Nashville saw significant damage. The Opry hotel & the Grand Ole Opry are still closed.

Micah took swimming lessons for a couple of weeks in May. He didn't really learn how to swim, but he was able to get semi-acclimated to the water before we went on vacation.

At the end of May, we made our first trip to NC since last July! This was Grayson's first long road trip. Joe took us one weekend, came home to work, then picked us up the following weekend. We were able to spend time with both sides of the family. We also had a family reunion with my mom's side of the family. Five of her siblings, their children, and their grandchildren were able to be there. It was really cool to have all the family together for the first time in a while & see all the little children that are in the family now.

Grayson started cutting teeth.

June
In June, we took a vacation to Hilton Head, SC. We went with my parents, my brother, and my cousin. We were supposed to go to Pensacola, FL, but the oil spill curbed those plans. The boys had a blast. Last year, Micah liked the ocean but HATED the sand. This year, he was okay with sand but wouldn't go near the ocean. He did get in the pool though, which I think swimming lessons really helped. We ate DELICIOUS seafood and just had a good time. I told Joe though that "vacations" have really just become "trips" because I'm doing all the same things I normally do (i.e., taking care of children) but at the beach. We need a REAL vacation (i.e., no children :) ).

After the beach trip, Joe had 2 weeks of training in New Jersey so I went back to NC with my parents. I also spent some time with Joe's parents. While there, we went to see Toy Story 3, which was awesome! The trip was exhausting, and, by the end of the month, I was thankful to be home. However, I did get to see 2 good friends while I was home. One friend is someone I have known since 5th grade. We don't get together, talk, or see each other much, but she is one of those friends I've kept up with over the years & it can be 5 years since we last spoke but it's not awkward or anything. The other friend is someone I went to high school with, roomed with in college, asked to be part of my wedding party, and was part of her wedding party. I miss her :(

Grayson's bottom front teeth came in :)

July

July brought hot weather. Ughh. We celebrated the 4th with friends here in Tennessee. We had a great time grilling and enjoying the fireworks. I worried about Micah with the fireworks because he's skiddish to say the least but he loved them. Grayson refused to go to sleep. He watched the fireworks as well.

Micah celebrated his 3rd birthday at the end of the month. We had our first non-family birthday party. We decided to do a Cars theme & hold the party in our backyard. BIG mistake. It was the hottest day of the summer. The party was at 2:30 & our backyard gets FULL afternoon sun. Everyone was packed under our covered patio & there were about 18 kids & 12 adults. At one point, Micah came inside to use the potty & pratically refused to go back outside. He got lots of fun things for his birthday including a slip 'n slide & a bike. He wasn't really sure about the bike at first, but he's got the hang of it & LOVES it now.

Grayson started scooting on his bottom. Micah did this as well and never crawled. I thought at least one of my babies would crawl :)

So, that's the last 4 months in a nutshell. August is not over so I'll post something later :) Here are a few more random pictures. Enjoy!