Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the summer and the stories behind them...in no particular order...
I may be biased, but I have some of the BEST friends. On my birthday, I was at the beach all week. Once I got back home I realized there was nothing going on in the 'hood the next weekend (all of my pals are neighbors too!) So, I decided to host a wine and cheese party for the gals. So, I sent out the invitation for Saturday night once me and my friend, April, got back from seeing Eclipse. Little did I know, that April had asked me to go to the movies as a plan to surprise me for my birthday. So, I hear there was a little bit of scrambling through email b/c they did not want to ruin the surprise by all saying no to my invitation. At 7:30 on the dot (which was the time of the wine and cheese party) my doorbell rang and all of my gal pals were standing at my front door with a cake in hand. I was SO SURPRISED! They had arranged for one of the girl's hubbies to drive us to Big Creek Tavern on Lake Lanier for dinner! I truly appreciate these awesome ladies making me feel so special! That is something I was always remember! 
This makes me laugh because if you know once thing about Katie in this picture - I would not even have to explain her expression. Katie is PREGNANT!! She was in this picture too (not feeling in the best of humor)! She is planning to have a c-section Feb 28ish. I really, really hope it is a girl. I want a girl that I can do all my favorite girly things with, but not have to discipline the girl attitude! I would be just as happy with a boy - but if I had a choice...it would for sure be a girl! Katie is not feeling great. Both her and I have terrible all-day sickness. Hers lasted until 18 weeks with Luke so we are hoping for a shorter span of feeling icky. 
Jill moved. She moved! She packed all of their stuff and went to NC! Ha Ha - I love giving her a hard time. I am really happy for them though...this is a dream and they are fortunate enough to live it out. Joe is the perfect match for a coach - smart, athletic, and has a good heart - so we are expecting big things (no pressure)! We miss Jill - well not really...I only talk to her 2 hours a day now!! We chat on webcam for hours throughout the day. We sit at our own houses with our computers and fold our laundry, clean the kitchen, make dinner, etc and just chat. So, I think we talk more now than before!
My favorite loves. Nobody could have ever warned me about the love I feel for these three people. Until you have kids - you don't even REALLY know how your own parents feel about you. My dad always says the best part about his kids having kids is that we understand the love that our parents have for us. It is pretty cool. We had such a good time at the beach this year. They get more and more fun each year! Cole-man could sit in the sand and drive his trains and cars all day! Ellie was really into the "wabes (waves)" this year.
My favorite loves. Nobody could have ever warned me about the love I feel for these three people. Until you have kids - you don't even REALLY know how your own parents feel about you. My dad always says the best part about his kids having kids is that we understand the love that our parents have for us. It is pretty cool. We had such a good time at the beach this year. They get more and more fun each year! Cole-man could sit in the sand and drive his trains and cars all day! Ellie was really into the "wabes (waves)" this year. 
In the middle of July, my Dad had a partial knee replacement done on his left knee. We are so excited that he finally had it done. He never complained about the pain - but he didn't have to...it was written all over his face. He has had knee problems since playing college football. This was his 4th knee surgery and hopefully his last! We knew he was in GREAT hands with our friend, Dr. Gary Levengood. Dad is still rehabing now - but he walks on it better than he did before the surgery. Mom has been a wonderful nurse to my dad. She has been with him pretty much non-stop since his surgery. I think we were all a little nervous about the surgery - but now that it is over we are all so happy for Dad! His ultimate goal is to play me in tennis - but he has a bionic knee...so if he beats me that is why!! ;)
If you know one thing about me - it is my choice in music. I LOVE country music. I always have. A lot of people put my choice in music down and tell me it is not good. But, frankly I really could care less. So, some of my lovely semi-country fan friends went with me to the Rascal Flatts concert. It was so much fun! I could sit there and listen to that type of music all day. It really is good for the soul! Mine...at least! 
Love. I don't know what it is about this picture...but I LOVE it! There is nothing better than seeing your child have fun with a big smile on their face. My mom always said when I was growing up "if you're happy...I'm happy." Now I get it. To see that smile on his face makes me literally sit here and smile. 
I think this is the same as the picture above. It captures the essence of summer and that beautiful smile!
Well, that was about the main points from this summer. Hopefully I will be posting more than I have been :/
