June

I miss this stinker.

We launched summer with Ty taking classes, Lauren and Austin headed to Hawaii, my mom sitting bedside while my uncle slowly fights his battle with cancer and Makenna vacationing in Florida.

Lauren finally fulfilled her dream of swimming with sharks. She LOVED it 

The day before they headed to the island, Kate and I spent time with our favorite seven year old while his mom worked and finished packing. Lauren spent a week in paradise, grabbing some adventures with Austin before leaving him there for the summer with his father. This is the first extended trip he's taken away from Lauren and the first visitation where his father has not had grandparent support. This Mimi is anxious. No one loves the arrangement.

Father's Day was celebrated with our usual rowdy crowd. This is our circus. These are our monkeys. 

A hat with built in fans for mowing and walking Diesel during this season of ridiculous heat. Erin always finds quirky gifts.

I was able to sneak in a sleepover visit at Kristil's with Kristin after six months of planning. Seriously. But we shopped, dined, laughed and even cried a little. Life is richer with friends like these. 

Erin and Evan went on vacation with his family and asked me to house sit for them. I appreciated the quiet(ish) retreat and ability to work four of the six days closer to where I slept. I left a review of the experience when I departed. I do these things to amuse myself. 

This gorgeous shrub grows outside Erin's dining room. 

Kate came to visit one evening and Ada couldn't resist her nails. 

Erin's hand painted candlesticks could not be more charming.

While in Mississippi, she sampled fried shrimp and grits alongside fried green tomatoes. They toured a swamp and saw several alligators, much to her delight. "Life is too short to not experience new things." She isn't wrong. 

These two were grateful when I returned. Makenna expressed similar sentiments. Things run differently around here when I am absent.

Diesel chaperoned our date.

Lauren and Sydney traveled to Florida for a few days to celebrate a friend's upcoming wedding. Lauren needed the distraction and any time these two can spend together is good for her too. 

Look who is going to be teaching third grade this year! She has been thrifting books for her library and planning how to create her vibe in a bigger kiddo setting. I don't know what theme she will land on but I can promise it will be cheerful and welcoming. I also have some happy projects planned to personalize her space. School starts again at the end of July. It will be here before we blink.