Summer is glorious. Going to the lake, the pool, and visiting with family and friends have been at the top our list this month. We spent the fourth at my parent's lake house and enjoyed being on the water with my family. Bradley and I took a trip to Chicago last week to celebrate our 8 year anniversary.  The time alone was relaxing and we a needed getaway but 3 days was the limit for us. We missed our little ones. And I 'm sure they missed us too, but I know they had a wonderful time with our sweet family who cared for them while we were away. And when we returned they seemed so content. How freeing to be able to leave and know that your children are in such wonderful hands.  I enjoyed a weekend with my college girlfriends. We stayed at the Alluvian Hotel and had spa appointments and then took a viking cooking class. It was so much fun! 

 My sister's family camped across from the lake house and we visited them one day.

 Camping out does not prevent Lila from dressing "fancy"

 Our view from the lake house deck on the fourth. Nice sunset!

 Getting ready for some fireworks!

 My nephew Hunter was a big help with the firework action

 James loves Lainey so much! He always jumps out of my arms for her.

 Lila loves the fireworks but they are a little loud

We had a wonderful 4th of July and I am thankful to have such a terrific family to spend it with!

 In Chicago, we went to a music festival, ate a lot of great food, and slept in. It was very relaxing to be on our "own" schedule for 3 days. I appreciate so much our family members that looked after the kids while we were away. Thanks Aunt Lela & Uncle Jimmie, Lainey, and Aunt Roane & Uncle Robert! 

We started our day by having lunch at the Delta Bistro. What a good looking group, eh

 Our cooking instructor was great and thankfully very patient with us

 Learning to skewer lobster

 Enjoying our delicious meal of lobster stuffed tenderloin, home made potato chips and salad. And of course, wine!

 I love these beautiful, amazing women! I am so thankful to have them as friends. We all live in different towns and sometimes go a while without talking but when we get back together it is like old times. 


James is so proud of himself now that he can crawl all the way through the chic-fil-a play yard.  The last time we were there playing with the Wilkes family he crawled all the way to the car and I had to ask a young girl to help him get out. We love being with the Wilkes girls. Our kids care about each other so much and play together really well.

 Ha! look at me. I am a BIG boy

 Lila loves to push James in his car. I am proud of my sweet "Big Sister". I know she will always be good to James

 Pushing him up a hill

 

James loves an ice cream cone. And I love him. Tonight as I was snuggling with him before bedtime. I thought about all that we have experienced with him in the last (almost) 2 years.  Holding him close I thought about how lucky I am to have him as my son. Sometimes when we are out and about I feel people's eyes on us.  We may be having a perfectly normal moment or he may be acting headstrong, (which he is sometimes lately because he is almost 2) and I think that the onlookers may be thinking something like, "I' m glad that's her not me", or maybe just feeling relieved that James is not their child because of his Down Syndrome diagnosis. Well, I have always felt a little awkward about it, although I know they mean no real harm. Sometimes I want to shout out, "Hey I am in love with the goofy little guy. He brightens my day is so many ways". Or "Don't feel pity for me, he is a treasure, a diamond in the rough". But instead I just smile to myself...


I know we will have challenges throughout James' life, but every parent does. I 'm not sure which of my children will give me more of a challenge. Right now Lila is a pretty dramatic 4 year old. I can only imagine what it will be like with her in 10 years. I just know that I feel overwhelmed with joy that my 2 children are who they are. They are my treasures.