Life Laid Bear

July in review

In July, I didn't make any goals. Reason being that I knew we had a crazy month planned.  I wasn't going to be able to keep myself accountable for anything other than being present. And I feel like I did a pretty good job. We had the best month and it was one for the record books. 

Kyle turned 25, and we celebrated until we couldn't celebrate anymore! We took a quick trip to DC for his birthday, and gallivanted around the city for a long weekend. It was a trip we will never forget. DC is so beautiful, huge, and lively. We loved every minute., but our feet did not. We were there for the Fourth of July, so it was so special to see the city at its best. I wrote a little more about it here, but most of our memories are tucked away for us to share. 

We also went to Orlando to visit two amazing friends for the weekend. We spent our time laughing until I cried, gossiping, talking future plans, and Disney park hopping. 

My beautiful niece, Penny, was born July 23rd. I sure am a proud aunt, and have never laid my eyes on a more perfect little girl. I just wish we weren't half a world away from each other right now. 

In between the three biggest things this month we had a night of bowling with work, a night of pool with some friends, and two visits to see my parents. 

July, you were so good, so full, and so special. I can only hope that August is as gracious to us. 

 

around here

 

 

 

Around here...

I am wearing my hair curly as much as the humidity will let me (which is not much in Florida this time of year). 

Soaking up some time with the pups. 

Not spending enough quiet weekend nights at home with my guy. But when we do, they are so special.

Bowling for the first time in a long time. We will definitely be back soon. 

Going and doing much more than usual. With friends, family, and just the two of us. 

Talking future plans with my main man. 

Looking back on an amazing July but also looking forward to a new month. 

Packing again for a week long work trip. 

Taking recommendations on larger travel luggage. I am done with small suitcases. 

Loving this in every color. 

Planning a Beyonce dance night sleepover with the best girls. 

Spending so much time wishing I was in Japan to see my new niece. I was so excited to see her on Facetime yesterday. My heart is so full of love for that little one and her parents.

Celebrating life, love and joy in this little house of ours.  

 

Thankful 30/52

It seems so strange that we are more than halfway through the year. August will be here before we know it, and then right around the corner will be the holidays. So right around this time each year, I start to think forward. Stocking up on early Christmas gifts, planning trips for the end of the year, and dreaming of cooler weather. But this year, I haven't hit that stage yet. I seem to be pushing for that time period when the weather cools down a little but is still warm enough to sit outside at night. It is a different year and a completely different stage in my life. The changes are subtle, but I realize how much a year can change me, my family, and life in general. I am thankful for those small changes, thankful for a growing family (my sister in law had her beautiful daughter this week), and a life to look forward to. 

Book 15

This is the third book of The Selection Series. I talked about the second book here, which I really did enjoy reading. The plot of all three books begin with something similar to The Bachelor. There are 35 girls dying to marry the guy. Just in this case, it is a wealthy young prince. The second book starts when they are down to 16 girls and the third book starts with only 4 girls.  

The book is really cute because every young girl can imagine wanting to be a princess. And in these books, you get to make believe that the common girl gets the prince. It is fun, silly, and completely filled with fluff. By fluff, I mean there is no cake to this book. It is all whip cream and caramel. Sweet and sappy and of course entertaining. It was a short book that could be read in a couple sittings. 

Thankful 29/52

This week while packing to head on a quick weekend trip, Tilly jumped on the bed and onto our clothing. I tried to move her but all she wanted to do was go back to the same spot. She looked so cute I just couldn't move her. She hates when we leave her, but I am so glad we have been able to leave her and Lucas with their grandparents instead of boarding lately. I am grateful for supportive parents who gladly spoil our fur babies while bonding over the weekends. Thanks mom and dad. 

Life lately 07/16/14

wishing there was more time in the day

making plans and taking names

so thrilled about my new camera bag. Kyle surprised me with it today. 

the bag came with a romantic weekend away in August. He is swoon worthy, honestly! 

looking forward to this weekend at Disney with our dearest friends. 

tilly needs a haircut and has a new habit. She loves hiding under the bed. 

still waiting for baby Penny to make her grand entrance. I am going to be an aunt anyday now!

not believing that July is almost over.

thinking about starting Christmas shopping early this year. 

dreaming of cool weather and back porch morning coffee. 

loving this version of the song. 

reading this one and this one right now. 

wearing coral nails and dreaming of a trip to Bora Bora. 

feeling energized in life, love, and friendship. 

 

 

Thankful 28/52

I am thankful this week for new books, the quiet that comes with unpacking after a trip, and an uneventful weekend ahead of us. 

A long weekend in DC

Last Thursday we headed to DC for a long weekend. We were expecting a really busy weekend. But when we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that everything we thought was wrong. The people were friendly, the lines were nonexistant, and we had such a great trip. 

We stayed at the Dupont Circle Hotel, and really loved it. Dupont is the perfect area of town to stay if you don't want to be right downtown, but still want easy access to the metro. 

 

We were able to see most of the major sites in DC, but we spent most of our time walking around and enjoying a new city. 

 

Up until this past weekend, I had never stepped foot into a metro. So it was so weird when Kyle told me it was deep underground (we got the hang of it quickly and realized it is the best way to travel). 

On the fourth, we hiked down to The Lincoln Memorial to see some fireworks. We were told the memorial is best at night, and I truly believe it now. It was a truly amazing sight to see. Fireworks going off in DC is something you should do atleast once in your life. 

I stood at Lincoln's feet for a long time. Just thinking about this great country. I was so humbled watching all of the people around me feel pride for our country. That night was one I will never forget. 

We love you DC, and can't wait to come and explore some more! Thank you for your warm welcome, and your beautiful weather. 

Happy Birthday, Love!

My guy turns 25 today! We had a small get together last night to celebrate, and despite the totally dark picture and the man of the hour not looking at the camera.....he was really happy in this moment. And that is all a girl can ask for! 

We are doing some traveling this week to continue the celebration, and are so very excited. Despite being a total sap around this guy when it comes to his birthday, I just couldn't be more excited to spend the rest of the week galivanting around next to him. We are exploring a new city side by side and just enjoying what is to come. 

Kyle, today we celebrate all of the life you have lived and all that you have yet to live. I am just so glad to be along for the ride that is your life.