July wrap up

In July...

we got an extra week of family time when DH's job orientation started later than expected.  Hooray for unexpected delays!

we spent three days a week at a great pool with a great view and a great swim instructor who taught LO how to freestyle, back float, back stroke, jump off the diving board, and dive from his knees.

So grateful for a great new community, being friends of generous people, and making important connections fast.  Here's hoping he still remembers what he's learned next summer.  Good luck Ms Taylor with your new life in the Keys training dolphins.

we visited the land trust twice, and played in various creeks.  I can't imagine a better way to spend a summer day as a kid than with a picnic and playing in a cool creek.  Not sure my guys feel the same way, but they seemed to enjoy it plenty.

we played with neighbors nearly every single day...I said the phrases "close the door" "go back outside" "don't come in unless you're bleeding" enough to feel nostalgic, apologetic, and grateful all at once.

we picked a gallon of blueberries (for $8), twice. yum!!!

we had free babysitting, and dates out in a new town.  Three cheers for chocolate shops, uber-friendly pilots on layovers, exciting new places to eat, fireworks over the river, and family who are generous with their time.

I ate dinner on the kitchen steps with my hubs enough times to notice the cardinal that lands on the lamp post just before dusk and the brown thrasher that flies so closely I can feel the wind off its wings.  We watched the dusk settle and seemed surprised every time the lamp turned on.  We marveled that even the lighting bugs seems friendlier here.

we decided to enjoy the lingering "break" from deck remodeling.  What choice did we have?

we walked laps around the cul de sac after dinner.

boys rode bikes

boys skinned knees

I treated dirt, grass, and blood stains. I found rocks in pockets.

LO read a couple of BOB books. So exciting to see him try hard and figure out the "sound puzzles."

LO took more antibiotics than he has his whole life (strep and maybe pink eye).  We were grateful for a small town pharmacy that stayed open so we could get medicine started, and for the ability to treat our own since we had no insurance. We were grateful to have avoided major illness and injury until benefits kicked in (today! yay!)

we might have unpacked the last box.  Unless I find another one....

we finally started to feel like this is home.