The Emerald Coast

We've been going to Navarre Beach in Florida for several years now ... so even though our beloved beach house that we used to rent now has new ownership and was no longer available to us we headed back to our favorite island and had a wonderful week even if in slightly new surroundings. What a treat to spend a whole week with my favorite people, sand, sun, and water.

 

 And who is surprised that the kids had the time of their life?

Well maybe. HK was still getting used to the idea of sand and waves. It's so... wet and sandy.

Lucas on the other hand dug right in and became a master sand castle builder or at least master digger... with his favorite helper. 

 

Then there was the much loved and much used pool. A real upside to the condo way of life.

And then there was other family time, and play time, and rest time. All the time we miss when we work too much. The time that I soak up when I can get it.

 

  We can't wait to come back. Maybe we'll pack a little sand for our trip back home?

 

Highlights of Summer

Summer is winding down in Nashville.  I started my new job at the beginning of August, Haley has started daycare, Labor Day is just around the corner, the first Vandy Football game of the season is tomorrow, and Lucas is getting all set to start his first season of soccer next week. We'll be sad to see it go as it was a great past few months but we're looking forward to a great fall.

Some of our highlights of the summer included us getting to spend a few days in Birmingham with my parents. We did miss Jenni who was off traveling the world. 

Sharing a popsicle with Mallet

Visiting Dora at the McWane Center

Cuddles with Oma

 We also got to enjoy a few carefree days at home. Taking a month off work was a great decision and I loved spending the time with the kids. 

Haleybug:

My Lucaslove:

And our duo:

And we enjoyed some serious playtime... especially when Daddy comes home to play.

Adoring her big brother

Our little girl started daycare at the beginning of August. She is in the Infant III classroom with Miss Angie, who took such wonderful care of Lucas when he was a baby. We are so excited to have her with Lucas' old teacher and additionally with Lucas' friends' little sibs (Emma's brother Peter and Ellie's brother Christopher).

Lucas picking Hales up in her classroom

We also enjoyed a visit from Nana and Pa-pa who took the kids to the zoo while Matt and I were working. Love these pictures. You just know they had a great time.

Lucas learned how to ride his bike. He loves some quality time riding with dad. Training wheel-less will be our task for next summer.

And what would summer be without some porch time at Local Taco.