Partyin' It Up in July.

I'd say the theme of July was PARTY. We spent most of the month in South Carolina.

First, July 4th.

 It included homemade ice cream (Papa Joe's favorite treat to make), sparklers and fireworks. Maddox about had a fit when he found out he couldn't press the magic "button" to shoot the fireworks. It was a good night, but I still miss the big 4th of July parties we had years ago....

Next up was Mom's birthday dinner at Lugoff House of Pizza. 

Jody and Andrew talked about the difference in hygiene in European countries and Uncle Brett tried to convince everyone that he wasn't a big eater. That's about all I remember.

I hope it was a special day for Mom. She is an amazing person and she deserves it every day!

Let's not forget our anniversary. Seven years! It truly has gone by fast. We drove to Myrtle Beach for the day and I indulged in a trip to Anthropologie (only my favorite shop ever). Then there was the bookstore, lunch, and Andrew's main reason for going to Myrtle: Medieval Times. As much as I made fun of it, we really did have a great time. I was the only person in the castle to get utensils (vegetarian plate). It was a neat show and actually better than I remembered from my 5th grade field trip.

The best part of the day was spending all that alone time with my husband...whether we were laughing in the car or sitting in that rare silent moment. 

I love him!

Mom planned the boys a fun (early) family birthday party and the theme: superheroes! She did a great job planning and decorating and I had fun joining in.

The superheroes threw balls into the spider web, freed Spiderman from his ice block (thanks to water guns and Abby's determination), went swimming, and took the BAD GUY (aka Andrew) out with silly string. That was my favorite part.

The day wrapped up with awesome gifts (The Tinkertoys are still holding Jude's attention two months later!) and homemade ice cream and cupcakes. The boys sure are blessed with great family all around!

 We always love our trips back home! And this time, NO ONE got sick (well, at least not us. Dad wasn't feeling too good the whole time) and we did everything we planned to do. The boys got to play with Cousin Abby from Chicago three times, we had a ladies trip to Ikea (plus Maddox), antiqued our hearts out, hit all my favorite food spots, had nice, long visits with family, I got my crown finally (and it wasn't scary at all!), and of course all the parties. There were the little special moments too...in between all the big fun ones.

Camp out under Mimi's table.

Cracking jokes with Trues and Aunt Iva and wanting just one more sip of Coke, just one more candy out the basket (and screaming at Jake, the dog).

"Trips" on the brokendown golf carts at both grandparents' houses. 

Homemade lemonade from the ancient, but so-well-made-it-will-never break juicer than Ninny got me.

Swimming...and lots of jumping...at Papa and Nana's pool.

Books. Snuggles. Hugs.

Games and lots and lots of outside playtime. 

And of course Abby's jeep. That one never gets old.

I treasure our time there and I know the boys do too.

Three weeks later, we returned to Florida and ended the month with one last party: Maddox's friend Joplin turned five.

They loved the arcade, but couldn't understand why so many tokens only got them a pack of Smarties.

Ah, such is life sometimes.

 I guess July was a fun month! But there is always a party pooper. 

We finally met the bear that roams the streets of our neighborhood.

He pretty much acted like he owned the place and only turned his head toward us when my camera snapped. He kept snooping...guess the trash wasn't to his liking.

Unfortunately, I'm sure he'll be back....

Now, gotta watch for snakes, gators AND this guy.