Summer Days, Drifting Away...

I do love summer.  In fact this is our first full summer here in Charlotte, so it is a little different than what we are used to.  The summer bugs have thrown us for a loop.  (We can handle the whole spider, snake, tarantula thing) but this whole creepy, crawly, mosquito thing is very new, and let's just say an adjustment.

In spite of that adjustment, we have made the most of our summer so far.  We have had visitors, with more to come. A very long road trip, and of course some time by the pool.  I would say all essentials to a fun packed summer!

To kick our summer off we had one of my favorite people in the whole world stay with us for a quick trip.  My college roommate of  four years, the one who I have made many burrito runs with, late night cramming sessions, early morning classes, and has put up with my love for noise maker and obsession for FRIENDS. Lauren Nelson!

This was a last minute decision, so she was only able to stay a night, but I was so grateful to have that time with her.  It was so fun to see Parker fall in love with her.  She was perfectly goofy and loving towards Parker and Camden, and that is a perfect combo for these crazy kids. 

We spent the few hours we had together eating at yummy places, going on walks and of course exploring playgrounds.

As I said earlier, we have also taken a road trip, a 15 hour one to be exact!  We loaded up the boys, (those of you that have kids know that I mean stuffed our 4Runner til nothing else would fit) and drove straight from Charlotte to Springfield, Missouri.  When I say "straight"  I really mean that we didn't stop to sleep, but let me tell you, we had many a bathroom/feeding Camden and ourselves stops.  It was one of those "Are we there yet?" kind of trips.

The good news is that we made it! And when we did, we got to see lots of family, eat lots of good food, and got lots of sun. 

Parker and Camden were able to meet and play with most of Philip's Dad's side of the family.  He comes from a family of 6, so there are plenty of people catch up with.  We stayed in Springfield for most of the trip, but we did take a trip up to Kansas City to spend some more time with more of the family.

We got a night out with Philip's Cousins!

Not only did we spend time with family, but Philip's parents were kind enough to watch the boys while Philip and I had a date night.  We got to drive Philip's Uncle's Corvette, and even went to a dueling piano bar after our dinner and cupcake.

One of the highlights of trip was our dinner at Lambert's, The Home of the Throwed Rolls.  That's right, no traditional bread basket on the table at this joint.  Here they have huge, just out of the oven rolls that get thrown through the restaurant, right to your hand if you hold it up in the air.  Everything here is huge and delicious, it was a fun night for all!

What's summer with out some fun in the sun and some water?  We have taken advantage of the pool in our neighborhood, and have enjoyed teaching the boys to be comfortable in the water.  Camden only thinks it's fun if the water is the right temperature, and Parker is getting better at swimming and going under.  

We had a fun and relaxing Fourth of July, however I did fail to snap a quick pic of the family.  Please forgive me.  We all did wear red, white and blue.  I don't often subject my family to the whole matching coordinating thing, but when I do, I do it with pride :) The 4th is an extra special day for us because it is the day Philip proposed to me!  I sure do love that guy!

Hope you have had a fun filled summer so far, enjoy the long warm days and get some pool time!

With Love, From Charlotte