July started off with a trip to the vet for some check ups and talking to the vet about getting this guy to England when we move in a few months!
Obviously a routine vet visit isn't exciting or very noteworthy, but traveling with these fools was pretty humorous...
Bonnie just chilling in Stella's car seat....
That three legged chihuahua is a giant baby.
July 2nd is my friend Lynette's birthday and I got to celebrate with her this year! We had dinner together with friends and drank amazing cocktails and toasted to this awesome human! Funny story.. after we ordered our food I handed Lynette a box with her present in it... I had written her card and explained the details of her present so I told her to open the box up first. She opened it up and... nothing. There was nothing in the damn box! I had forgotten to put her gift in the freaking box! Luckily, I had pictures on my phone that I showed her and I took her to the house after dinner to give it to her, but seriously- it was so funny! All that build up and excitement for an empty box!
For her birthday I made Lynette a mala necklace. Its not my first mala, but it is my first time properly individually knotting each bead. I love how it turned out! The beads are- labradorite (the sort of grayish blue beads) which is linked to faith, destiny, and magic. It also strengthens intuition. Black Tourmaline strengthens body and spirit, encourages balance, and promotes understanding. 4 pink jasper- a protection stone. The chakra beads- each color represents a different chakra to promote balance to the whole system.
Since she had free and willing labor in the house, Mom enlisted my help in replacing the fan in the den. It was my first ceiling fan replacement....
But we did it! And we hadn't realized how badly a new fan was needed in there!
We tackled the broken fan in the bedroom next...the thing that started this whole light fixture replacement brigade!
Since they never used the fan function, Mom opted for just a light and it turned out really well!
Between her Mimi, Noni, and her Mama, Stella has an entirely new winter wardrobe to take to London! Which was definitely needed- we've all lived in lightweight summer clothes and flip flops for the last two years and this girl just finished up a giant growth spurt so all her stuff from last year no longer fits. I'm not going to lie- I'm pretty excited for boots and jackets and hats and scarves!
On the 4th of July we had my grandparents over for lunch and introduced Mymom to Cider Boys... She couldn't decide between Strawberry or Peach...
That evening headed to Matt Matt and Cici's to watch Fireworks over their pond!
These two....
And like always... they were forced to recreate their picture from two years ago. And our mama hearts broke a little bit! Kids grow SO freaking fast!! Especially when they're little!
Then the fireworks started!
Stella and Ellory loving the show!
I finally stopped slacking off and contacted the horse back riding instructor and got Stella in for some lessons before we left! She was SO excited to ride again!
She was a little nervous at first, but a few turns around the ring and a lot of her lessons from last year came right back to her!
Liz and the Gray girls sent Stella some of their favorite games-Sleeping Queens and Sushi Go for her birthday and we cracked them open and played that afternoon when a storm blew through and kept us inside!
That night we got to celebrate this little cuties 2nd birthday!!!
Which meant some more time with this awesome woman!
We also celebrated Dad's birthday... but he had a tummy bug on the actual day of so we celebrated the next day with a trip to Mooresville and Red Robin-I know what you're thinking... burgers and beer the day after a tummy bug? Yeah... he regretted it later... and so did everyone within a small radius of the bathroom at World Market...haha!
On one of our many, many trips to Target, Stella requested this picture so she could print it off and put it on her wall and "remember how amazing Target really is"...
I will never tire of cotton candy skies... or forearm stands.
Stella had another riding lesson a few days after her first and did phenomenally well!
The nerves were definitely gone on this ride and she was much more comfortable and rode really well.
After her riding lesson we headed to Mymom and Grampy's for lunch (and to install a ceiling fan in their bedroom because they heard tale of our amazing electrical skills).... and she and I got in the kitchen together and made fried apple pies! Well... attempted, anyway. Gluten free pie dough is finicky as hell- and add to that a griddle with a shoddy connecter and we ruined our first few before we gave up and baked them.
The end result was delicious and totally hit the spot!
The story behind this picture is hilarious, but I won't share it... just know that she is one of my favorite humans on this earth!
Back in March Stella got to watch the first Harry Potter movie because her friend Reece was having a HP party and we didn't want her to be completely lost on what was going on. She discovered that her mom and dad aren't completely crazy and that Harry Potter stuff is pretty awesome. She begged and begged to watch the rest of the movies, but our house rule is you have to read the book first. So she decided to start the second book on her own and we took turns reading it and she read quite a bit on her own. My little Harry Potter nerd heart is just melting.
In addition to seeing this beauty for her birthday, we squeezed in coffee and a yoga class together! I only practiced in the studio one other time so it was awesome to practice and flow next to her. Sharing energy in a yoga space is a sacred thing and sharing it with an amazing friend is even better. We held hands through savasana and my eyes leaked a little... or maybe they were sweating. Either way... it was amazing!
Denise and Liam made the drive from Florida to NC to come hang out for a bit and I got to cuddle this sweet nephew of mine!
He and Stella were absolutely smitten with each other!
Aunt Neesie and Liam got to go with us to a riding lesson and Stella got to show off her skills!
One of the first things we're doing when we get to London is signing her up for riding lessons. She is absolutely head over heels in love with riding and everything there is to do with horses!
She loved playing big cousin and showing him the horses and talking to him about riding.
After her riding lesson we headed over to Mymom and Grampy's and funnily enough, we had been at their house on that day two years before and snapped a few pictures. So, of course, I made them sit on the same couch and take pictures so we could compare them!
Waiting for lunch!
She loves him so much she let him play her game on Noni's phone! Thats' real love, people!
Later that day we were out running some errands and the craziest storm blew through! Amanda called me in an absolute panic- she was home with Asher when it came through and they a small tornado touch down. She was panicking and not doing great so Mom and Denise dropped me off with her and headed to the house to check on the dogs and the house. Everything was fine and there was no damage, but Jonathan and Amanda's neighborhood got hit pretty hard- siding off of houses, trash cans across streets- and Asher's play house got lifted up and thrown into the house next door! We stayed and hung out til Jonathan and Gavin got home so she wasn't alone... the one perk of that was Asher, who never cuddles with me did not want to be put down! I happily obliged him.
The Friday before we headed back to Bahrain, we went to Carowinds- a theme park that straddles the North and South Carolina state lines. We spent the day riding rides and playing at the water park and had a blast! (Grandpa not pictured because he wasn't able to go- although I don't think he minded one bit that he got to stay home and nap and escape the heat!)
We started out in the Camp Snoopy section so Ryan could enjoy rides for his size!
Then we peeled off and took the big girls on some roller coasters!
This was Ellory's first big roller coaster and she loved it- her face in this shot is amazing!
More Ryan friendly rides
Stella is lucky that she has an Auntie who absolutely LOVES roller coasters and rides of any kind and will indulge her love of spinning rides. Her mama can not handle spinning rides of any kind, no matter how strong her anti nausea meds. Cue Aunt Cici!
Matt and I took off with the big girls and took them on the biggest coaster they could ride. Ellory was right at the exact measurement for height so we had to make sure she'd stand up straight. Her little stance was the cutest thing ever!
We broke for lunch and then left the kiddos with their Mimi in the air conditioning and Peanuts entertainment and we headed over to a grown up ride- the intimidator.
We got about halfway up that first peak and Carly and I hear Matt from behind us... "Uh, ya'll. I'm a little nervous about this. We've been riding kiddie rides all day." He had a very valid point and when we reached the apex of this thing, I questioned my life choices.....
It was insane- as evidenced by my ridiculous face (please note the face of the roller coaster junkie next to me!) Ya'll. My ass lifted OFF the seat! It was crazy. And awesome.
It was so fast Matt's hair was standing up straight and Carly's bun had dropped off the top of her head!
I did have a certain sweet boy take a nap on me while his mama and daddy rode an even crazier ride than we had earlier! I happily gave up thrills for cuddles from this boy! After that we rode a few more rides and then headed to the water park to cool off. No pictures of that- we all put our phones away and enjoyed our time together!
We left the park and headed home for dinner with Grandpa and one last sleepover for the girls before we headed back. And yes, pretty much everyone napped on the way home.
The next day we woke up and decided to go to a local farm and pick blackberries! We got there and these two headed straight for the swings! I don't know who enjoys it more...haha!
We grabbed our buckets and headed out into the blackberries!
They had little play areas set up all over the farm. The kids were obsessed with this slide!
We picked some giant berries!
After rice and beans with the Koenig's for dinner that night, we headed back to the Wofford house after that and spent some time with Duke before he left for a trip. Both Grandpa's ended up having work trips before we left so we had to say goodbye to them early.
We spent that Sunday by the pool and that night Duke took us all out for Dairy Queen (its definitely his and Stella's "thing" they do every time we come home!)
Liam loved his ice cream cone!
The next day we gave big hugs to Duke and he headed off for his trip. I got to start my morning off like this...
We spent the day with these two playing together and having a blast!
He discovered that tackling and tickling Stella was the greatest thing ever!
Aunt Neesie and Liam headed to Raleigh to see her family the next day and we were sad to see them go. Its hard to get everyone together when we live on opposites sides of the world and the work schedules of the Navy folk are always crazy... so it was good to get some time with them to catch up and we're hoping to see them again our next trip!
On our last night we had the family over for dinner so we headed to Lowes to get a couple of last minute groceries and they had my favorite peach cider on tap. So I grocery shopped and drank cider and decided that, while I already love grocery shopping, this only adds to the love!
After dinner everyone left and we hung out on the swing in the backyard a little bit longer, soaking up the cicada noise and just time together before our departure the next day.
The next day we had lunch with Mymom and Grampy, and Carly and the kids (she'd had to work the night before and wanted to be sure to tell us bye one last time). After that, I loaded up the car and the Moms drove us to Charlotte to the airport and we checked in and headed to our flight. We've discovered that a quick eject of us and our bags at the departure gates works better on the nerves and emotions than if they park and walk us in. No time for tears when you've got people honking for your curb spot.
We had a little time before the flight so we headed to the USO and hung out before going to our gate. This girl is the most seasoned traveler. She is no nonsense through the airport and I am thankful on every trip with how awesome she is!
When we left Charlotte to head to Baltimore we were delayed a bit because of a nasty storm up that way. When we landed at BWI the fog was intense!
We deplaned and ran for our connecting gate for our flight to London and barely made it. We checked in and they said our names were flagged and asked to see our baggage tickets. The looked them over and said everything was fine and sent us on our merry way.... we had a long walkthrough to get to the plane past the gate and we were part of the way down when one of the American Airlines chicks came rushing after us... she forgot to scan Stella's boarding pass and passport. So she had to take all of our stuff, scan it again and she had us wait there in the hallway. I swear we waited for what felt like forever before she came back and said everything was good. We boarded the plane and they closed the doors behind us....
We took off and Stella slept really well on that flight. Mama did not. But its far more important to have a well rested 8 year old...haha! We landed in London and went through security. While we were waiting, Stella says to me "wouldn't it be so cool if there was a Harry Potter store in the airport?" And her wish was granted, because right there past security was a Harry Potter store! It was awesome!
We headed for the lounge and had some breakfast before catching our flight to Bahrain. I was able to snooze a little bit on that flight and Stella was amazing. She played some games and watched some movies and even napped for a little bit! I did catch this gorgeous sunset- I am a sucker for airplane sunsets or sunrises. Nothing beats that view!
We landed in Bahrain to discover that our bags hadn't landed with us. While I stood in line to handle a baggage claim, a worker was nice enough to take Stella out to Christopher so that was good! We headed home, airplane stinky, exhausted, and ready for showers and our bed but very happy to be back with Christopher!
Lumee was beyond happy to have her other humans home!
I will never tire of cotton candy skies... or forearm stands.
Stella had another riding lesson a few days after her first and did phenomenally well!
The nerves were definitely gone on this ride and she was much more comfortable and rode really well.
After her riding lesson we headed to Mymom and Grampy's for lunch (and to install a ceiling fan in their bedroom because they heard tale of our amazing electrical skills).... and she and I got in the kitchen together and made fried apple pies! Well... attempted, anyway. Gluten free pie dough is finicky as hell- and add to that a griddle with a shoddy connecter and we ruined our first few before we gave up and baked them.
The end result was delicious and totally hit the spot!
The story behind this picture is hilarious, but I won't share it... just know that she is one of my favorite humans on this earth!
Back in March Stella got to watch the first Harry Potter movie because her friend Reece was having a HP party and we didn't want her to be completely lost on what was going on. She discovered that her mom and dad aren't completely crazy and that Harry Potter stuff is pretty awesome. She begged and begged to watch the rest of the movies, but our house rule is you have to read the book first. So she decided to start the second book on her own and we took turns reading it and she read quite a bit on her own. My little Harry Potter nerd heart is just melting.
In addition to seeing this beauty for her birthday, we squeezed in coffee and a yoga class together! I only practiced in the studio one other time so it was awesome to practice and flow next to her. Sharing energy in a yoga space is a sacred thing and sharing it with an amazing friend is even better. We held hands through savasana and my eyes leaked a little... or maybe they were sweating. Either way... it was amazing!
Denise and Liam made the drive from Florida to NC to come hang out for a bit and I got to cuddle this sweet nephew of mine!
He and Stella were absolutely smitten with each other!
Aunt Neesie and Liam got to go with us to a riding lesson and Stella got to show off her skills!
One of the first things we're doing when we get to London is signing her up for riding lessons. She is absolutely head over heels in love with riding and everything there is to do with horses!
She loved playing big cousin and showing him the horses and talking to him about riding.
After her riding lesson we headed over to Mymom and Grampy's and funnily enough, we had been at their house on that day two years before and snapped a few pictures. So, of course, I made them sit on the same couch and take pictures so we could compare them!
Waiting for lunch!
She loves him so much she let him play her game on Noni's phone! Thats' real love, people!
Later that day we were out running some errands and the craziest storm blew through! Amanda called me in an absolute panic- she was home with Asher when it came through and they a small tornado touch down. She was panicking and not doing great so Mom and Denise dropped me off with her and headed to the house to check on the dogs and the house. Everything was fine and there was no damage, but Jonathan and Amanda's neighborhood got hit pretty hard- siding off of houses, trash cans across streets- and Asher's play house got lifted up and thrown into the house next door! We stayed and hung out til Jonathan and Gavin got home so she wasn't alone... the one perk of that was Asher, who never cuddles with me did not want to be put down! I happily obliged him.
The Friday before we headed back to Bahrain, we went to Carowinds- a theme park that straddles the North and South Carolina state lines. We spent the day riding rides and playing at the water park and had a blast! (Grandpa not pictured because he wasn't able to go- although I don't think he minded one bit that he got to stay home and nap and escape the heat!)
We started out in the Camp Snoopy section so Ryan could enjoy rides for his size!
Then we peeled off and took the big girls on some roller coasters!
This was Ellory's first big roller coaster and she loved it- her face in this shot is amazing!
More Ryan friendly rides
Stella is lucky that she has an Auntie who absolutely LOVES roller coasters and rides of any kind and will indulge her love of spinning rides. Her mama can not handle spinning rides of any kind, no matter how strong her anti nausea meds. Cue Aunt Cici!
Matt and I took off with the big girls and took them on the biggest coaster they could ride. Ellory was right at the exact measurement for height so we had to make sure she'd stand up straight. Her little stance was the cutest thing ever!
We broke for lunch and then left the kiddos with their Mimi in the air conditioning and Peanuts entertainment and we headed over to a grown up ride- the intimidator.
We got about halfway up that first peak and Carly and I hear Matt from behind us... "Uh, ya'll. I'm a little nervous about this. We've been riding kiddie rides all day." He had a very valid point and when we reached the apex of this thing, I questioned my life choices.....
It was insane- as evidenced by my ridiculous face (please note the face of the roller coaster junkie next to me!) Ya'll. My ass lifted OFF the seat! It was crazy. And awesome.
It was so fast Matt's hair was standing up straight and Carly's bun had dropped off the top of her head!
I did have a certain sweet boy take a nap on me while his mama and daddy rode an even crazier ride than we had earlier! I happily gave up thrills for cuddles from this boy! After that we rode a few more rides and then headed to the water park to cool off. No pictures of that- we all put our phones away and enjoyed our time together!
We left the park and headed home for dinner with Grandpa and one last sleepover for the girls before we headed back. And yes, pretty much everyone napped on the way home.
The next day we woke up and decided to go to a local farm and pick blackberries! We got there and these two headed straight for the swings! I don't know who enjoys it more...haha!
We grabbed our buckets and headed out into the blackberries!
They had little play areas set up all over the farm. The kids were obsessed with this slide!
We picked some giant berries!
After rice and beans with the Koenig's for dinner that night, we headed back to the Wofford house after that and spent some time with Duke before he left for a trip. Both Grandpa's ended up having work trips before we left so we had to say goodbye to them early.
We spent that Sunday by the pool and that night Duke took us all out for Dairy Queen (its definitely his and Stella's "thing" they do every time we come home!)
Liam loved his ice cream cone!
The next day we gave big hugs to Duke and he headed off for his trip. I got to start my morning off like this...
We spent the day with these two playing together and having a blast!
He discovered that tackling and tickling Stella was the greatest thing ever!
Aunt Neesie and Liam headed to Raleigh to see her family the next day and we were sad to see them go. Its hard to get everyone together when we live on opposites sides of the world and the work schedules of the Navy folk are always crazy... so it was good to get some time with them to catch up and we're hoping to see them again our next trip!
On our last night we had the family over for dinner so we headed to Lowes to get a couple of last minute groceries and they had my favorite peach cider on tap. So I grocery shopped and drank cider and decided that, while I already love grocery shopping, this only adds to the love!
After dinner everyone left and we hung out on the swing in the backyard a little bit longer, soaking up the cicada noise and just time together before our departure the next day.
The next day we had lunch with Mymom and Grampy, and Carly and the kids (she'd had to work the night before and wanted to be sure to tell us bye one last time). After that, I loaded up the car and the Moms drove us to Charlotte to the airport and we checked in and headed to our flight. We've discovered that a quick eject of us and our bags at the departure gates works better on the nerves and emotions than if they park and walk us in. No time for tears when you've got people honking for your curb spot.
We had a little time before the flight so we headed to the USO and hung out before going to our gate. This girl is the most seasoned traveler. She is no nonsense through the airport and I am thankful on every trip with how awesome she is!
When we left Charlotte to head to Baltimore we were delayed a bit because of a nasty storm up that way. When we landed at BWI the fog was intense!
We deplaned and ran for our connecting gate for our flight to London and barely made it. We checked in and they said our names were flagged and asked to see our baggage tickets. The looked them over and said everything was fine and sent us on our merry way.... we had a long walkthrough to get to the plane past the gate and we were part of the way down when one of the American Airlines chicks came rushing after us... she forgot to scan Stella's boarding pass and passport. So she had to take all of our stuff, scan it again and she had us wait there in the hallway. I swear we waited for what felt like forever before she came back and said everything was good. We boarded the plane and they closed the doors behind us....
We took off and Stella slept really well on that flight. Mama did not. But its far more important to have a well rested 8 year old...haha! We landed in London and went through security. While we were waiting, Stella says to me "wouldn't it be so cool if there was a Harry Potter store in the airport?" And her wish was granted, because right there past security was a Harry Potter store! It was awesome!
We headed for the lounge and had some breakfast before catching our flight to Bahrain. I was able to snooze a little bit on that flight and Stella was amazing. She played some games and watched some movies and even napped for a little bit! I did catch this gorgeous sunset- I am a sucker for airplane sunsets or sunrises. Nothing beats that view!
We landed in Bahrain to discover that our bags hadn't landed with us. While I stood in line to handle a baggage claim, a worker was nice enough to take Stella out to Christopher so that was good! We headed home, airplane stinky, exhausted, and ready for showers and our bed but very happy to be back with Christopher!
Lumee was beyond happy to have her other humans home!
Overall it was a great trip home. It was longer than we originally planned and coming back to the land of sand at the hottest part of the summer isn't my favorite thing ever, but it was good to go back and soak up some green grass, blue skies, fresh air, and lots of love from some of our favorite people. We missed out on seeing all of our people and our travels didn't take us to Seattle or Texas, but we definitely squeezed an awful lot into our time stateside!
