summer's top 12

We have had one of the best summers. As summer is winding down, i've been doing a lot of "analyzing" - have we done the things we said we would? are we closer to each other, to Him, to friends than we were at the beginning? It's always good to reflect. In my reflection, going through pictures, I thought I'd do "Summer's Top 10" but I couldn't narrow it down, so here you go. The highlights of our summer:

1.i felt like the summer began when i went to CA in June for my cousin, Leah's, wedding. it was so fun to be there with family (and, i have to say, without kids!)
2. running with these ladies is a highlight of practically EVERY day!
3. fun times together as a family...walks, going out to dinner, going out for ice cream
4. my whole side of the family got together for father's day and Hannah's birthday - fun! we aren't ALL together very often.

5. so, this one picture has to encompass our road trip to visit the McClure's, our time at Myrtle Beach as a family!, and our visit with the Granger's.

6. Barn House girls reunion in Richmond!

7. "reunion"with Katy and Jenny...and our kids!

8. one of the best parts of my summer are the days i get to spend with my kids...exploring our neighborhood on walks, going to the pool MANY times, cooking together, reading together, doing puzzles together. makes my heart so full.

9. DEFINITE highlight - 5 days in Charleston, SC ALONE with a man that loves me SO much. doesn't get much better, huh?

10. weekend at the lake house with Pat's parents!

11. trip to Kentucky to visit Kelly and her family!

12. Kenny Chesney concert with the Ayer's

i mean, what a summer we've had! so thankful for all the people that made it so special.

we have a big weekend ahead of us - tomorrow is Rebekah's 6th birthday and we get to go to open house at her school to meet her teacher. celebrating both girls' birthdays (Bailey's birthday is next Wed) on Sunday night with cake and ice cream. AND getting ready for Rebekah to start 1st grade on Tuesday! wow!!! "the lump" is growing every day...