This Summer...

I interrupt the ridiculously long silence of this blog to bring you a summer update. And I'm not promising any more summer updates - reality tells me that there won't be much blogging going on until school starts again and I get back into a regular routine. But know that it's been a great summer with the kids and we've all been very busy.

Spencer and I have been running a lot. About a year ago we started (literally) with little tiny baby steps and now we are just weeks away from the Chicago Half Marathon. And I think we've officially reached runner-geek status. For Christmas I think we're going to get one another this. We never run at the same time so we can both use it and it may be the smartest piece of technology I've ever seen.

The ladies at the Fabric Shop have finally sucked me in to the world of quilting and I'm really liking it. I finished a baby quilt and am working on a quilt for Big Granny's 90th birthday. After that I have plans for about 10 more. No, seriously - it's addicting. And expensive, so it's a good thing they take a while to complete so you can save up money for the next project. I hope to have 2 more finished before Christmas.

I bought this valance FIVE YEARS ago to hang in our room. Finally, last week, I put them up. There was a weird thing I had to figure out to get one rod to hang over the other without disaster - but I got it! Who knew just a yard or two of fabric would make such a difference?

We joined the new trend and took a stay-cation this year. The kids stayed with Nana and Papa and we hung out in a nearby Nashville hotel. We relaxed, Spencer played golf, I read, and we both got to spend time with friends. We had breakfast one morning at Loveless Cafe. I was so afraid that it would be overrated and not very good at all. Nothing to fear - it was great. I had the biscuits and jam, country ham and a great cup of coffee. Just as good as Big Granny's - and that's pretty impressive. And we also attended the RC Cola and Moonpie Festival. We ran the 10 mile race and then sat in the heat with my sister and brother-in-law while eating fatty, greasy, foods. You can only do that on vacation and not feel bad about it :-)

Easton turned 6 last Thursday. He celebrated by taking two friends to a Bats Game on Friday night and then having cake with family and friends Saturday afternoon. I am constantly reminded of how lucky we are to have such a wonderful base of friends here in Louisville that love us like family.

Easton not shown in this picture - he is hiding behind Dad. Even thought we KNOW Mr. Jeremy and KNOW that he is only wearing a costume - he's still not going to get within 10 feet of Buddy the Bat.

Showing off the tatoos...

This is my attempt to make a cake that looks like a ball cap. (Look away all ye experienced cake decoraters)

Claire was very happy about Easton's birthday party (and birthday cake)

And, well, those are the highlights. We've spent a lot of time at the splash park, at the library, on the playground and in our own backyard. VBS is next week and school starts for Easton the second week of August.