July

July was a whirlwind of glory! We saw the people! We did the things! Will going back to school feel like a break? It is possible. A sad and work-y break, but also routine could be cool. 

 

Having my brothers visit was the best way to end the summer! We went to Charleston, took a carriage tour and checked out Hannah's wedding venue. (Dreamy.) We played disc golf, bowled, saw a ballgame (a cute kid gave Rory his foul ball), saw Barbie at their first drive-in movie (most of it anyways after we figured out the fog issue), made a million party pretzels, and went downtown many more times than is a true representation of our life. They are literally the cutest!

 

We finished our new little homework nook! The nursery rocker who used to live in this corner got picked up by an adorable man from Facebook marketplace who was bringing it home for his wife's first baby's nursery. It made me happy! (But maybe not her when she sees it!) I am pretty proud of our family portrait. These clothes are staples in our home. I showed the girls my stitching in Nashville and then Daron sent pictures of what the boys were up to and they were both wearing the exact outfits. I did cross stitch Daron with brown eyes on my first attempt. Oops. Got in trouble for that one. 

Nashville Girls Trip!

Ahhh! Best weekend ever! I got to spend it with these beauties...

In this darling house!

(Only drawback...Saying I'd take the worst accommodations in return for not having to weigh in on the booking left me waking up to these babies every morning and also falling asleep beneath the cherubim and a very somber portrait of Jesus. I thought I would get a lumpy mattress, not night terrors.)

We mostly just shifted our chatting from one eating establishment to the next the entire time. (I loved most the Christian café with the yelling waitresses next to the Jesus washing feet art installment.) We heard live music, had our own musician provide the most precious of at home church services (with clean hands! on the piano played by some famous people!), watched Kristen's wedding and celebrated her first 40 years (finally someone else is 40!), got matching shirts, bracelets and mugs (because no amount of attachment is enough), went to the Opry (Family drama and spraying soda only added to the the fun of John Crist and Ricky Scaggs!), and generally enjoyed the friendships built over the last 22 years. My pals are all so amazing and being together was like a validation of my history in a way that felt like I was getting back a piece of myself. Not to be dramatic but the joy of the weekend has me feeling all fresh and take-on-the-worldish! 

Joy, you are hilarious and make everything fun. You are a killer friend and I cherish that I am in the ranks! I am so proud of your wise perspectives!

Beth, you are the classiest and somehow still always help others shine. Timing your walk into the bathroom with a towel was so you and so perfect and I will smile every time I think of it. Exceedingly generous too!

Megan, I couldn't have enjoyed a second of our speed conversations more. You are so talented and encouraging and genuinely lovely in all regards! You may be my parenting life coach and I will be better thanks to you.

Kristen, I admire so much how you are passionate in your care for people. You are someone who always shows up and I feel like it is this huge beautiful thing. It was so fun seeing you pregnant! 

I know we are not always there for life things but having time with this bunch of cheerleaders that I genuinely love was such a boost! I will play my harmonica necklace (thanks, Beth!) and be brought back to the good times until they are repeated! (In less than 4 years!)

 

Missouri

We've had another lovely trip to MO! 

Sunday-We arrived to tri-tip and went on a failed mission for fireworks viewing but, who cares. 

Monday- Rory had found a whole family turtles before I even got up. We took a boat ride to see my parent's lovely lakeside employer which was too hoppin' to actually eat at. 

Tuesday- Conn's crew arrived and Aunt Jan, Uncle Doug, and Andrew came for the 4th. Aunt Jan made this adorable picture of the old house for Jane. We did sparklers that were acquired on discount by Daron and Trenton on their way back from disc golf, possibly because the attendant thought they were for use at their upcoming wedding.

Wednesday- We tubed and the 4th Mr. Lewis and Dr. Oliver instalment was filmed. There was homemade ice cream, ribs, and an outdoor premiere on the projector. 

Thursday- Half the crew went to Silver Dollar City to initiate Evans (the new fiancé!) and the other half went floating. I made kayak reservations and I tell you, I cannot be trusted acquiring boats in Missouri. This was not as bad as the speed boat saga several years ago, but we pulled up to a perfectly nice outfitter and did not have a reservation. This is because ours was a different one down the road. Upon approach, the place mostly looked like a junk yard and the hood of the assumed transport bus was propped open. We all signed a piece of paper that looked ten years old, paid, and were told to meet the bus across the river at a public access point. In their defense they did show up and get us to the river. A hitched kayak fell off at one point but was no worse for wear. I am not sure any of the rented kayaks were free entirely of broken parts, but they all floated! The bus's spray paint logo cracked us up because it was like a stencil font that was freehanded. We got to sign the inside, which I did in case it was evidence after our disappearance. Trevor wanted no association. The river is beautiful whatever rig you are in and we saw 2 bald eagles. No one dumped and upon checking rates later we saved 155 bucks going with the dodgy place, so win! We also went to La Pizza Cellar and Andy's and had Shelly along!

Friday- Conn and fam had to spend time with those pesky in-laws. Mr. Roebke taught Silas how to scuba dive in the Autumn Creek pool. We went to Walmart and Dad grilled steaks.

 

Saturday- All the Wehrmans came for a lake day. It was the biggest group together I think Camp Bob-o has ever had. It was good seeing everyone and I had zero instances of needing to walk away sheepishly due to saying something embarrassing!