Enjoying the little things...

like warm and sunny summer evenings spent in the driveway, drawing with chalk and lounging with family.

      We were home in Ohio the second week in July. My childhood home was abuzz with giddy anticipation and wedding prep was in full force. The third in line, Victoria, was getting married at the end of the week to sweet Dan.

     Dan is a Maryland native who courted my family so successfully my mother almost forgot he was whisking yet another daughter away from her. In the moments she did remember, tears were usually involved and it would make me think of the Kiera Knightly "Pride and Prejudice" quote when Mrs. Bennet says, "I often think, that there is nothing so bad as parting with one's children. One seems so forlorn without them." I can only imagine how difficult this phase must be for my mom, I hope I have as much grace as she does when I am going through it.

(It seems Vic was skeptical of whatever Ty was drawing.)

      In the best way we were all soaking up a little bit of extra family time. For most of the week is was the original six, laughing, talking, loving and annoying each other while doing the familiar-eating healthy, then baking dad's brownies and watching movies together all snuggled on the couch.

(T-O-B-I-A-S, I can hear them chanting it in my head.)

      We spent some time working in the yard (because that is where Vic was hoping the big shebang would take place), and lots of time discussing wedding details and arguing over the best way of doing things.

     We were constantly checking the weather and trying our darndest (yes I know that's not a word) to wish away the 100% chance of rain that was forecasted for the day of the wedding. We were unsuccessful, but the church turned out to be a beautiful backup plan. 

(My momma and two weeks old Baby Well's.)

     It was a week that despite having two littles was so full of ease, sweetness and good memories it made me wish for just a second that we all lived together, near each other in real life. But alas, we do not, so I will just have to fill up on family when I can and try and make it till I see them again.

(Always playing games and being silly with Auntie Cescee.)

     So there we were, my little pod of people, lounging in the driveway, savoring each others company and enjoying the little things.

(Spinning until you're dizzy...)

(and then falling down.)

Lake Jocassee with friends.

     Baby free for the day. It was a slight adjustment trying to remember how Gray and I related to each other before baby, but it didn't take too long. Once you get far enough away and the conversation switches from, "I hope he is good for the sitter," the old rhythm comes back. Days like these remind me that if we take time every once in awhile to sing our song we won't ever lose the melody. Remembering to cultivate our relationship is a new struggle, and we succeed some days and fails others, thus is life.
     Lake Jocassee sits about 50ish minutes North West of us. It spans the border between South and North Carolina and starts the chain of three major lakes. It is supposedly the cleanest lake of the three probably due to the intense restrictions on who can live/camp/boat on the lake. I'm not complaining, the lake and surrounding terrain is beautiful and well worth preserving!
      Our close friends and their sweet parents practically live at the lake during the summer and early fall seasons and joining them for the day was so fun and relaxing. It was a great break from the stress and chaos of normal life. The water is so peaceful and the views so breathtaking. It was one of the most refreshing get aways I've had the privilege to experience. A great reminder that God creates amazing beauty and it is such a blessing to live in a free country and have the health to enjoy it!
      Our day consisted of eating, drinking, laughs and easy conversation, motoring about, hiking, swimming, frisbee, waterfall gazing and napping. True perfection. Now we just need to buy a boat and spend every weekend there . . . don't laugh Gray, a girl can dream! :p