Trip to Little Rock

Well, I'm just going to say it: This was, without a doubt, the most enjoyable trip to Little Rock I've made since moving to Virginia! {No doubt, this has everything to do with the fact that the boys are older now.}

The first week that we were in Little Rock, I worked. It was wonderful to see my boss and co-workers, take meetings, and just generally feel like an adult. I love the opportunity I have to work full time from home in Virginia, but I love even more to be in the office and feel energized and get to see with my own two eyeballs the fruits of my labor! :)

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Nathan was so excited to be somewhere with more lizards than Roanoke! There was lots of lizard catching going on. With my little brother. In the 96 degree heat. Bless his heart.

Of course, I dragged my dad and the boys to Potbelly's--only my favorite sandwich shop EVER. {Brief back story: Waco, TX got one AS SOON AS I moved, and of course Little Rock got once AS SOON AS I moved. Roanoke, VA should be getting one in June 2018.}

Nathan did admit, "Mom, their shakes are better than Chick-fil-a's."

We also ate at Vino's, my mom's favorite pizza place!

As Nathan turns five on the 29th of this month {we're not talking about it. nope. no.} we of course went ahead and threw a family birthday party for him. So fun! And true to form, Nathan requested a cake with blue icing, a lizard, and shark sprinkles. But of course. {He also requested to have the entire lizard to himself. Well okay, birthday boy.}

We soaked up some pool time, too!

I had several fun lunch and dinner dates with friends. I was particularly excited that my trip coincided with Christi's 30th birthday {okay, well almost! we pretended at least.}.

And do you know what else we did?

Soaked up every second.

We relaxed, we laughed, we enjoyed, we ate, we drank, we partied, we swam. We were exhausted in the best possible way, remembering what it is to have a history somewhere, with roots and family and inside jokes and people who know your good bad and ugly.

The boys were in Heaven; and I'm pretty sure I was, too.

Last night, I was chatting with my friend Leanna, and she asked me, "How long does it take to feel like home?"

Two years into living in this {wonderful, gorgeous, blessed} place, and do you know what I said to her?

"It doesn't feel like home. We're moving in three years. Nathan, Jack, and Scott are my home."

And boy, are they.

I mean, can I brag for one teeny, tiny second and say that despite the fact that my husband works 100 hours a week {6 days a week} and we never get to see him, the man had dinner ready with wine waiting! Woo hoo! I love that hubby of mine!

Chilling on the back patio is exactly what my mother and I needed after handling 14 hours in the car with my crazy boys!

What a wonderful trip to Little Rock! I can't wait for our next visit in November!

Wedding Bells!

Yesterday, the boys and I drove to Apex, NC for the wedding of my cousin Eric and his beautiful bride Rachel. We had a blast! 

Scott's 28th Birthday

Well, the hubbs finally caught up with me and turned 28! {I'm six weeks older. It was only cool when he was 19 and I was 20, and he was 20 and I was 21.}

We were so excited to celebrate our favorite guy!

We decorated the dining room!

And as the boys were in school and Scott had the day off, we went out for breakfast and golfing! So fun!

We went out to lunch at Scott's favorite restaurant after we picked the boys up at school.

For dinner, I made buttermilk fried chicken, green bean casserole, and a six layer carrot cake. Scott's favorites!

Happy birthday to the greatest husband on the planet! You make me feel loved, supported, and special every single day! Happy birthday to the greatest dad on the planet! You love your boys and they worship the ground you walk on! We're richly blessed to have this Godly man leading us. Thank You, Jesus!

Hey, Summer

I have a suspicion that this summer is going to be a hot one. The heat has arrived a bit earlier this year than it did last year.

This, of course, means it's pool time!

Scott's schedule has seemed a bit better lately. Hallelujah! We've gotten to spend a lot more time with Daddy, and we're love, love, loving it!

Scott's favorite restaurant in Roanoke is Wasena City Tap and Grill. I'd say we eat there once a week! With the warmer temps and Scott's schedule freeing up a bit, we've been soaking up some much-needed family time.

And speaking of family time, I get to see my family soon. I cannot wait! Only four more days, and we'll be in North Carolina at my cousin, Eric's, wedding. And then on to Little Rock!

Summer sneaks up on me every year. I can't believe this is the boys' last week of school!

FCC Turns 15

Last weekend, our church here in Roanoke {Fellowship Community Church} had a 15th birthday bash at Elmwood Park downtown. There was worship, a sermon, baptisms, and a really cool "splatter" artist. There was also a yummy lunch for the two thousand people who attended.

Easily my most favorite part of this birthday bash, which to be honest was a little long to be advertised as family friendly, was worshiping with my sons. Watching Nathan lift his hands in worship made my heart nearly explode and tears brim in my eyes. My prayer is that both of my sons would live their lives in that posture--lifting their praise, their worries, their very souls to the God of the universe.

What a special day!

Party, Party!

Well, as school is winding down, it seems that the birthday parties are winding up! Here are some cute pictures of the boys at a couple of parties recently.

Going Buggy

This year, the Spring Musical at the boys' school was "Going Buggy!" All of the students were different types of insects. Nathan's class was fireflies! I mean, how cute is that!?

Nathan was so excited when he woke up!

His class sang three songs up on stage, and I was so proud of him! Of course, he was the cutest one up there!

Afterwards, I took Nathan to go get a donut. We talked about the musical and school and summer, and I just soaked up spending time with my firstborn. I love this adorable firefly of mine!