For Father's Day Austin's dad came up and had lunch with us and Chase and Krystle. Afterwards the three went golfing together.

Here Caleb and Annelise are snuggled up together with their loveies. They have been becoming more and more each other's playmates. It's been fun to see them have such a good time together especially this summer as we've slowed down a bit from our regular routine.
 They have been loving the pool. Caleb has passed the swim test at the Y again this year and has become a little fish! His Mimi and Grandaddy taught him to dive this summer, and he's having a blast! One of Annelise's favorite parts of the pool experience is laying out- I'm not kidding! She asks (all by herself) the life guards quite frequently when the pool breaks will be so that she can lay out. She is truly going to be my beach bum partner one day soon!

Here we are at Grayson's 1st birthday party! I wish you could see him a bit better here, but he was just adorable in his cowboy boots! They took off his clothes for the cake eating of course. It's been so sweet to watch Grayson grow- his presence lights up the room at Mimi's house- everyone wants to hold him and give him kisses. And his favorite thing is to be held!

We are ready for some cupcakes!

At the end of June, Austin and I went to London for a wedding- the wedding of my life-long friend, Meghan. She and I met when we were 9 on the dance floor and became instant friends. We have stayed close all these years and miles apart for many of them. She moved to London 5 years ago to teach English at an American school, and she fell in love with another teacher named Chris- a true sweetheart. I just couldn't bear to miss her special day, and I was just thrilled that we were able to go. We decided to stay a week and tour London, Ely, Cambridge, and Paris! It was truly a trip of a lifetime! I've never been overseas and was just a kid in a candy store!!

Meghan and Chris were married in a small town called Ely outside of London that is surrounded by the beautiful English countryside. Chris spent 10 years there at a boarding school and was a choir boy at the cathedral here in the picture called Ely Cathedral. It was built 1000 years ago, and was truly breathtaking!

Here they are kneeling. Meghan's dress was gorgeous.

After the wedding, we enjoyed a reception on the grounds right beside the cathedral. It truly looks like a fairytale,doesn't it?

We were in awe of the enormity of this structure that was built so long ago with such attention to detail. It took 100 years to build.

The reception was lovely. I so enjoyed getting to know Meghan's friends from London that I've heard so much about.

Meghan brought a piece of her southern roots to her English wedding with a Blue Grass band! Here we are wearing their hats!

I loved catching up with Meghan's family as well. Brenna, Meghan's sister is on the left and her mother in the middle. I spent many hours growing up around the dinner table with the Tally family. I have such fond memories of Mrs. Tally's delicious cooking and the rich conversations we all shared together.

The next day was another really special day. Meghan and Chris stayed in Ely and spent extra time with a few of us. We toured the cathedral, had tea and scones (which I had never had before!), and shared a wonderful dinner together.

Meghan and Chris- I love you both dearly- Congrats and thank you for sharing your special day with us. It was an honor to be a part. And, I miss you already- can't wait for the holidays!

Here we are in Cambridge. Our favorite part was "punting" on the River Cam where we learned all about the colleges at Cambridge and heard old stories- my favorite! and we also were serenaded by our tour guide with some hilarious opera-style singing! Wow- talented fellow!

And the last stop of the week- Paris!!!!  Austin tries desperately to fit in ;)
We so enjoyed once again seeing all the amazing sights and historical monuments in the beautiful city. We LOVED their pastries, their chocolate,and their coffee!

Here we are in front of Notre Dame- just as amazing as Ely Cathedral.

We also got a chance to visit the Museum of Orsay and I got to see Degas, Monet, and Vincent Van Gogh. 

We enjoyed meandering around the back streets and alley's of Paris. We were amazed at all the tiny restaurants - so quaint and full of character. We were excited to eat fondue which was something I grew up eating with my family for special occasions. Our favorite was dessert! After eating all the fruit, I starting dipping a large wooden spoon into the fondue pot and licking the delicious chocolate right off the spoon! So much for manners!! ;)

This trip will forever be etched in our memories- what a gift this week was! Thank you to all who helped take care of our little ones and made it possible for us to go. We love you!