Fourth of July Family Visit

The first week of July was spent up in North Aurora, IL visiting Shawn's family, which is the whole family! They all live within an hour of each other which is really great because then we get to see everyone at once--Danielle and Austin, Corey and his family, and of course Mom and Dad-- now known as Grandma and Grandpa. It was a very full, satisfying and wonderful week.

Admiring Grandpa's bonsai trees is always a must when we visit. He is such an amazing gardener and craftsman of Bonsai. I just love going out on his patio and looking at all his trees with him. They are beautiful and truly inspire peace.

Of course this time we had a little helper! Hannah loved rearranging all the little figures Grandpa has displayed under his trees. Grandpa was so patient and let her move rocks and ceramic Buddhas to her hearts content!

Water Play was another big hit for the week! Aunt Danielle and Grandma arranged the perfect little water play area for Hannah and every day we were home Hannah enjoyed splashing, and pouring and playing with the water toys.

Hannah loved Grandma's spaghetti which resulted in a face only a grandmother could love!

We went on several family outings to various parks and playgrounds. . . .

And had a big adventure at the Brookfield Zoo! (This is life size tiger! Wow!)

Look-- Daddy+Hannah= Michael Jordan!

Watching one of Hannah's favorite animals, monkeys:

Hannah also found plenty of time for exploring in Grandma's cabinets . .

What exactly did you find in there, Hannah?

Hannah gave and cherished many family hugs and cuddles.

And we got to play on the trampoline! (One of Mommy's favorite things!) Hannah loved being bounced around and trying to jump herself! She especially like this game where everyone held hands and bounced in a circle.

We also had lots of good talks, ate Polish sausage, enjoyed Grandma's delicious pancakes, watched several fun movies, made S'mores on Danielle and Austin's fire pit . . . and in general just really enjoyed each other's company. I feel so blessed to be a part of this family and it's even more of a blessing now that I have a child. Everyone is so eager to love Hannah, get to know her, and is so patient with all her toddler ways. It makes me feel even more loved and accepted! Thank you family for such a wonderful time! I love you all so much!

July

July has been full of . . . .

Hanging out at the pool with friends! Here is Hannah with her friend Ezra. He is the son of one of my good friends here in Nashville-- Melissa. Ezra is a year older than Hannah and so sweet and gentle.

Snack Time!
Here is my little sunbathing beauty!

Hannah also loves to dig in the garden, smell the rosemary and watch the butterflies!

Of course we've spent lots of time with our wonderful friends the Normans. Hannah and Elijah just continue to get closer and closer. I really can't express what a blessing their friendship has been to us! (For more great pictures of the two together, visit their blog. She is much more consistent at posting.) :)

Hannah also spent a lot of time at her toddler table working with art materials. Wait . . . what is that you see in the background? A new kitchen? Uh-oh has Mom been to a consignment sale again . . . .? Okay, yes I'm guilty! I just couldn't pass up an $8 kitchen! Though Hannah doesn't spend a lot of time pretending at it yet, I know she will as she gets older!

We spent the first part of July with Shawn's family. See next post for pictures and anecdotes from our visit!