Summer Nights at the Vineyard

Some people have a beach nearby, a farm or even a lake to retreat to during the summers. While all of those things aren't all that far from us, Arrington Vineyard is super duper close to us. I have a feeling that is where we will be spending a lot of our summer evenings. Gabe was out of town this past weekend, so I called up my spontaneous bestie and we decided that a picnic filled with Mexican food, leftover birthday cake and wine would bring us much happiness! Simultaneously taking in a beautiful view didn't hurt either.

Off we went! I love how many families had the same idea that night. I enjoy crowds of people ( for the most part). I watched Amara run up and down a hill repeatedly, which brought her a lot of entertainment. I was able to relax on a blanket and eat in peace. Did I mention, we will be spending a lot of summer nights here?

 ^^^ Left over birthday cake with some raspberry dessert wine that the vineyard makes. ^^^

(They have a blackberry that I am dying to try)

^^^ Little hands can't resist cake......who can blame her? ^^^

 ^^^ A little blurry, but I love this picture. ^^^

Water baby

We spent some time outside this last weekend....southern style! We have no pool, so we put Amara's splash pad out in the yard and let her play to her little heart's content. She seriously LOVES the water. I am so grateful. She is absolutely fearless in the pool and has loved to splash since her first bath! It is just a nice way to cool off without lugging everything to a pool. It was such a nice weekend to just stay around the house, eat sandwiches for lunch and just be together. Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Flying a kite with daddy

Yesterday, we enjoyed a nice, relaxing afternoon at home. I got a lot of deep cleaning done in my kitchen while my two loves napped. It was pretty awesome to have silence in the house while I just cleaned....and thought. Amara is in this extremely fun ( and sometimes scary) phase of mimicking EVERYTHING that Gabe and I do. It is so cute most of the time, but I definitely don't like the word "shoot" coming out of her little 1.5 year old mouth just yet. 

Anyway, while I was looking out at them from the kitchen window, I noticed Amara putting the kite handle in her mouth ( as she had just watched Gabe do while he was getting the kite ready), and I knew I had to snap some pictures. I bought a little kite from the dollar section in Target. Who knew it would have a.) lasted more than 30 seconds b.) provided so much entertainment for Amara. 

I am just so grateful for the days and nights that we have daddy home. I am soaking it in the best that I can!

 

^^^ Getting a little help untangling herself ^^^

^^^ Oh, how she loves "Seeey" ( Sadie)! ^^^

Randomness...

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I sure did! Gabe was gone on Saturday, so Amara and I got to spend some time with family. We ventured out for some cinnamon doughnuts and home made orangeade (YUM) at the Farmer's Market. On Sunday, we got to do our usual cleaning of the studio and then headed to church, which was so amazing as always. I am still having a hard time walking away from the door at the nursery knowing that Amara is crying. Why do I like to look? Just drop off and walk away....it is so hard for me though. 

Not only is eating out my absolute FAVORITE thing to do, but it is especially so on Sundays. However, we opted out of Sunday lunch since we knew we would be going to dinner that night ($$), and I am actually glad we did. It was pouring rain when we left church so it was so nice to just come home and all of us rest. I stripped Amara down to her diaper and let her play in the bed with Gabe and I ......those are some of the fondest memories I will keep! I actually didn't do any cleaning......we just relaxed and it was perfection!!

Then, later that evening, we celebrated my mother-in-laws birthday at an amazing sushi spot called Wild Ginger. Amara did sooooooo well! I was a proud mama. Gabe had to work today, which is a bummer, but it is a big opportunity and that man will do whatever it takes to provide for his family. I am thankful for that daily....sometimes more than once daily :). He leaves again tomorrow for a WHOLE WEEK!! Bummer.....

I am digging down deep to find strength for him to be away for these longer tour runs. I truly respect single moms on a whole different level now. I am so lucky to at least have family around, but sometimes you just want your spouse. Amara is doing so many new fun things daily, and I know he hates to miss it all, but thank goodness for amazing technology these days.

This is all kind of a random post with pics from the weekend.....I don't usually do weekend recaps, but I am feeling crazy today ;)

Happy Monday everyone!!!

My little sister, Jordan and my mom ( yes, I know we look alike, and it doesn't help matters
when we wear the same exact shirt, but in different colors. Totally unplanned! )

Amara sits in high chairs and stroller side ways.......so strange, that kid!