fireworks and such

oh glory. 

after the start of our crazy week {steph's very accurate, detailed account} , we settled in at poppie and marmie's for a long weekend while matthew was still in Tennessee. 

they were so gracious to take us nomads in for a little rest and relaxation.

look at 'em.

they were so much help to me. and after the adventure i'd just been on, i needed all the help i could get. 

my mom cooked up some delicious meals and poppie took the big boys fishing on a few occasions. they played, laughed, and allowed me to truly relax for a few days. 

we enjoyed some really fun time at the pool where both big boys really enjoyed swimming. of course i made the mistake of taking off tuck's swimmies for a snack the second day and after that he was more interested in killing the ants that were traveling around the pool. grey got brave quick and he will be attending swimming lessons in a few weeks to build a little more confidence. will enjoyed himself all snuggled up. and monday we met abby, matt, and cady for a swim! we could have stayed all day.

will was especially entertained by gram. she could get the best belly laughs out of him. though it doesn't take much, she was REALLY good at it. 

i had an opportunity to spend some much needed time with my heart friend, ann. by "heart friend" i mean that we will always share the real parts of our hearts when we're together. a forever friend that i always wish to spend more time with. clemson was good to us in our hours upon hours we spent together there. though i didn't have much to offer in the way of encouragement on my part, i was totally encouraged by her and where she is in life and her relationship with the Lord. so very grateful for that time.

grey was stoked to catch fireflies one night. he has manned up since last summer when all he would do is swat at them. he must have caught 25 and really enjoyed himself. marmie really enjoyed him!

we celebrated the 4th of july with fireworks of course. grey surprisingly loved them. tuck was a tad skiddish at first but was waving a sparkler by the end. they were both pretty mesmerized. and all three boys even let me get a picture of them in their red, white, and blue. let me assure you, it was not without a battle.

i will say after 10 days of traveling here and there and everywhere {at least it felt like it}, i was more than happy to come home to my sweet husband! at least for a little while...