July

The month of July was much busier with family things here and there and plenty of great things to celebrate. It went by WAY too fast and the middle of summer has completely disappeared!
We started off the month with a family date night to the aquarium. Brad was able to get off work early afternoon on the third, so we spent the afternoon together before he had to come home and hit the books to study for the GMAT again. (We are all very excited for the day that we aren't studying anymore). The aquarium was pretty neat and Carter absolutely loved all of it!

The next day we celebrated the 4th with our neighborhood breakfast, spent the afternoon playing/watching slip n slide kickball at the park across the street, the had a BBQ with the family and enjoyed watching fireworks from our front yard while eating homemade cobbler and ice cream! Carter wasn't so sure about the fireworks - he liked the look of them, but didn't like the sound too much. 

The about a week later we loaded up our car and drove down to Oceanside, California for the Marsh beach trip! We've been looking forward to it for a long time since we haven't been to the beach since our honeymoon - 5 years ago! We LOVED it and so did Carter! He was hesitant at first, every morning, but got used to it and then loved it.

We kept busy with a family baby blessing, missionary homecoming, and little family gatherings here and there. Our 24th was pretty simple - just had new family pictures done and watched fireworks in our front yard with our great friends (and amazing photographer) the Foxes. 

Here's a sample of some of the pictures - we are SO thrilled about them and ALWAYS love taking pictures with Ash - she is so fun to work with and her stuff is amazing! Check her out HERE

We finished off the month celebrating our 5 year anniversary! I can't believe it's been five years. In some ways I feel like we've accomplished so much and in other ways, I feel like nothing has changed - I guess that's life. We kept it simple (since Brad got me something sparkly to accompany my wedding ring - Frost yourself ;)) We did dinner at Cheesecake Factory; unfortunately we didn't know it was National Cheesecake Day and there was quite a crowd. It was still yummy as ever and it was good to get out, just the two of us. 

Here's to 5 years!

Also, here's some snap shots from July that make me smile

right after he climbed up all by himself - he's so proud

obsessed with shoes - especially daddy's

and obsessed with daddy

also - pants are overrated in our house