Summer's end

It's the beginning of October and our house is decorated for Halloween. I thought I would catch up with a brief recap of the summer. What a fabulous summer it was! Most notably handsome hubby got accepted in the Clemson graduate ME program. 

We also had to say goodbye to some fabulous people. My wonderful Papaw and our sweet Jojo died two weeks apart at the end of July and beginning of August respectively. I wish it were appropriate to take pictures at funerals because they were both the most beautiful services. My grandfather was a retired army vet and volunteer firefighter. His funeral service was full military style, complete with a 21 gun salute. And I got goosebumps when a fire engine hoisted its ladder and draped an American flag high in the sky in his honor. It was hot as all get out and the kids didn't let me hear much of the service, but I stood under a huge pine tree and watched that flag blow in the breeze and knew he would have been so proud of all the family and friends that were there to honor him. So much of his life, I didn't know about, but the turn out was amazing and I was so proud to be his granddaughter. He had a servants heart and we were told so many stories of his love and graciousness and generosity by the countless people who had experienced his presence in their lives. The day my Papaw died, I was in the OR, and this was the quote of the day. So fitting.

And beloved Jojo, what a beautiful ceremony. She had a private viewing and quiet service. Her coffin was draped in the most fragrant pink roses. I am honored to have known her and in attendance at her private and very intimate funeral. There was a memorial service that followed, open to all of her coworkers, chruch members, and friends. A coworker of hers from Davidson gave the most beautiful eulogy I've ever heard. Jojo was certainly a Steel Magnolia, her joyful but never showy presence but people at ease. She gave comfort to her family in times of trouble and doubt. Her passing is as painful to me as if she were my own grandmother. I wish I could have known her longer. She is terribly missed.

With that sad but joyous end to summer, it is nice to look back at some fin pictures. This summer, we attended our friend Owen's third birthday party. It was just after July 4th and the weather was perfect. It was a low key backyard BBQ and a quintessential neighborhood get together. We had a blast! 

Jack and Ella went to Barn and Nobles with the nanny a good bit...

 Ella sprawled out on the stage makes me laugh!

At some point (maybe the weekend of Papaw's funeral) we were at Aunt Susan's pool and this little beauty started to feel bad. She felt warm. It was the weekend she gave up the paci. I think her throat may have been hurting her, but she didn't take the paci all weekend and after that I didn't offer it. It was the smoothest, easiest transition. Just like Jack and the bottle. She felt better the next day thankfully!

 At some point, Ella was a super hero.  :) If I haven't said it before, Ella loves her blankie! She has to have it to sleep at night with her Little Giraffe pillow, and every morning wants to bring it downstairs with her. If she's scared, she covers up with it and will often say "cold! burr!" and cover up too. So cute!

 We did a good bit of Monkey Joes too!

And just playing around.

 We had adventures on our Fridays together. Below was the day we went to Lowe's to get our front flower bed landscape. It turned out beautifully! Not sure if you can see the grasshopper on the pink petal of the hibiscus.

Then Jack roared at him. This dude is turning into a rotten boy!

And of course, we danced!

And ate icecream!

And swam in the pool. Jack got so good at jumping off the edge! "Mama! No catch me!" He'd shout!

And we went on a boat ride with the neighbors.

Boy, now that I stop and look, it was a very busy and fun filled summer! It went by so fast. I notice our seasons going by faster and faster. One day we just ran around in the park playing "chase, chase!" enjoying the low humidity and last little bit of evening sunshine.

 I'm usually so excited for fall that I hardly notice summer leave up, but this year I was a little sad to see it go. Until next year friend.