Happy Birthday, Lily!

This month our family has felt very loved and we've definitely had lots of excitement here.  We've had visits from friends and family, Lily is gearing up for first grade, Harrison is potty trained, and Lily turned six!  Wow!  We also celebrated Father's Day, our wedding anniversary, and took the kids to see their first movie in the theater.

We spent two weekends with Justin's family this month.  The kids enjoyed the visits and Lily was able to open a few birthday presents early.  She likes celebrating her birthday month.  We will continue the celebration with my parents and Uncle Matthew in a few weeks.

Playing ball with Granddad.

Uncle Jim and Aunt Karen were lots of fun!

Too tired to make it to bed.

Rapunzel's Tower Lego set from Grammy and Granddad. She had it put together quickly, with just a little bit of help. 

We also had a visit from our friends Torry, Alex, and Juliet.  The kids had a great time playing and swimming, and I had fun catching up with one of my dearest college friends.  

Time for Veggie Tales and popcorn.

 Happy Father's Day, Justin! The kids are so lucky to have you!

On June 23rd, we celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary.  I can honestly say that perhaps our best anniversary gift came this year when Harrison decided after many months of waffling back and forth that he would potty train himself.  Thanks, Harrison!  Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you.  And thanks to Lolly, we also got to have dinner out at our favorite restaurant in Raleigh. We love Cafe Tiramisu.  One of the perks of being back in this area!

I know it's not much to look at from the outside, but the food is amazing.  We've been going for at least 11 years, and I don't think the servers or staff has changed in all that time. 

On June 26th, we celebrated Lily's birthday and also watched her class performance.  They put on quite an entertaining show!  Lily AND Harrison can't stop singing these fun songs at home.
 

Ready to rock out to Baa, Baa Black Sheep.

Start spreading the news...First Grade, First Grade.

Back in class, her teachers handed out certificates to everyone.

Then it was back home to play with Lolly before going out for her birthday dinner.  Lily first made her request to eat at Olive Garden for her birthday during our first week here in Holly Springs.  She's decided that it is her favorite restaurant.

Opening up some arts and crafts gifts from Lolly.  Lily is very interested in Origami after reading a book about it.  She is working hard to make a butterfly and this paper will come in handy.

Anna Doll from Harrison. 

Harrison has a wide grin because he "wrapped" one of his bowling pins to give to her.  He thought it was a really funny joke.

Lily really wanted roller skates or a scooter.  We opted for the scooter.

Opening up gifts from her uncles.  A Spirograph from Uncle Matthew and a necklace and Walkie-Talkies from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Veronica.  She said it felt like Christmas!

Excited for cake, but still shy about the singing.  

Lily getting ready to head out for her first scooter ride.

The next day Lolly went home and our friends Chrissy, Dani, and Julia came to swim with us for the day.  We had so much fun at the pool that I forgot to take any pictures.  But the girls were so happy to be together again.  We celebrated with a little more birthday cake and then the kids played inside until it was time for our guests to head back home.  

On Sunday, we took the kids to see their first movie in the theater.  They LOVED it!  Harrison especially loved the popcorn.  They both agreed that we did not get a big enough bag.  It was almost gone before the movie started.  Gotta love those 30+ minutes of previews.  We saw Inside Out, which is the story of a little girl who has moved to a new city, and the emotions she feels as she struggles to adjust to a new house, a new school and new friends.  We could all relate to that!

As you can see we've been very busy and had lots of fun this month.  We are looking forward to more time spent with family and friends in July!