Blueberry Picking.

Blueberry picking has been on my summer bucket list for four years now. This is the first year we've made it happen. I was pregnant with Small Fry year one and the only things that got crossed off the bucket list were the things my mom accomplished with Fawn. The second year Small Fry was a baby and it just wasn't going to happen. And, last year Small Fry was a MESS. So we kept punting....

I'm so glad we made it work this year because it was so much fun. Mimi went with us because although Small Fry is not the mess he was last year, he's still only two and can be quite the handful! I thought we needed man-on-man defense. We stopped at Krispy Kreme on the way down because my little people are always hungry. They are going to eat us out of house and home. While the plan was to drive to Morgan Creek Vineyards in Harpersville, I saw a sign for Smith U-Pick in Sterett. Mom commented that she knew the owner from teaching in Shelby County (he's the AP History teacher) so we went ahead and stopped. Great decision! There was only one other family there and the owner's family was so kind and welcoming to the boys.

We all got our buckets and started picking. Fawn was on a mission to pick the biggest blueberries he could find. He does not like small blueberries, says they are sour. Small Fry was eating more than he was putting in his bucket. And, he had a hard time with the concept of "ripe". And, he kept dumping his bucket onto the ground. So I was very thankful for Mimi's help. I was trying to pick a lot of berries for the freezer because they were cheap and delicious!

We ended up with 5.25 pounds of berries! I also bought some beautiful veggies that had been picked that morning. And, I insisted on paying a little more because of all Small Fry had eaten in the field. The boys loved on a big, sweet hound dog and then we headed home. It was a perfect Alabama morning.

Be still my heart. This summer has been a gift in so many ways -- the biggest being the relationship developing between these sweet brothers.

Boys at work.

Stop it. His cuteness kills me.

Can't quite smile with a mouth full of blueberries.

So serious about getting the perfect berries.

His gorgeous loot.

He was so happy -- I think it was one of his favorite days this summer.

4th of July.

While dating, and during the early years of marriage, we always spent the 4th of July at Buck's parents' lake house on beautiful Lake Martin. In fact, we got engaged on the Basstracker somewhere in the middle of Lake Martin on July 4, 2012 after watching the fireworks. Buck's parents' gave up their lake cabin lease in fall 2011, so for the past couple years we've spent the 4th elsewhere.

This year, though, they rented a lake house for the long weekend. Lulu, the boys and I drove down on Wednesday. We had no clue where we were going, the boys were singing/screaming/fighting the entire way. Though we tried to time it for nap time, there was no napping. When we finally located the house (our directions were wrong), it was a wonderful surprise. The house was precious! We unloaded in the heat and the boys were insistent we go swimming. Lulu and I joked that it was very swampy -- we were in the back of a narrow slew and I had myself convinced there were all sorts of swamp creatures. In fact, I had nightmares the first night about it!

Aunt C came down Wednesday night and Doc and Buck followed Thursday night. We had so much fun. It was a long enough vacation that I felt like I truly relaxed (especially after the not-so-relaxing mountain trip). But it wasn't too long! The boys were at such a fun age to enjoy the lake -- Fawn especially, who has become the best swimmer this summer and loved jumping off the dock again and again and again. In addition to swimming, they also loved canoeing, fishing, and boat rides. Somehow during one morning of fishing Fawn and Buck convinced Small Fry to eat a live cricket. Ugh, ugh, ugh. He reported that it tasted "disgusting", but he was so proud. In between outside activities, we watched movies, played dominoes, colored, and Buck introduced the boys to cherry bombs. Lord help us!

We got to see Uncle Pak and Lauren some, much to the boys delight. And, we took a couple boat rides to Lulu and Doc's new lake house. It is on a gorgeous lot and is going to be a great house. This trip made us so excited about summers to come for the boys on the lake. We even let Fawn stay up to watch some fireworks on the 4th -- he was convinced it was Uncle Pak shooting them for him. He later confessed that after we put him to bed he got back up to keep watching fireworks. We've got a sneaky one on our hand.

Though I had my big camera, I didn't take ANY pictures. These are from Buck's and Doc's cell phones. I was too busy enjoying and doing with the boys to occupy myself with picture taking!

Canoeing. So lucky big brother didn't knock him out with that paddle.

Sweet thing napped on the boat two different days. Like a dog. Love him so.

Third Annual Mountain Trip.

We returned to Highlands, NC for our third annual mountain trip with the Hendersons. We had to make this trip earlier than usual because of Fawn starting Kindergarten in early August. July was so hectic work-wise for both dads, that we bumped the trip to June. While the trip was fun, it honestly wasn't the best timing -- all of the grown ups seemed exhausted as we'd all been running a million miles an hour all summer, traveling a ton. We made the most of our four days in God's glorious creation, though. And, the kids had a ball -- which, of course, is one of the best parts of the trip.

Again, we rented a cabin on VRBO. While you never know what you're going to get, it was a great set up. A five-bedroom outdoorsy looking place on 9 acres. Plenty of room for sleep and play. It was especially nice to have a large yard for the boys to play outside during our "down time".

We arrived before the Hendersons and headed into Highlands -- a few miles north of our cabin. We wanted to save Sunset Rock for a group activity, so we drove to Dry Falls and took in the scene.

Boys looking at Dry Falls. Fawn was super-enthusiastic, while Small Fry was hesitant. Dry Falls is super loud from the rushing water, plus you get a bit wet.

You get to walk behind that massive waterfall, though you do not stay dry!

Safe on Daddy's shoulders -- who is glad to have some cell service and check in at work.

When the Hendersons arrived and got settled, we headed back into Highlands to Sunset Rock. It's probably Fawn's favorite thing we do each year. It is gorgeous and a good, easy walk to start with. I was a bit disappointed in myself as I caught myself at the top of that vista ho-hum, going through the motions. I had to remind myself how amazing and beautiful it is -- I don't ever want to go through life not engaged with the wonder around me. No matter how tired or what the circumstances, I want to fully live.

Happy to be at the top of Sunset Rock -- Small Fry is getting heavy to carry (I know, of course, because I carry him around every day).

Couple shot!

The babies ditched their backpack carriers on their way down.

Thursday night brought fun grown-up fellowship. I remarked that how could it have been a year since our last night of cards in the mountains? Time certainly does fly by.

Friday morning we headed toward Whiteside Mountain. The weather was supposed to be a bit dicey all weekend so we figured it best to get in Whiteside when we could. It's a great hike and the views were pretty, though blocked somewhat by low clouds. Our gang did well, though we got lots of "looks" and comments that we were brave to attempt Whiteside with five under six! Little did they know, we'd done it with five under five last year (now that seems CRAZY).

A little more enthusiasm Buck? He only weighs 28 pounds.

Fawn was not having any picture taking with mommy.

Sullen boy. But, I get in moods too -- all humans do. I'm trying to show him more and more grace when he's in a funk. If I'm allowed to pout, so is he.

Family on top of Whiteside.

Taking in the views. I pray I can look at life with his sense of exploration and wonder.

My son and daughter-in-law...though which Nichols boy will she marry?

Crazy cats. Fight like crazy, love like crazy.

Father son.

Mommy son.

No wonder people thought we were nuts!

After lunch we headed back into Highlands to play at the park. It was raining when we got there, but we just waited it out in our cars for a few minutes and then enjoyed a couple hours of fun at the playground. The kids were great and loved it. We even played old school games like Duck, Duck, Goose. Then we called it a day and repeated the fabulous routine of kids fed, kids to bed, grown ups fed, grown ups cards.

Saturday we headed into Cashiers. We started at Silver Creek Falls. Fabulous! Probably the highlight of the trip. The dads were brave enough to swim in the freezing water. The kids joined them. Kelly and I were more than happy to keep our socks and shoes on and supervise. 

These three.

I heart this picture.

This one too -- before Daddy started acting crazy!

And while this isn't the crazy I was talking about, I'm sure glad he didn't drop him.

Buck bet Fawn that he wouldn't get in. Ten dollars -- that I had to pay up!

This is the crazy I was talking about.

Their hero-view of him just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Another family found some crawdaddies and handed this one to Fawn to hold. He says it's one of the highlights of the trip.

Men and peer pressure -- once Buck was in there was no stopping Heath.

Getting braver and closer to the waterfall with Daddy.

He's fearless.

Photo of the dry and smart parent.

After we got everyone dry and warm we headed to a waterfall in a magazine we had -- Whitewater Falls. A national park a few miles away -- though we drove through South Carolina to get there! It was a short walk to the falls and there wasn't a ton to do, but it was the biggest waterfall I can remember seeing.

We walked down a ton of steps to get a closer view, but you can see the waterfall in the background.

Small Fry was such a happy passenger -- though Buck constantly said it was his last year to be carried.

Family shot.

For this guy it's always about the critters -- fascinated by a caterpillar.

Little love birds.

We went to eat at the Carolina Smokehouse, and it did not disappoint; there's nothing like a BBQ joint hamburger! Then we went to the amazing Cashiers playground. I know we can play at a playground anywhere, but it really was one of the highlights of the trip for me. The kids had a ball -- and watching Small Fry and Buck interact on the playground was priceless. Then the rain came in and after trying to sit it out, we bailed to the Highlands Nature Center. Thankfully, we were the only ones in there -- and our kids did pretty good looking at all the critters. Then we walked on some of the trails through the Botanical Gardens and trails behind the Nature Center. I loved it -- it was an easy walk (though very wet and muddy -- my children were a disaster!) and so beautiful. We headed back to the house where we roasted marshmallows for a snack (always a better activity in theory than reality) and the kids played in the mud. Heath took on the unenviable task of hosing them off before baths.

I love that Kelly captured this moment.

We ended the trip with an awesome steak dinner and an EPIC game of Spades. Kelly and I really held our own this year and had the weekend total all but won. AND THEN....Buck went blind nil twice in a row to win it all. Unbelievable. Only him. I mean he is seriously the only person I know that is that lucky.

The victors. (Did I mention Heath almost chopped his finger off with an ax the first night?!?)

I have to say that in terms of child-management this was the hardest year yet. Perhaps because we didn't have any rest time, perhaps because parenting styles are become more different as we parent the children we were given, perhaps because we came into the trip much more tired. However, Kelly put it best when she reminded me that when they are grown up and not on this trip with us, we will long for these days of littles. She is so right -- there is no one I would rather explore the world with than my sweet boys and their best friends. Good memories, gorgeous place, great friends. See you next year!

Sandestin Part Two.

We headed back to Sandestin for Father's Day weekend, which also happened to be the annual meeting of the Alabama Trial Lawyers. One of Buck's law partners was being sworn in as the new president, and it was important that we be there in support. We've had such a busy summer so far -- with two trips to the coast already (Sandestin for Young Lawyers and Pensacola for a wedding) -- that the timing wasn't ideal. But, duty called for Buck. And, I was thrilled to tag along with the boys so we could enjoy more beach time. Make that bay time -- we decided to stay on the Bayside of the resort instead of Beachside. It was a great decision. We stayed at The Grand Sandestin, which was right next to where Buck needed to be for his meetings and right next to the Village so we didn't have to drive much at all (which was a good thing, seeing as though the parking situation was horrible -- teeny tiny spots in a crowded, confusing underground garage).

We headed down Thursday around 11 after a short morning at VBS. I taught Fawn's VBS class at Covenant all week and was pretty wiped out. Plus, I'd been swamped at work so the vacation was really exciting for me. It was an uneventful trip down -- Bates, check, boys naps, check. We arrived, checked in, unpacked, and headed to the awesome pool. Boy was the pool a treat -- we've been so used to being cold at Mema and Abou's that it was so nice to be in a toasty pool. Buck and I were headed to a dinner in honor of his partner. So after some pool time, we got the boys fed and ready for their babysitter -- a sitting service we'd never used before. But it turned out great. The nanny was so nice and Fawn had a ball with her. We were hoping Small Fry wouldn't see much of her as we put him to bed before we headed to our function, but not so. After cocktail hour, as we were being seated at the dinner, we got a phone call from the nanny saying that Small Fry had thrown up in his pack and play. She thought he was fine and got him cleaned up, but it was unnerving! I knew he wasn't stomach bug sick -- he'd been snotty for about twenty-four hours and had started coughing. I was bracing myself for croup. The nanny assured us we were fine to stay at our dinner. And, despite being worried about Small Fry, it really was a lovely evening -- great food, great wine, and great company. I missed Buck's firm's Christmas party because I was sick with the flu, and it was really nice to catch up with people I don't see very often that spend so much time with my husband. It's nice to feel connected! When we got home, we realized that Small Fry was pretty congested so we put him in bed with me and Buck slept on the pull out couch. Neither parent got any quality sleep, though! Don't worry we made up for it later in the weekend!

Friday morning, Buck headed to a seminar while I took the boys to the pool. The weather was overcast and threatening rain, but it was actually nice because it kept things cool and I wasn't too worried about the sun. After lunch, all four of us crashed for a nap. Buck and I made the good decision to put Small Fry and me in the small bedroom and he and Fawn took the king sized bed. No one slept great or for long but naps of any length are always nice! When Small Fry woke up he was so croupy and we decided we had to do something medically-speaking. So we called our pediatrician who was able to phone in steroids to the Publix pharmacy in Sandestin. How nice and easy! Small Fry and Buck took the car and Fawn and I walked through the Village and we met at the Marina. Buck needed to talk fishing bait at the bait shop. Then he and Small Fry headed on to Publix while Fawn and I walked back. When we were all back together, it was time for more pool swimming. Then we got cleaned up for a family-friendly reception for Buck's conference. It was a nice way to easily feed the kids dinner (Fawn only ate chicken fingers and Small Fry only ate tortilla chips and cheese dip). Then we headed for a stroll through the Village to enjoy the rest of the day, feed the fish, and get Buck a couple well-earned beers. After Buck and I got the kids to bed (by this point, I'd given up any hope that Small Fry would sleep in his pack and play), we enjoyed sitting on the balcony watching the gorgeous bay and sky, spying frogs, and listening to music from the Village. Perfectly relaxing evening. We turned in before 9 pm -- we both must have needed it.

On Saturday, Buck and Fawn left super early to do some fishing in the ponds around the golf course. They were successful and Fawn had a blast with his daddy. I think Buck had a great time too. When they were done they met Small Fry and me at the pool. We enjoyed the morning as a family, then ate lunch in the condo. About 11:30 I saw Buck sneak off into the bedroom -- he was already starting his afternoon nap! It wasn't time for the boys to rest yet so I took them to Candymakers in the Village. They were in heaven! They both picked out an assortment of gummies (of course!). We found a shady spot to enjoy our snack and then fed the fish again. My boys throw the fish feed out one tiny pellet at a time. It takes forever, but makes it seem much more like an activity. Then we strolled home to join Buck in his slumber. Again, it was naps all around....bliss! After naps we packed up sand toys and towels and walked to the sandy beach on the bayside next to the Marina. It was a beautiful afternoon and we had the beach to ourselves. We got a Sandestin kayak and Buck kayaked the boys around -- both separately and individually -- until he was flat worn out! The boys had a ball playing in the sand and building. And, to top it off we headed back to the pool for one last dip. It was truly a perfect afternoon.

Fawn was definitely the captain of this building endeavor. We heard Small Fry say constantly "Can I do that?"

We quickly got clean and ready for dinner and headed to Acme because Buck was craving oysters. Two dozen later, he was a happy camper. I made the mistake of ordering a margarita. It was delicious but huge -- think fishbowl. Wow! Later that evening I was really glad I'd had that margarita, because Buck asked Fawn if he wanted to zipline and he said yes. I was a nervous wreck watching my baby fly through the air. Thank goodness I wasn't sober.

That is my baby!

He looked so tiny up there. I was freaking out.

This is so typical -- Fawn doing exactly as told and Small Fry in la-la land.

Matching brothers.

Cannot believe this peanut did a zipline!!! Growing up too fast!

My sweet loves.

Be still my soul, I love him so.

Our vacation ended with the most amazing red sunset you have ever seen. We tried but couldn't capture it on film. I won't forget it though -- the image of that red sun setting over the bay is seared in my memory. Absolutely gorgeous!

After a truly wonderful weekend, we woke this morning to our sweet daddy on Father's Day -- quickly and calmly getting us ready to go back to Birmingham. I know that driving four plus hours was not his idea of a Father's Day present (perhaps those two Bates Turkey sandwiches were?), but I am so thankful for him and the father he is to our boys. In the fun, exciting vacation times and in the day-in, day-out living, he is our rock and sets the best example for them to strive for. We love you Buck -- thank you for sharing your life with us.