Hello.

Let's pretend I haven't just disappeared over the last few months.

Hello.

Summer is unfolding into longer sunsets and midday glasses of iced tea. The smell of sunscreen and insect repellent like a well acquainted layer of skin. A week ago I caught a lightning bug in my hands. And the ceremony of releasing, watching it fly away became something a little more. It's childhood covered up in a salty palm. It's setting light free and away from you. It's more about wishes and dreams. Less about a tiny bug with a butt that lights up.

The kids are on their very first RV adventure this week. They took off with Papa and Michelle and they are having so much fun in Florida. Mark and I were "jelly" as they rode off into the sunset. I think if this summer had any theme, it would be called: The Kids Are Having Many Fun Adventures And We As Their Parents Love Our Time Together But Damn Do We Miss These Kids.

Just sayin'.

At home this week, the house has been extra quiet, so we've been trying to get out and about. We decided to try a local bar, Truck and Tap, in downtown Woodstock on Wednesday. And as much fun as that was, we ended up closing down the charming cupcake shop around the corner with milkshakes. Because, priorities.

Last weekend we celebrated our two very good friends, Heather and Brian, getting married. Watching them "tie the knot" was super special to us. Since we've moved to Georgia, we have many friends that have become our family here. Our kids know them as "Aunt and Uncle" and it doesn't get any more special than that. Congratulations!

Last week Caleb was at Scout Camp. I always get a little choked up about it. He grows so much in these weeks on his "own." This last year we have seen him change so much. The sweetest moments were when Katelynn would walk around the house saying, "I just miss Caleb so much." The bond between these two. I cannot get over it. 

Other random things...

Is anyone else in love with Wonder Woman right now? She was kind of off my radar for a long time and then we watched the new movie a few weeks ago. Isn't this super hero amazing? She's a total bad ass and I want to be just like her.

I had been wanting to get a tee pee for quite some time. And this one from Amazon totally delivered in quality and price. It's our new favorite place to read and I love how the kids curl up inside and get lost in their books.

I was introduced to Nici's shop DIG + CO. a while back by mutual friends and I'm completely obsessed. The quality of her handmade items are unparalleled. Please go check it out. Her blog, writing, and pictures are easy to get lost in.

Also, about a month ago I decided to give up my traditional purse and give KAVU bags a try. I don't know why I didn't do this sooner. The lightweight design and extra pockets give my inner nerd a run for her money. Mama's out there, I highly recommend.

If you get a chance to see Neil deGrasse Tyson while he is touring the country, please do so. One of our date nights was spent listening to him talk about a cosmic perspective and we've been enchanted ever since. Not to mention the crowd at this gathering was the kindest that I've ever been in the presence of. Were they socially awkward nerds? Yes. But so are we. 

I hope everyone is having a good summer so far. Soaking up this warmth and getting plenty of sunshine. We planted a boxed garden this year-- our first ever! And we love harvesting it. We both come from gardening guru's in our family, however our own green thumbs have been shall we say, a little late to bloom. (hey you've been warned, total nerd alert)

Well, maybe this year we've finally picked up our gardening groove.

Until next time, we'll just be hanging around. Maybe I'll get another post up this month. I hope so. I do like it here.

Ps. In case you missed it, please check out Robyn and I's latest Huff Post piece. A tribute to our sweet friend Jennah.