Our summer season really began when our small family of 5 (with the two Westie brothers) took a mini vacation and stayed in Atlanta. We were able to go to the Georgia Aquarium and Atlanta Zoo. Brenna loved the aquarium with all the colors and sounds. The zoo was a little more of a challenge because it is so much of a search and find game to see the animals. Even though our hotel was under construction and the boys had to be couped up in the room, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our trip reaffirmed for me that I do not ever want to live in Atlanta. It is way too hard to get around!
The next big event was Brenna's first birthday. Because we thought that some of her expressions look like a baby monkey, her 12 months pictures were taken with a monkey, and that she loves anything monkey, we decided to have a monkey themed party. It was a big event with many loved ones in attendance. My mom even joined us via Skype! I decorated the house in pink and green and Justin made the monkey cake and chocolate peanut butter cupcakes. I asked everyone in attendance to take a picture with a giant monkey and we compiled the pictures in an album so that Brenna will always know who celebrated her first year on her birthday.
My mom joined us for Easter. We celebrated with the McCullers at an Easter egg hunt that didn't happen. (We showed up at the hunt too early and our toddlers couldn't hold out for it!) As usual, the McCullers and my mom helped us make the most of the situation and we enjoyed the events that were pre-hunt events.
May brought CRCT time, spring practice, and all the things that teachers must do to wrap up their year. Everything was accomplished and our freedom was achieved! Between school events, we broke in our new bathing suits and "borrowed" as many friends' pools as possible. We also attended a super fun park and ducks party for one of Justin's football coach friend's son.
June was a busy month! Brenna and I would not have had it any other way. I realized quickly that she is not a good stay at home baby. She has an on the go personality, just like her momma. We started the month with my birthday and enjoyed sitting on a patio with many of our friends. The kids all ran and played and Justin and I had our first Gigi's cupcakes! (Thanks, Renata!) A teacher friend's daughter was the next birthday we celebrated. Her mother is a party extraordinaire! The farm themed party was complete with a full petting zoo and pony ride, not to mention all the scrumptious themed foods and too cute decorations. Brenna had her first pony ride and wasn't the least bit scared.
Toward the middle of the month, my godparents who live in Arkansas, were able to squeeze us into the tail end of their trip to Ireland. Living so many hours away had prevented them from meeting Brenna until now. Brenna was her usual never met a stranger self, and entertained us all night. She was somewhat wary of her god-grandfather's beard, but she still showered him and her god-grandmother with her smiles and babbling.
We piled all five of our family members in the car and headed to Nashville for a few days. A good friend of mine from high school was having a baby shower and we were able to include it in our visit with Brenna's Nana. There was lots of baby playing time and stealing kisses from lots of chubby cheeks! Brenna was the oldest kiddo there and wore her mommy out running in circles and trying to open all of Rachel's presents! B's Nana absolutely loved having Brenna close enough to squeeze on and even got some dance lessons in at the local Mexican restaurant.
June came to a close with a trip with Justin's family to Sarasota, FL. This was our third time to stay at Siesta Key beach. It is paradise! Brenna was able to really play and enjoy the beach and ocean. She had absolutely no fear, which sometimes scared her mommy! We all enjoyed the relaxed week with strolls and naps on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and visiting with the family. My baby girl came back a little brown biscuit with no sunburn the whole time and a love for the beach!
Wait patiently for part two...
