JJJuly

Sunday morning was an emotional time as it was Grandpa's last Sunday morning as senior pastor. The church had prepared some sweet surprises and sentimental parts that made it hard not to cry. It was really a lovely send off, and I know they felt loved.

James got to see his sweet 'little cousins' Jed and Charlie who call his their 'big cousin' with the sweetest affection. I love seeing these little guys look up to James in such a dear way. The luncheon with everyone after the service was lovely, and sadly, we haven't been back. That is one of the sad parts of being pastor and then leaving; you really don't get to go back.

That afternoon, we took the younger boys all to junior camp at WOL. David was on his own as a camper in the younger group, while Calvin, Hayden and his friends were together in the older kids group. David was so funny going off on his own. He was ready!

It was easier to leave the boys for camp that week. They were so excited and looking forward it it! It isn't always easy, but they have so enjoyed coming to camp in the summer. It has been one of their favorite things.

Matt and I went back to his parent's house to see the rest of the family who had come over to celebrate with Jim and Teresa. Many of Matt's cousins and their little ones were there. It was sweet to get to watch these littles that we rarely see!

James had planned to stay for the week while his brothers were at camp, so he got some extra time with his Louisiana cousins. He enjoyed himself that week I am sure!

when we got home, I saw my amaryllis blooming! It always makes me think of Emerson. I love seeing it every year!

Here are some pictures taken by the camp photographers at WOL. I always try to follow along as their week goes on and save the pictures where I see my boys. I love getting a glimpse into what they are doing.

While the boys were at camp and at Mimi&Grandpa's house, Matt and I celebrated our anniversary and the 4th of July back in Orange Park. We took Hermione out for a hike and then watched the firework display over the river at Moosehaven.

I drove back down to pick up the boys from camp and drop off James for his week at teen camp. Hermione rode down with me I guess, or maybe this was just her riding with me around town! She is such a silly dog. I'd think I would have left her at home with Matt while I was gone.

Hayden, Calvin, and David got to stay with Mimi&Grandpa while James was at camp the next week. It was a little hard to be away from my boys for two weeks in a row, but I got to see them in between. 

James went to camp with his friend Magnus, and these two are both so easy going. They had a blast but didn't have many tales to tell. I was glad again for the pictures we got from camp photographers.

Hayden had almost grown as tall as Grammy! I don't remember her coming to town for any reason, but maybe Papa had a show down in Miami, and she stayed for a couple of days while he was gone. I don't remember what Calvin and I were doing either, but it looks like we both had a good workout!

James got to go on a summer camp trip with our church youth group as well at the end of July. He enjoyed himself, but I decided 3 camps in one summer with a week at his grandparents was too much time away. He was gone for over a week for our trip to England and for half a week for our trip to GA. He was barely home!

David was able to complete his Bowser pirate ship that he got for his birthday! He was so proud!

We had the excitement of taking the boys to watch a Premier League soccer match in Orlando! Unfortunately, the lightening delay made us wait. That is what we are doing in the hallway, waiting for it to clear. Thankfully, it did clear and we got to watch the match!

So much fun to celebrate Hayden's 12th birthday! Can't believe it.

We went to the game, but Hayden also had a few things on his wishlist. 

Hayden had a big water slide for his birthday party, and his Mimi made his a Tottenham Hotspur cake with a cake pan we bought in London. He and his buddies had such a good time it took the grass months to recover! haha

James made a little gift for his Dad that was a Pokemon card that he made into the 'G' class or something. Matt had made up some extra classification to tease the boys about their pokemon cards, so James made his dream come true by creating a card just for him.

Happy birthday my love! I know your birthday gets a bit overshadowed because of your birthday buddy. We love you so much. I don't make you pose for enough pictures! Maybe that was part of your gift.

Another height check! It is so fun to watch my boys grow up to be men! But it does make me sad too- Mimi and I are together on that. Grandpa is still taller if he makes his hair stand up.

We took Mimi&Grandpa with us to see the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp play. It is a lovely thing to do on a summer night.

Sunday was a very special day. David got baptized. Grandpa and Pastor Brian were able to do it together, and it was a wonderful. We are so grateful for David's profession of faith and his desire to be baptized. Thank you Lord for this blessing!

Thank you Lord for the special moments of this particular month. Being present for Mr. Jim's retirement service was a uniquely joyful and sorrowful experience. Moving through the season is so challenging, and it is difficult to do it peacefully no matter how amiable. We will continue to rejoice that all our sons have chosen to profess faith in our Lord Jesus and want to be baptized. Thank you Lord for these gifts of faith and legacy of faith. Thank you for all the things we got to see and do and celebrate. Amen!