
(Violet super loves Hutch.)
Ellen came first, and we hit up the pool in the crazy heat.


This is when Hutch began his love affair with popsicles.
Our children steadily made their way through tons of fruit. Especially cherries and grapes.
Ellen wanted to learn how to make sugar cookies, so we whipped some up to practice on.
And, she graciously offered to make pillow shams for William and Violet's room that I had been meaning to get to for ages. She's a million times better at sewing than I am, so I majorly scored on this.

Mom arrived that Thursday night, and we spent more time at the pool, because that is one of the only things to do outside in Arkansas in July.


Hutch got to have another popsicle.
John was in and out heading to Atlanta for two nights, and then on his father/son trip to St. Louis, but we did see him some. The cousins had a blast being together, though they were less than thrilled about a picture in our final moments together.



(Hutch was laughing so hard at Lily falling repeatedly into the ottoman.)

Lily spearheaded a note writing campaign for Ellen to take home to Luke so he would not feel left out, and he texted a pic of what she wrote. We just like to get the word out about chicken. 😂 😂 😂 😂
Both Ellen and Mom were so kind to me in the midst of the sometimes chaos that is my home. We had a great time together and missed my other sis and sis-in-love being with us - fortunately, we'll all be together soon in another week! Summer does have its perks, but saying goodbye is always hard.