Celebrating Freedoms, Family, and Animals

July has been one of the best months this year so far--I'm hoping it doesn't surpass any of the months in the fall and thereafter considering what is to come then, however. In the last three weeks we've had family visit, a babymoon, and vacation. I think I've slept in a bed not my own more times than not. I'm not complaining. I love traveling. And I love when others travel to us. Like when we had my mom, stepdad, and sister come visit over the 4th of July weekend. My mom is simply the best. She is not your typical mom (or grandma) who carries around a Vera Bradley handbag and calls me on the phone everyday just to check in. My mom and I are polar opposites. She's a biker chick, I'm terrified of motorcycles. She has over 10 tattoos. I have zero. She loves cats and always talks about her "boys", and I would be fine if I never saw a cat again for the rest of my life. But when we get together we're like two peas in a pod. We crack each other up. The laughter doesn't stop. When they came to visit it wasn't any different.

We decided to do something other than go to Freedom Park this time--which is usually where we take all our guests who come to stay with us. We wanted to do something different. We choose the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC and it sure did not disappoint. We didn't know what to expect except that they had exotic animals that could come up to your car (or wagon) and you could feed them. How cool is that?! Yes, please!

I was so excited to see how Anna was going to react. She loves animals, she loved going to the Columbus Zoo, and I knew being able to be so close to these animals at the Lazy 5 Ranch was just going to rock her world.

I mean look at that face! I don't remember what she and Mami are looking at but it seems pretty exciting!

So like I said above, you could feed the animals that came up to the wagon. This buffalo sure was hungry, so much so that he salivated and slobbered all over me! 

This is my face after the drool from above got on my arm! Blech!

Anna was a little hesitant at first but eventually she wanted to feed the animals too.

The giraffe was so cool. I had never been that close to one before. Well I've never been that close to any of the other animals either but it really puts it into perspective just how tall these guys are when you have one standing over top of you. Pret-ty uh-mazing!

Anna refused to share her bucket of feed with anyone besides the animals. 

It was such a perfect way to spend time with my family. We don't get to see them as often as we wish we could. It's nice to be able to get away for a day and share memories that we can look back on. We also enjoyed walking around Plaza Midwood and eating at one of our favorite pizza places in Charlotte: Fuel Pizza. While we didn't get to see fireworks or an Independence parade we had a wonderful weekend celebrating being a family and enjoying all the freedoms that we've been blessed with.

You can see at least 4 tattoos on my mom in this pic and you'd think the motorcycle we're
standing in front of was hers, but it's not--she wishes ;) 

Anna loves her Auntie Em. She has been notably named the "baby whisperer".

I'll leave you with two of my favorite ice cream photo shoots to date. This girl can slam some ice cream. Me too, Anna, me too.

But those eyes though. Be still my heart.

God Bless America and Our Little Acorn Squash

Happy 4th of July, Folks! 

Let me be the wet blanket here...I'm not one to go crazy over Independence Day. 

Yeah, I enjoy a good fireworks show, I love the cookouts, and the sparklers...but with it being so close to our anniversary, the past 7 years of Red, White, and Booms just haven't been the same as they were when I was growing up. 

Side Note: Travis and I first locked eyes the summer after our high school freshman year during our town's fireworks display only to then meet that following school year in gym class :) Cue the "aww's".

However, I'm realizing this year is different. 

I think it has a lot to do with where we're living now. 

Living in a neighborhood where sometimes you don't even feel like you're in America makes you appreciate your homeland that much more. We are surrounded by people who seek refuge in America because their home country wasn't safe, whether from war, religious persecution, or just because they are looking for a better life for their family. We hear stories all the time about what life was like in my country and can't help but be thankful for our country. 

This past week I've thought a lot about the blessings of America, the fact that our forefathers wanted a place of freedom for all, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and a place where we could worship our God openly without having the threat of persecution and even death on our shoulders. 

While I believe 'Mmerica can be over glorified a little too much at times, I am so grateful for this place I call home and thankful that God led us to stay right here and is allowing us to see our country with a new set of eyes. 

So God bless America, Land that I love!

Anyways, who wants to talk about Independence Day when all anyone wants to see is a bump, right?! 

How far along? 29 Weeks

Total weight gain: 21 lbs

Maternity clothes? Most of the time...found 3 non-materninty tank tops at the Gap for only $5 each and bought them in a large so I'm pretty stoked about that! 

Stretch marks? Nope J

Sleep: Not so great 

Best moment this week: Celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary. Even though we didn't do much it was still lovely, especially knowing this will be our last one alone :)

Miss Anything? Sleeping!

Movement: Several times throughout the day and night. My new favorite past-time is lying on my side and getting to see and feel her move--the joy of the day :)

Food cravings: Hot dogs! I'm so excited to eat one at our baby shower cookout this weekend! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: GIRL!!!

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks, especially when I have to pee really bad...which is every couple hours lol

Symptoms: Back and rib pain like none other! Braxton Hicks, peeing, shortness of breath, and my forgetfulness has been horrible! I forgot a friend was coming to visit, an appointment with the insurance company, and to pay a bill!

Belly Button in or out? Outie!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: Spending our weekend with family and close friends in Ohio for our first baby shower!!!

Enjoy the 4th! I know we will with our neighborhood booming all night!

snapshot from the 4th of July, 2008