{Reluctant} Monday Morning Musings

I have to admit, Monday Morning Musings during the summer don't really seem too bad since I don't work full time in the summer.  However, this Monday was the first in awhile that I didn't really want to come.  I have loved every second of this weekend between 4th of July traditions, extra time with my wonderful family, a friend's wedding, and Julie, Dan & Crew being in town - my tank is overflowing.  Even though both Julie & I were somewhat ready to get back to "normal" - we both wished "normal" didn't mean 4.5 hours away from each other.  You're about to be on picture overload of the fun we had this weekend!  :)

Gianna and I at the parade.  It was a beautiful day - not too hot and sunny.  I really wish Genevieve would let me hold her so she could make an appearance on this blog!  :)

Kaitlyn and Maicey at the parade - Maicey was in the parade as Miss Iowa's Outstanding Teen's princess.  She may or may not have genuinely believed that she was the prettiest girl in the whole parade.  :)

My brother in law, Rob is a wonderful cook - he set up his supplies and made the most delicious breakfast for everyone.

Kaitlyn and the beautiful Emma Kate {Miss Iowa's Outstanding Teen} who is a dear friend of our family.

The high school dance team I coach with my sister {Platinum} before the parade sporting their new uniforms.  I love them.

Emma & Maicey in their convertible.  Waving to their loyal subjects.  Memories they will never forget.  :)

Kaitlyn ended up being in the parade carrying the Platinum banner.  Even though she didn't wear comfy shoes, she still did a great job and had lots of fun.

Melt.My.Heart.

Maicey was in love with "those babies" as she kept calling them.  It's a little frightening to me how much these two resemble each other, no?

One of the rare pictures I can capture of my favorite boy, Sam.  {He never stands still long enough for me to snap one!} The boy has mad skills at catching anything being thrown at him as he is flying down the water slide at my parent's pool.  Too funny.

Hello Genevieve!  Thank you for not screaming when I got close to you.  Anyone else notice the grip she has on Julie's dress?!  She cracks me up.

Dan & Kevin with the twins.  Kevin has fallen in love with those girls.

Our family at the firework celebration.  Kevin can make fun all he wants of my red, white, or blue clothing requirement on the 4th of July - but nobody will argue the benefit of said requirement in family pictures.  Carry on making fun, babe - I'll take one for the team.  :)

Words cannot describe how much I love this picture.  That's the party that headed over to get a Tropical Snow to waste some time before fireworks.

This is one of the only pictures out of the other 15 in the series of these two.  I simply asked for a nice picture of my sister and brother-in-law.  The other 15 are either blurry or inappropriate for this family friendly blog.  I love them for so many reasons.  Mostly because they keep me from taking life too seriously and support my crazy dreams with every fiber of their being.

This woman is solely responsible for my marriage.  Jenny was my dance teacher growing up and remains the big sister I never had.  She and Kevin were best friends in college and she is how we met.  I am forever thankful.

                  

Those eyes melt my heart.

Mama and her girls. 

Shane & Cody {Julie & Dan's boys} - they are so sweet.  I adore them.

I know this picture made an appearance on the blog over the weekend,  but it's too good not to share again. 

Kaitlyn and one of her life-long friends Emma.  They are quite the pair.

Julie and Dan with their kids enjoying fireworks.  Except Gianna, she's just hanging out watching me take pictures of them.  That kid is a riot.

Other highlights of our weekend that I don't have pictures to go with included (but are not limited to...)

• Diana's wedding (I have pictures, but haven't uploaded yet)
• Late night convos with Julie & Dan
• Spending all day Saturday with Julie's family - I adored meeting the people who make her heart so full.  Her sister Molly and cousins Sean & Kristin were so kind and I loved watching them together.
• Having dinner with Julie & Dan and our kids on Saturday alone.  We didn't have much time just the 4 of us this week, so we enjoyed chatting without many interruptions.
• Watching their family mesh with all the people I love.  Everyone was anxious to meet them and although it should have been awkward, it wasn't at all.  Julie & Dan said many times how welcome and loved they felt this entire weekend and that makes my heart overflow.

Happy Monday, Friends.