Olivia's 13th Birthday

Happy 13th Birthday, Olivia!

 We love it when our friends can join us for some fun on the lake, and celebrating a special birthday makes it even more fun!

 Jonathan, Lauren, Olivia, and Sophie

 I think this is the first birthday cake we've enjoyed on the boat. It was a beautiful day, and we didn't want to miss one second of the sunshine!

 Best buddies

Andrew loves to be in the middle of all the fun!

A Rainy Fourth

" Rain, rain, go away, 

Come again another day!"

This is how we felt for most of the Fourth of July weekend, but we made the most of the breaks in the rain and even saw a few rays of sunshine!

 We were so happy Anthony, Jenny, and Dixie could spend the weekend with us!

 Our very handsome boat driver...

 Lauren and her Grandpa are always smiling... and mischievous!

 Swimming in the rain ~ I just love the goggles!

Getting to spend so much time at the lake with their grandparents makes summer so much fun!

 Enjoying some snacks ~ in the SUNSHINE!! I think we caught about a one hour window of no rain that afternoon.

 Jonathan managed to have quite a bit of fun, despite the rain!

The fireworks were rescheduled because of rain, then they were "cut short" due to the threat of a major thunderstorm. The few we got to see were beautiful, and we were able to make it back home just before the storm rolled in! I loved being able to see the fireworks on the water ~ it's such a special treat ~ even if there were just a few!

Family Fun in Ohio

 The last weekend of June was sooo much fun! Joe took some much needed time off from work, and we traveled to Ohio to spend some time with family. Joe's sister, Carol, and her husband, Paul, made sure we had a relaxing and very enjoyable weekend! It was a treat to also see Joe's dad and sister, Jackie, as they were visiting, too. We spent the majority of the weekend enjoying their pool ~ of which I am quite envious!

Andrew was quite the swimmer ~ he was putting his face in the water, even swimming on his back! I love that Lauren was able to convince him to swim to her. It was so exciting!

Lauren and Jonathan practically live in the water all summer long ~ they love it!

My favorite part of the weekend was meeting sweet Olivia Ann ~ Carol and Paul's first granddaughter. She is such a sweet baby ~ Jimmy and Katie are so blessed!

She is just sooo beautiful! I love, love, love the bow!

We all took turns holding her, and she never woke up ~ she just snuggled right up next to us, with her tiny arm close to her face. My heart just melted watching Joe love on her.

Lauren enjoyed the sweet baby cuddles.

One morning we took a ride over to Blacklick Woods Park and Nature Center. We all loved watching the animals ~ the deer, a woodpecker, and an albino squirrel were among our favorites. We also took a walk on the nature trail.

Andrew's favorite part of the weekend was playing with all the animals ~ they have two dogs and two cats ~ he absolutely loved them ~ especially Po Bear.

And... a weekend with Aunt Carol would not be complete unless we played a few games! She taught us how to play "Nutsy", and it is now one of our favorite card games! 

I just love this photo ~ three generations of Zavaglias ~ such a blessing!

Carol and Paul ~ thank you soooo much for such a wonderful weekend! Meghan ~ we sure did miss seeing you, but we are so happy you enjoyed theater camp!

Summer Fun

Our summer is off to a fabulous start! We have been busy, busy, busy, and we are having so much fun! It is already July ~ how did that happen so quickly?!

~ Soccer Camp ~

Lauren ~ all smiles before Soccer Camp at Enka High! She had SO much fun!

~ Father's Day ~

We enjoyed celebrating Father's Day ~ Mama made a delicious lunch and we had a fun afternoon with family! Joe was on call and had to work, but we celebrated his special day before heading to church. Lauren made him a delicious breakfast, and we surprised him with a new bike rack ~ it complements his new bike very well! Ha!

 I love this ~ such a sweet picture of my Aunt Pattie, Papaw, and Daddy!

Lauren and Grandpa are quite competitive when it comes to Corn Hole ~ lots of laughter and fun!

~ Taekwondo ~

Jonathan earned his Blue Belt in Taekwondo! We were so excited for him! He did an awesome job in testing!

~ Basketball Camp ~

 Jonathan enjoyed a week of Basketball Camp at Enka High! He had lots of fun with his friends! I loved their t-shirts this year!!

~ Sewing Camp ~

This was Lauren's fourth year of sewing camp with Ms. Karen at Asheville Cotton Company. She looks forward to it every summer ~ she loves to sew!! She made a beautiful lunch tote and a cute sleep shirt! I can barely sew a button, so I am always amazed at the things she makes! I think she might have to start teaching me ~ it looks like so much fun!

~ Water Fun ~

Summer would not be complete without the pool or the water hose!!

 Fun in the sun with some of our neighbors!

Sweet cuddles ~ all warm and cozy in Mommy's arms after lots of swimming/jumping in the pool! I love this sweet face (and his Spiderman sunglasses)!

This all started with a cup of water after dinner! Andrew stood in the living room window and watched ~ it was just a little too crazy for him!!!

We love summer ~ lots of fun with family and friends! We are so very blessed, and we are so very thankful!