July 2014

Whoa!!  July was jam-packed!! Over the July 4th weekend Josh was baptized.  Both sets of grandparents came to share in the special occasion. 

Both grandmas gave talks, and Papa played the piano.  It was an intimate gathering.  Our friends were out of town on vacation.  It turned out to be perfect.  We were able to focus on Josh and his special day.  The Spirit was so strong and tangible.  I know it's because Josh is such a tender hearted kid.  He's a very special boy, and we're so proud of his decision to follow the Savior's example.  

Before Grandma Tess and Papa Steve left town we all went to Nashville and got our fill of candy at Savannah's.  

Mama and Papa stayed an extra week.  They watched the kids while Jarod took me on a birthday trip to New Orleans.  I followed him around on his business trip and we had a great time being just the two of us.  

Our hotel was very fancy, in the French Quarter.  

I'd go back just for the beignets!   

We drove to Atlanta and flew to NOLA.  Sadly, they lost my luggage.  The first night we spent most of our time at the outlet mall buying some clothes for me to wear.  Then we found a great restaurant in the French Quarter.  The food was amazing! 

From NOLA we drove to Biloxi, MS and then on to Jackson, MS.  It was fun to see the different places Jarod travels for work on a regular basis. On the trip back we flew from NOLA to Atlanta and then drove to Chattanooga to spend the night.  The next day we stopped for lunch at our favorite hot dog place, The Good Dog.  

The day after we got back my luggage found us at home.  Just in time! It had made it all the way to Sacramento! We celebrated Little Jarod's birthday upon our return.  I decided we should have a mustache party for him.  Everyone loved it.  

Jarod turned 3!!  He's such a big boy.  He kept singing
"Happy Birthday to ME!" and pointing at himself.  We probably sang 3 or 4 times.  He was loving the attention.  

Before Mama and Papa left we took a trip to the movie theater to see How to Train your Dragon 2. 

After Mama and Papa left I tried to keep the kids busy with projects.  They painted bird houses and canvases.  

We also cracked open our science experiment book and tried a few things.  We were successful at blowing up a balloon with vinegar and baking soda!

Carly took the tarnish off a penny with lemon juice. 

We proved that salt water has a greater density than fresh water using eggs.  It was cool to watch the egg float/sink.  

Toward the end of the month we had another visitor.  It was a busy month!!  Brother Traynor came to stay for a week.  He watched the kids while Jarod took me shooting for the first time.  I got a bull's-eye!

We took Richard to see the Stones River Battlefield here in Murfreesboro.