July

Well here we are at July!  We are ripping through the months now.

Jacob and his friend Hattie are so sweet together.  I have so many pictures like this.  If they ever get married they will have the best slideshow ever.

I am not sure what Ben is looking at but he looks purposeful doesn't he?  Oh by the way these are taken downtown at the 4th of July fireworks

Aaron and I went to Connecticut for our 10th wedding anniversary.  Noah was still sensitive to milk protein and it freaked me out to have anyone but myself feed him (even Aaron) so he came with us.  This is on a submarine either at Mystic Seaport or the Naval Base

Our travel companion, after food I am sure

We put Noah forward facing just for this trip so he wouldn't get lonely.

At the memorial for Captain Steven Stow Aaron's ancestor.

When I die this is all I want on my gravestone.  Ok maybe not but doesn't it say so much with one simple word?

Aaron on the lot where the house his family lived in when he was born, on Chapel Street.

Best picture ever!!! At East Rock in New Haven, CT.  There was a beautiful peaceful park there with trails all through it and a great view of the city.

Anniversary sandwich.  I am not sure if this photo in front of an ancient dead oak is a good omen or a bad omen for our marriage.

On a  ship; aaarrggghhh this is why I need to post more often.  It has been so long that I can't remember the name of it.  I will have to go to Mystic Seaport's website to find out the name...it is either the L.A.Dunton or the Joseph Conrad

Notice that Aaron and I are standing in the same spot but for some reason I am much more comfortable down there.

Noah in the hotel.  We did something that was totally new for me.  We made reservations at a really nice hotel that was really close to a casino and was really cheap.  When we got there we learned that casinos like to monopolize and that there was nothing around except the casino.  They want you eat, sleep and shop only there.  The "cheap" luxury hotel charged extra for everything, a crib, internet, breakfast...we cancelled our second night and stayed at a cheap and not luxury Comfort Inn that was clean, had a great pool and was close to shopping and restaurants and gave us a pack and play, continental breakfast and internet for free

Never go anywhere with out a handsome man and a laptop. (Seriously that is how we planned everything.)

Inside Gillette Castle.  You weren't allowed to use a flash so it is a little bit blurry.  This place was quirky, amazing and totally worth a visit.

Outside the castle

Best 10 years of my life!

On the ferry crossing the Connecticut river.  Thanks kind stranger for not stealing my camera when you took our picture!

Back home with my sweet girl

My mother coached Sophie while she made this bag.  I am so amazed that she was able to make this.  I won't even let her touch my sewing machine, a sin I am trying to repent of.

Don't be fooled by that cute face.  He is a normal toddler, messes, climbing and the whole nine yards

My cousin and I both had babies in July.  We celebrated their first birthdays together at a Deslaurier Family Reunion but before the party they had to catch some ZZZZZs together.

BEAUTIFUL!

Birthday cake.  Thank you so much Uncle Craig and Aunt Muffy for the letters!

Nom, nom!

Remember what I said about trouble?  I am pretty sure I will have to destroy photos like this if I ever want to win mother of the year.

                                        

More evidence of trouble.  I think this is prunes and rice.  Self feeding is important but it sure is messy.

Aaron spent two weeks in July teaching at the Summer Language institute

His Chinese students loved him as much as his regular students do.  The man has a gift!

I foolishly thought I could store the peaches at ground level until they were ready to can.  You would think that by the 4th child I would have things figured out. 

Sophie and Ben attended a week long camp run by http://www.vermontfamilytheatre.bbnow.org/ where they prepared and performed Alice in Wonderland.  Sophie stole the show (not just a moms opinion) Rose

Ben was the cutest card guard there was

Some of the other cast

Jacob told me something on his back was bothering him and thankfully I actually checked and found this guy.  He came right out and I only slightly panic now when I have a weird sensation on my back.

                              

I bought this gorgeous ring for an anniversary gift for myself.  I LOVED it so much but very quickly after I got it one of the stones fell out.  They were only glued on.  I should have known for the price I paid.  Someday when I am rich I will pay someone to make this ring with actual bezel cup.  I cannot stress how much I loved this ring.  I think I have dreams about it still.

Phew!!! What a month!  More on August another day.