Thankful :: June 2014 Edition

June isn't quite over yet, but I know how easily the days can get away from me, so I thought I would go ahead and take a minute to reflect on the month. June has been lots of things. It has been hot. Really hot. It has been busy, but relaxing.  It has been filled with community in many ways and I'm so thankful for that.

There was a time before Crosbi that we could easily fill every night on our calendar. Then Crosbi came and we slowed down, stayed home more, and spent many evenings as a family of three. It was definitely needed and often necessary, but we're on the other side and it's nice to be out and about again. This month we have been on fun date nights, gone out with new friends, and have spent lots of time with the friends we've had for years. We have opened up our home and enjoyed late nights at the homes of others. We've hit the pool, taken a road trip, and have slowly figured out a summer routine. I finished my study of 1 and 2 Peter and have just begun an in-depth study of Titus. Each day I'm becoming more and more passionate about God's Word and can't get enough of it. Because of that, June has also been filled with lots of prayer. What do I do with that passion? What's next for me? Only time will tell.

June has given us many things to be thankful for.  

Like early morning strolls around the neighborhood.

Sand boxes and a girl who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty.

Discovering new-to-us parks that have merry-go-rounds.

A CSA that feeds my family (and the cat that lives on the farm to entertain my child!).

My sleeping beauty. I can watch her sleep for hours. Maybe that's why the days get away from me!

Our neighborhood and the sno-cone truck that visits on hot days.

Local music festivals and a girl who always has time to sing and dance.

Kiddie pools and giggles on summer nights.  

My heart is full.

xoxo

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Weekend Getaway :: Chattanooga

Since we've postponed a big beach vacation until next year, we're calling this summer the "summer of the weekend getaway." Living in Nashville really gives us the luxury of making lots of fun weekend trips, so we're doing our best to take advantage of the many fun places within driving distance.

This past weekend we snuck away to Chattanooga to celebrate Father's Day. I definitely dropped the ball this year. I forgot to buy Todd a card, let alone a gift, but I think a weekend away filled with good food and baseball made up for my lack of planning.

Chattanooga is such a fun place to escape for a few days. At one point I told Todd that I thought I could live there if given the opportunity. For now I'll take the occasional road trip.

So much good food. 

Our first stop was Taqueria Jalisco. It's a food truck turned restaurant and super yummy. Authentic Mexican with fun soda options. My hibiscus lemon soda hit the spot, and a homemade tamale? Yes, please. 

We grabbed dinner in Coolidge Park, my new favorite area of Chattanooga. Such a fun vibe, everyone is out and about, lots of great restaurants and fun things to do. We had an incredible dinner at Brewhaus. One of the best deviled eggs I have ever had and Todd's meal was divine. Next time I won't get a salad, because the entrees are fabulous. Crosbi and I explored on our own for a little while and walked down to the carousel. A splash pad was nearby, but no water spraying this time. We'll have to go back to play for sure. 

Brunch at The Flying Squirrel the next day reaffirmed my love for good food. When I grow up I'm going to be one of those people who are paid to try new restaurants. I'll definitely add The Flying Squirrel to my list. Sweet potato hash, shrimp and grits. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

We wrapped up our trip with a vintage baseball game. Our good friend Josh is playing for the Nashville team and the game was one of the coolest I've seen. From the uniforms to the scoreboard, they stick to every detail of the 1800s era they're trying to replicate. I'm hoping Todd will play next year. 

More fun plans are ahead soon. June is already treating us so much better than May did. 

xoxo

Tara

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Crosbi Says

On my to-do list is a reminder to buy a journal to document all of the funny things Crosbi says. She has been saying and doing such funny things lately and I want to remember all of it. I thought it would be fun to start recording her ramblings here as well for friends and family. Her imagination is wild, her joy is contagious, and she's just so funny. Having a toddler is the best.

After waking up early one morning, Crosbi crawled into our bed and fell back asleep for a couple of hours. I was working in the other room when she ran in and shouted, "I slept for like 5 hours!"

Frozen has been on repeat lately. Crosbi likes to dress like a princess and announce, "It's coronation day!"

She's been doing great with potty training, but often holds it too long when she doesn't want to stop playing. Lately when I ask her if she needs to potty she says, "No mom, I'm fine." And yeah, she often calls me mom (not mommy) and thinks it's hilarious to call me Tara.

Such a silly girl!

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