Residency Graduation

This weekend, my brother-in-law graduated from his Army residency.  He has been stationed in Fort Benning, GA for the past year.  It has been so great to have them close by (two hours south).  I was so excited when they found out they were moving to Georgia.  It is all coming to an end, but we have taken advantage of the last year, for sure!!

I went down yesterday to hang out with Tahnee and the kids and then babysit while they went to the residency dinner/roast.  Having a free sitter, they went to the movies after!  I am obsessed with Eleanor and Andrew, so I love any time I get to be with them!

                 

This morning we got ready and headed over to the Infantry chapel for the ceremony.  Tyler received his service ribbon (worn on his uniform).  I don't know why it was so emotional for me.  I guess I kept thinking of all the sacrifices that Army families must give.  There is so much work and sacrifice from those in the service and from their families.  I have had a teeny tiny glimpse into what Army life is like through the Gregory's.  Tyler has worked so hard and Tahnee has been such a supportive wife.  I'm so proud of them and what they have accomplished.  It was really great to be apart of this ceremony today.  

Tyler receiving his service ribbon.

All eight graduates

Families with the graduates

The girls

Hadley and Eleanor's daddy's went to A.T. Sill Dental school and were both stationed in Fort Benning.  We love the Evans family and will be sad to see them leave as well!

The kiddos were great throughout the ceremony.  Except Andrew was so startled every time we had to clap.

Afterward, they had a reception with food for everyone that came.  It was really nice.  And the residents cut the cake with a legit sword.  I was in shock!  It was a really nice day and so glad I could be apart of it!

She Wore A Yellow Ribbon

This summer, Charlotte has had a lot of summer activities. Unlike last summer, where camps were every day, I just scheduled her for Tuesday and Thursday. That way she can see her friends and have something to look forward to, but not get burnt out. Today was the first Tuesday of no camps!! Our favorite outdoor mall, the Avalon, has activities for kids every Tuesday, called Little Acorns. We have never been in the almost two years we have lived here because of camp and preschool. We headed up there this morning to see what it was all about. 

Charlotte's lemon dress is from Mommy's Little Sunshine.  Sign up for their #freebie giveaways.  That's when I purchased this dress.  I am obsessed with it.  

There were about six different vendors with different things at their booth. The best part? All the activities were free! Face painting was what Charlotte made a bee line for! Next she decorated a sugar cookie and then played on some of the little playground toys they brought out. 

They have a very miniature size Bellagio water fountain which we watched for some time!!

Every time we go to the Avalon, Charlotte loves playing in PotteryBarn kids. I remind her that everything she plays with there she has at home. But it's always more fun somewhere else!! 

We walked down to PotteryBarn Mom's (as Charlotte calls it haha) and once she started asking for lunch, we headed black home. 

My dress is from Sonnet James.

I hope we can make it back next Tuesday. It was a great way to kill a couple hours and not spend a penny!  And we will see if the yellow bow shows up anymore this week! ;)  

Sweet City Girls

Yesterday was the first Monday where we didn't have anything going on. I knew we needed to get out of the house and do something fun or Charlotte and I were going to drive each other bonkers.  

We did some morning shopping (went to two malls) and then kept going south into downtown. We purchased World of Coca-Cola passes (again!) when Josh's sister came into town. We love going, walking around and of course, drinking the unlimited Diet Coke. ;) 

When you first walk in, they give you your choice of Coke.  

Next, you go into the "Loft" for a little presentation.  They teach you a little bit of the history of Coca-Cola and show some cool artifacts.  

Next, you watch a feel-good movie in a theater.  It honestly makes me cry EVERY TIME I have watched it.  

The rest of the museum is all self-guided.  My favorite!  

I received so many compliments on my dress.  Maxi with sleeves are hard to come by.  I bought this during my last trip to Utah at Called to Surf.  

For those of you who have never been to Atlanta, there are many tourist traps right in the heart of downtown. In the center of everything is Centennial Olympic Park, where the Olympic ceremony (and bombing) took place. I love going down with Charlotte and walking around, playing at the park, and visiting our favorite tourist attractions.

 Charlotte's dress is from DotDotSmile.  Check out my mom's shop on Facebook!

 For those of you who have never been to Atlanta, there are many tourist traps right in the heart of downtown. In the center of everything is Centennial Olympic Park, where the Olympic ceremony (and bombing) took place. I love going down with Charlotte and walking around, playing at the park, and visiting our favorite tourist attractions.
For more information about what to visit at a great rate, visit City Pass. 

Saturday in the City

One of my favorite things to do is go out for breakfast. There is something about that I just get this excitement and starts my day off so good. On Friday, I had mentioned to Josh about going out for brunch this weekend and he didn't hesitate. One thing I have to say, Josh doesn't like breakfast but he knows it's my favorite meal and when I have the right timing, he never objects. ;) 

When I woke up, I made some breakfast for Charlotte, just a little something to hold her over. You know kids...they are STARVING when they wake up! Haha. Then I out on my workout clothes and went for a walk/run. Yes, I ran two different stretches of my walk. I thought to myself, "I might not make It home alive!" But I pushed through. I have always struggled with running and every once in a while I think I can do it. It never lasts long, but I guess it's good to continue to try! 

When I arrived home, we all got ready and proceeded to brunch at Buttermilk Kitchen. It's a hot spot here and I've been once with a group of friends. Josh thought it would be good to go, since he'd never been. The wait was 30 minute. By the time we ate it was 11:00! Our meals were huge. This week has not been good, as far as my "diet" has been going. Ugh. I hate that it's been a bad food week, but it happens. Although this did fill all of us up until dinner!! 

After our yummy brunch, we headed further into the city to ride the SkyView ferris wheel. We have never been on it and Charlotte suggested it earlier in the week. It was fun and I'm so glad we were able to do it. 

View of Olympic Park

Such a cool city

Slide the City was in town 

Josh needed to go into the office to catch up on some work. We were finally able to see where he works! I've never seen his office, the entire time we've been married. It wasn't that exciting but it's nice to picture everything. 

Charlotte and I went and did some "window" shopping around the city and had fun checking out all the shops and Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. She was trying on sunglasses and purses and all the employees were dying. She was so good today!! 

Love Charlotte in the background.  She loves trying on purses like Mom!!

We love this Restoration Hardware store.  Each floor is a different department.  We spent lots of time on the kids floor!

She went back and forth between the tea party and cabin bed.  

We finally headed back home around dinner time. We wanted to go swimming, but of course, it was raining by that time. I love when our Saturdays go so smoothly and we just have fun, no agenda, and no worries. 

Another fun day in the books!