We start with Maddie's first birthday celebrated on August 29 in 106 degree heat, hence the swimming pool, a great way to keep the kids cool. Jon and Julie did a wonderful job of creating a circus themed party complete with popcorn and peanuts.
Maddie really enjoyed playing in the pool with her friends.
Julie made a sugar free avocado iced cake for Maddie. It was so cute watching Maddie decide what to do with it as she had never eaten any kind of cake. She eventually gave it a try.
Aren't they the best looking family? Jon and Julie and Maddie opening the birthday presents.
Do you think that Josephine understands Grandpa's jokes yet? He sure thinks it's funny.
Cousins -- Maddie has something to tell Josephine about her dedication service. Josie was in the nursery and missed the entire event.
This is my newest project, a mosaic table top. It is almost finished and I'll publish pictures once it is complete. I'm having a great time playing with broken pottery and adhesive. Very therapeutic.
Having missed the opportunity for our annual Fourth of July party, we opted for a Labor Day gathering of the family. This was the first ever, and possibly annual, family cook-off. The food was fabulous. Joyce won the grand prize with her scrumptious blue cheese coleslaw but I don't have any pictures of that. Here is Heidi's prize winning side dish of beautifully presented jello cocktails. 
Heidi and Miss Josephine, both looking beautiful.
The guys barbecued, played bocce ball and eventually went to the park for a rousing game of over-the-line.
The women talked, ate, went through hundreds (maybe thousands) of old family pictures and had a great time. There was plenty of laughter over old hair and clothing styles as well as remembering those awkward stages we all go through.
Lindley was helping out with feeding Maddie.
I recently had the privilege of watching Caleb, Lindley and Lincoln for an evening. Here are the two youngest playing dress up.
Okay, that should bring you up to date on the last month of my life. At least the parts that have pictures attached. Friday I leave for Virginia for Jason and Jacky's wedding and then time with my sisters in North Carolina. Surely there will be pictures and stories to share so check back by the end of next month.
