Beach Bound

Hudson and I haven't been to the beach in at least a couple of years. I was spoiled as a child because I usually ended up going multiple times a summer. I was just telling Hudson about how brave my parents were when I was in junior high. Their beach trips were never relaxing- it was always me and at least 3 girl friends in tow. It was fun for us, though! What made it even more awesome is that several of my friends parents would do the same thing. So, we got to lay on the beach multiple times a summer!

This afternoon, we are heading to SC for a pitstop in Spartanburg to say hello to our folks and then off to Ocean Isle Beach, NC. It'll be Wilson's first beach trip! I'm looking forward to seeing what he thinks about the sand and ocean. There will be lots of pictures to come- obviously!

In other news, Wilson just had his 6 month check-up. He's weighing a whopping 15 pounds 11 ounces!   He's a growing boy! He's soooo close to sitting up on his own. Give it a couple of weeks and he'll be a sitting fool!

And then there were 8...

Hudson and I just got back from visiting our family in South Carolina. Anddddddd, as of last Wednesday, there are now 8 Neely grand kids (7 boys and one lucky little girl). 

On July 4th, Robert and Lindsay welcomed their precious twins into the world! I could not be more thrilled for more cousins! Come Christmas-time, it's going to be every man for himself: babies crawling and rolling and walking around everywhere! I cannot wait!

The twins: 

Baba and some of the boys:

I know what you're thinking... That's a whole lot of kids! You ain't seen nothing yet! Somebody please post a picture of all 42(??) of Memaw and Bebop's grand kids. 8 is a walk in the park!

The gang's all here...

A few years ago I met a family who has become some of my favorite people ever. They have truly been a blessing to me...I can't imagine life in Nashville without them!

When Hudson first started working at Hillsboro 6ish years ago, we were introduced to the Kur family. At the time, Achuoth and Elizabeth had 3 kids: Akur, Deng and Ed (They now have 4). Achuoth moved to Nashville from Sudan in 2001 (I think). A few years later his wife and baby girl were able to come with the help of some kind folks at Hillsboro.

I quickly fell in LOVE with their kids. Achuoth and Elizabeth did a stand up job raising those youngin's. For the past few years, Hudson and I have gotten the chance to spend some time with their oldest three kids. They are a BLAST! Akur is fun-loving and full of life. Deng is so spunky- I could spend all day with that kid. Ed is HILarious and doesn't slow down.

When Wilson was just a few days old, the whole gang came over to meet him (Elizabeth, Ateny, Akur, Deng, Ed):

                                                                 Look at how precious!

Tonight at church the kids were having fun passing Wilson around. I'm so glad we get the chance for our kids to interact and grow up together...I'm hoping their awesomeness rubs off on Wilson!


Akur & Wilson:

Ed-head & Wilson:

Ateny & Wilson:

Love this family!!!

I've got loads to say!

Sike!

I've never been someone who has had a lot to say. I don't think I'm extremely opinionated about many things. Sometimes I blame this on not thinking deeply enough. Sometimes I blame it on my crazy mom who has crazy thoughts on just about everything. Like all of those times I was instructed to leave wherever I was at least 45 minutes before curfew to ensure that I got home on time even if I got stopped by the train....there is only one train in Spartanburg and it only comes about every other week. (Love you mom!!) 

But, I do have lots to say about Wilson! I'm thinking that I've become one of those parents who annoy the junk out of everyone with loads of pictures and what-not. That's ok; as you may have noticed, that worry doesn't slow me down! 

Having a baby changes the topic of conversations. Just yesterday I had a conversation about poopy diapers (Hudson has also had a poop conversation with someone while at the gym)! I now fully understand that Full House episode where Uncle Jesse and Rebecca commit to a dinner, free of baby conversation! Thank goodness for Full House! How's that for deep thinking?

Wilson is 5 months!!!: 

We did it!!

I think Wilson just had the most content 3 days of his life! We are headed back to Nashville and this sweet boy is snoozing away:

Turns out Wilson doesn't mind traveling. He's reached a point where everything is interesting to him! He was intrigued by escalators and the Hard Rock Cafe was a big hit! 

We are back on the road in a few days for SC this time... Here's to hoping Wilson is still into traveling! 

Baby boy fed himself for the first time at IKEA:

We're going on a trip...

Hudson, Wilson and I are taking our first ever mini-vacation together! woohooo! We've been to SC a couple of times to visit family, but that's not quite vacation- sorry family!

On Friday, we're headed to Atlanta. For Father's Day, I bought Hudson tickets to a Braves game. He's always been a big fan and hasn't gone to a game in a while. Up until yesterday, Wilson and I were planning to go to the game, too. But, I got the bright idea to convince my parents to meet us in Atlanta so that my Dad could go to the game with Hudson and my mom, Wilson and I could poot around (I've never ever used that saying before)!

We're also going to a wedding and planning to make an IKEA run and, of course, the Coca-Cola museum.

On another note, the new place is all cleaned up! Now we're ready for people to come visit!

Wilson's room:

His "Who, Me?" look:

Great is Thy Faithfulness

All I have needed, your hands have provided! 

Thank you God for sweet baby Wilson, a loving husband, amazing parents and in-laws, tons and tons of Neely cousins, a great new home, a cute pup, all the things I don't think of thanking you for, new days, a supportive church, funny people and caffeine! 

Amen.