Hard to believe it's already time to recap our summer highlights. It really went by so quickly.

June started off with a bang! Well, more like two painful "CLICKS." Jillian finally wore me down and I consented to getting her ears pierced. And I must say I've been really impressed. She has cleaned her ears faithfully and we've passed the three month mark without any infection or irritation. This picture was taken just after the tears started drying up. It hurt but she was so brave. Way to go Birdie, momma's proud!

We also took a trip to Michigan to see her Uncle Barry, Aunt Carol and cousins Val, Blake and Delaney. She was thrilled Uncle Barry let her drive his boat. And Lansing has a seriously fun zoo. Kind of fun to take her to places where her cousins played as children.

July started off in the right direction. South! We had our annual beach trip with another part of the Hintz clan.

Jillian couldn't get enough of the waves. And each day they got bigger and rougher. Lucky girl has lots of cousin's that did a great job of tossing her high in the air.......over and over....and over. Thank you Nathan, Lucas, Lindsay and Sam who probably pulled the most wave duty.

She also filled her time this summer with ballet camps. She attended one with a Superhero theme and also one about fairy tales. In addition to ballet camp she went to Camp Tekoa in Hendersonville. Same camp that my mom, my Aunt, my brother and I attended as children. Keeping the tradition alive!

One of the biggest events of the summer was learning to ride her bike. It really was so wonderful to be able to share that with her. Frank and I missed lots of "firsts" those first 16 months of life, but not this one! And it's on video as well, so I'll be showing that every chance I get. (If you're on Facebook it's on there already)


And Jillian and Frank spent their usual time playing in ridiculously chilly water. I'm happy to be there on the banks to snap the pictures.

She was also able to spend time with her Uncle Gordon when he came up with Uncle Chad for a summer visit.


There were lots of fun moments with friends and anything water related.

And my girl is growing up way too fast. Here she is on her first day of Kindergarten!!!! Jillian was fortunate to be able to share such an exciting day with her friend Aidan. Not only is his family here in our same neighborhood, but the kids were in the same class, at their Montessori school, for three years. Now, as they head into year four together Frank's "keeping his eye on Aidan." ; ) They are so stinking cute together aren't they.

We also had a great time at the Western NC State Fair. It was our fourth year and keeps getting more fun each year. As usual we teamed up with other local families with daughters from China. And mom even joined Jillian in the arm painting experience this year.

Well.....that should catch you up for now. It was a great summer and so glad we could share some of the highlights. Now it's time to rest.