Whoa, where did the month of July go?

The month of July always brings a little rest and retreat for me amidst wedding season – the half time show if you will! Now, heading into August, we’re ready to enjoy the rest of the summer, wedding season, fall, and then the holidays! But before we go too far, let’s take a look back at the month of July!

July started with a super special day – my sister’s baby shower. It’s such a beautiful time in her life, and I am thankful to be able to be so close to her in our relationship. And hey, living ten minutes away from each other doesn’t hurt either! Then, it was time for the Fourth of July. I started the holiday with a HOT outdoor yoga class, and it was the perfect way to start out the day. Later, we enjoyed a pool day and grilled with family! And then the first week of July rolled into the first weekend of July where we had a beautiful downtown Chicago wedding day.

After wrapping up that wedding day on July 7th, we were looking forward to a four weekend wedding break to recharge for the rest of the season!  So, to start it off we spent a Sunday in the city with Kyle’s twin brother and started the new week. Much to my surprise, the start of the second week of July brought our first harvest of veggies from our garden! I was nearly crying tears of joy – our garden has been a labor of love and time – but we are loving (almost!) every minute of it. Now, it’s all I can do to keep up with picking veggies – oh my!

As the month rolled on, I loved meeting and co-leading our local Tuesdays Together chapter at our July meeting. And before we knew it, it was wedding weekend for my college roommate turned best friend. Who would have thought that our random roommate assignment would turn into a beautiful friendship? It was a lovely day yet SO WARM outside! We had a blast leaving our cameras at home for once, being present, and celebrating with our dear friends Alexis and Scott. So fun!

The third week of July brought what we thought was going to be a trip to Florida, but rather a few unexpected days home and fun at a Brickstone event with Kyle’s coworkers, friends, and our family. What a sweet surprise to have a weekend at home with those that we love! And finally the fourth week + last days of July brought a marathon of FOUR sessions, a weekend off work spent at a family reunion + the Merchant Street Music Festival (a summer favorite!), a new back porch bench project, more vegetable harvesting, and a surprise dinner with my sister and cousins before Baby Diaz makes her arrival.

Friends, the month of July was fun and free and refueling to my soul. Can’t wait to see what August brings!