Love, Granny Rhombus

Since Van could rock a pony,



(Not amused).

 We decided it was time to take him to get a "real" haircut. He cooperated well (courtesy of Pinocchio and getting to sit in a (fake) police car while she chopped away!)

What a difference a haircut can make!

Before:

After:





Today's guest blogging comes from Granny Rhombus!

Here is what she had to say about her favorite memories so far with Van:

"I had such a hard time making a decision on what favorite memories and pictures to write about because each picture of Van reminds me of what a precious grandson I have. I know without a doubt that his sweet disposition, friendly personality and irresistable smile make him a special little guy! I have chosen these 3 pictures, as they represent some of my fondest memories with Van.

1. Swinging. It seems like every time we go to Van's house, the first thing Van does is point to the front door and say, "Wing, Wing, Pop-Pop. Up, Pop-Pop, Up!" He loves for us to push him in the swing in his back yard. One weekend we took him to the park and he loved the swing there as well. He has such a cute little laugh when he is swinging!!
 

2. Playing. I love sitting down on the floor and playing with Van. We have such a good time reading books, dumping out blocks and picking them up, playing with his toolbox, playing band instruments, throwing balls, etc.

3. Cousins. Family is so important. I love seeing Van and Frasier playing together. When I was young, my cousins were a very important part of my life. Since Van and Frasier are so close in age, I hope that they will remain good buddies throughout their life."

Thank you Rhombus!

Love, Dad

I am attempting a sweet new series of "guest bloggers" to highlight their own experiences, thoughts, memories, stories with Van (and/or their own fun kid stories and thoughts to share). 

First up- is straight from Evans. It took some convincing to get him to "blog" but I assured him one day it will be so wonderful to go back and read our thoughts during this fun time in our lives that seems to change daily.

After staring at his favorite picture of Van on our dresser,

Evans wrote:

"My best memory with Van so far has been his warm, loving soul. In everything that Van does, regardless of whether it is right or wrong, he is doing it with the conviction that he will make everyone around him (and himself) smile."

Hope this brings some smiles to you today!

"O Beatiful for Pilgrim Feet"

 I had no idea thats how the second stanza begins.

 It was definitely one of those immature church moments when I could barely utter the words without giggling. (Auntie Snags, had you been nearby...)



Courtesy of http://eleven13productions.com/

I also didn't know to stand up on the last stanza of "America the Beautiful" and was almost moved to tears when the entire congregation rose so proudly. The song redeemed itself.

We had more patriotism and productivity than expected this 4th! We had a fun day with Grandparents, some friends for dinner with fresh steaks from our neighborhood butcher, (some anti-climatic sparklers), and installed some lovely new light fixtures! (Thanks G-Diddy and Evans)

Van practiced his flag throwing for our entertainment (and to Sophie's dismay)

Early this morning Van and I were entertained by the off-duty fireman who powerwashed our house and sidewalks. I wish I had some before/after pictures. They also cleaned our gutters. They did a terrific job! Van kept saying "woah!...wow!"  running window to window to watch them in progress.

I leave you with "Vanimal" himself to show off his new (very southern) favorite words:



Window Boxes

Do you envy those wise women (or men?) in  your life who can point to and name nearly every flower they come across? (Mom, Jerianne)

A recent issue of Better Homes & Gardens offers helpful tips and suggestions on planting gorgeous window boxes, which is something I have been scared to attempt (I have had several new plants dry up in this heat and need to do major research before investing in window boxes!) But there are so many plants to choose from! (And weird names..."Creeping Jenny," "Pink Panther," "Royal Glissade," "Gay's Delight"...how do you remember them all?)

I have been excited thinking about what I would plant in my charming little window boxes and went overboard using Charleston's eye candy to help me brainstorm.  I guess the color, size, and shape of the plants you pick out depend on your unique home and window size.

A few of my favorites:

(Charleston has a little unfair advantage on the architectural front... Its hard to make anything look ugly there.)

Do you notice all of the delightful iron work adorning the gardens?

When I went to Governor's School in Charleston one summer, I had the opportunity to meet Philip Simmons at his workshop in Charleston. I never let a piece of iron work pass my eye in Charleston without wondering if it was his!

Browse his website if you have a moment. He was a fascinating fellow.

The trip was lovely and I recommend the following for your next visit:

Boarding--The Planter's Inn

Dinner--FIG

Lunch--Cru Cafe

Breakfast Goodies-- Baked

Pardon the long post... despite Charleston being the mecca of humidity and skanky tourists, it is always an inspirational and beautiful place to visit.

Van did very well with his grandparents and now officially calls G-Diddy- "Diddy." Evans and I are extremely refreshed, relaxed and ready for the week. Van is back to his normal routine of a morning spy on the neighbors:

And crawling into wookie holes...

Hope you've had a great weekend!

Summer around here:

began with a Memorial Day parade

+ tons of fresh strawberries!

...a picnic in the Rose Garden



Father's Day

The best three dads! (+Sophie)



Sneaking hummus for crackers...



sipping on citrus water ...

(Or bathing in it...)

Eating too many chocolate eclairs...

(With eyes closed)

(Notice most recent shiner on forehead)

(too hot for pants)

Fresh Herbs

Lots

of

flowers!



...enjoying our front porch delivery of NC-grown summer produce (and recipe ideas) from The Produce Box

Hoping for a nice, relaxing weekend in Charleston with Evans!

I'll miss you, bud!