Road Trip and Roosmas

In July, we set out on a 1200 mile (each way) road trip to South Carolina. The Bassetts joined Mom on the drive to meet up with the rest of the Roosma clan in Folly Beach.

On the way, we detoured through Mandeville, LA - our old stomping grounds - to see our house of 10 years.  Very nostalgic!  Looks just like I remember.

 Naomi was a fantastic traveler.  Interested, cheerful, and adorable. 

 First night: Neil and Rebecca hadn't arrived, so we were working hard to NOT have any fun just yet.

 Before and after church in Charleston.  Wonderful worship experience - reminded me of our days at All Saints in Jakarta.

 Marshes in the backyard; cloud coverage above. 

 Ocean in front.  Mom and I enjoying the sea breeze. 

Sunday afternoon: Neither Daddy or Opa can convince Naomi that the ocean is not scary.

 While cousin John enjoys the sand, Naomi is still not impressed.

Now this is cozy: A snoozie on Grandma's lap.

Sunset over the marshes; a good first day all together.

The June wedding excursion to Virginia

Even though we don't have a single picture of the bride or groom, I promise my cousin Rachael got married.

John and Naomi bonded almost immediately with John feeding toys to Naomi while she was supposed to be napping.

Lunch break at a diner on the way to the wedding.  You can see Sophie already sporting her formal wear.    

 John, not yet sporting his formal wear, is greeting the other customers.

Naomi dressed for the wedding.

After the wedding, we relaxed with a dip in the pool.  Most enjoyed the swim; Opa is demonstrating Naomi's opinion of the pool.

 This view was good enough, thank you very much.

 Opa, the conscientious citizen, ironing out his cash.

Enjoying a delicious post-swim, post-shower dinner.  

 Sunday: a little swing after church is over.

Either Kate or Sophie took this photo of Naomi and Aunt Chris. Nicely done!

 Looking at Aunt Chris and Uncle War's lake house - really stunning.

 All sorts of treasures, of course, can be found in Aunt Chris' possession. 

 Kate showing off the wildlife.  

Father/Daughter time before the ride back to North Carolina and the flight back to Texas.

Family vacations are THE BEST!

Celebrating the Fourth of July in Jackson

Our old stomping grounds: Belhaven University.

The grounds are still beautiful, 

and Dr. Kenyon is still challenging young minds (some younger than I recall).

There is a host of little playmates for Naomi to get to know.

Freeman

Kate

Caitlyn

Tyson

Cole

Emma

Nolan

 ~.~

What better place to meet up with Sarah Bannerman than a Mandeville-meets-Madison restaurant, The Broken Egg. Clearly, Sarah is now more than just my friend! 

Great to catch up with old friends in their new houses.  Here, Mark and Lizby are in front of their wonderful abode.

Not every day does Naomi come across someone sporting a larger flower than her own.

Beautiful girls!  One day, maybe they can swap out flowers and headbands.

 Two of the many faces it did us good to see again.

After consuming one of his business cards and inspecting his BU office, Naomi and the Dean of Students have become fast friends.

Many, though not all, of the people who make going to Jackson so very worth it.
Gracious thanks to the Callens for hosting us and this great party!

Summer Reading

Daddy says you're never too young to learn to read, but look at that book. It's bigger than I am!

In moments like these, a girl has to recognize her options.
I could try to fall asleep....

...or I could make a play for the book. 

Sometimes a girl just has to flatter her daddy. 

And remember her trusty thumb.