Beach

This past week, we spent our first extended period of time away from Judson. We went to Siesta Key in Sarasota, FL. My favorite beach! The sand feels and looks like powdered sugar, and the water is oh, so blue. It was definitely bittersweet to be away from our boy. The first night, we ate at our favorite pizza place and I saw a family with a one year old boy. I couldn't help but tear up a bit, but I wasn't sad or depressed, or even wishing I was back at home. It was more so tears of joy. I was filled with happiness over the fact that I have been able to experience a love that is so profound, and unlike anything I have ever felt before. A love that can only come with having a child. 

We spent our days at the beach with our brimmed hats, sunglasses on and books in hand and went out to dinner every night. That pretty much sums up our trip. It was so relaxing! Hence, the lack of pictures.  Also, it was so much fun to have our good friends, Hillary and Elliott with us. We like them a lot.

We look forward to spending more summer to come at Siesta Key!

Judson and Selah.

Our dear friends, Mallory and Zach Wheeler are home from New Zealand for a season before they transition to move to the Middle East. I adore this family. They came over this past week. We ate dinner together, enjoyed one another's company and laughed..a lot! Their beautiful daughter, Selah, is just 2 weeks younger than Judson, and let me just say, they love each other! They had a blast together, clapping, chasing each other around and seeing who could scream the loudest. 

a new hobby

I've been teaching myself how to use Photoshop to edit pictures and add text. Since it's already on my computer that my work has provided me with, why not take advantage of it? Well...You Tube has been my best friend over the past few days. It has been so much fun to explore my creative side, something I have not been in touch with lately (having a baby can be kind of time consuming...kinda). Here is my first finished product from my first endeavor. I thought it might be fun to make one of these after every birthday Judson has. We'll see...

I love this kid.

Sunday Hike

Today, we spent our afternoon hiking on the Chattahoochee River walk. It was such a pleasant afternoon and I left feeling like my battery was fully recharged. There's something about being outside that is just good for the soul. Hubby and I chatted about life and just enjoyed one another's company. 

We have made Sunday's our sabbath day of rest. Ernie and I don't make any plans this day except to spend time together as a family. I'd encourage anybody to have at least one day a week devoted to your family, I believe it has been essential to our marriage and our well being. Life is busy but it is so important to take time to dial down and just enjoy God and each other.

                     

First Birthday Fun

Photos are such a beautiful way to make memories last. So this is my attempt to capture life through pictures, and forever remember them through a blog. Cheers!

What better way to begin this journey than by posting about our little boy's FIRST birthday?

We just celebrated one year of new life in the Wagoner house. Our little Judson brought much joy and laughter to our home only a few days over a year ago. This change has been the most difficult life experience I have ever had, but also, I don't think I have ever smiled this much before.

Judson loved hanging out with all of his (our) friends and family in our new house!

And of course the food was amazing! I couldn't have pulled it off without the help of DeeDee and B (Judson's grandmas) They are both amazing hostess's and great chef's. B made basil tomato tartlets and DD made this delicious fresh fruit salsa and home made cinnamon chips.

And our dear friend Julie Ward made these scrumptious cupcakes.

And then the Watermelon Lemonade...yes...this took a whole watermelon and about 20 lemons to make..but it was worth it!

We finally were able to snap a family shot before the party was over (sweet cousin Addison joined us)

A kiss for Addy...

and yes, we love each other lots.