Up, up, and away

A couple weeks ago we decided to explore the area around us and visited a state park to do some swimming before heading out to the "Spedie Festival." Binghamton is known for their spedies (it's basically a grilled chicken sandwich but they use a special marinade for the chicken).  We were out of town last year and missed the festival so we wanted to head up there this year- and thankfully our neighbors let us use their all access pass so we didn't have to park miles away (yes this is a BIG deal around here!) The best part about it was the hot air balloon launch- Jake loved watching the balloons and we watched them send off about five and they still had many more to go when we were leaving! Here are some pictures we took that day :)

Jake was a little unsure of the cold water at first!

Jake was saying, "rocks, where are you?!"

They were seriously right above us!

This was Jake waving and saying "buh bye!" to the balloons :)

Link Love

I LOVE reading other people's "link love" posts.  That's why I do them.  So, I hope you enjoy the random things that I find around the internet as well :)  I know that we all spend way too much time on our phones and computers (don't try to deny it) and yes obviously we should all set healthy boundaries, however, I have been SO encouraged by a lot of things I've found on line.  Seriously God totally uses blog posts to speak to me, so I'm gonna keep seeking Him through his Word first (obvi) but also on the internet :)

So I know there are a lot of thoughts on the Duggards, but no one can really deny the fact that Michelle (the mom) seems to NEVER yell and has some pretty well behaved and godly kids.  So yeah, I totally took notes on this article about advice on raising kids.

This quote. From Tim Keller.  So convicting on gospel humility.

Oh my word I couldn't stop laughing at this list.

I don't think I've said enough about how much I love Anne Voskamp (please hear my heavy sarcasm) but her post in response to Robin Williams death is a must read.

33 perfectly timed photos

I actually found these cleaning tips really helpful...

Just another super good blog from Anne... but really this story is truly inspiring.

Is it odd that I kind of like these high wasted jeans?

I think I'm going to try to make these next month... (when our budget allows :)

We are getting family photos done this weekend with my parents and brother's family- how cute and fun is this family photo?!

Love this post on doing what makes you feel alive.

Happy Thursday, friends :)  I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week!

Celebrating Baby E :)

A couple weeks ago I talked about how we drove to Chicago to help host a shower for my friend, Becca!  Jess took some great pictures during the shower- and even though I really like taking pictures- it's always nice to sit back and not worry about capturing every moment or getting all the details on camera because I know Jess is doing that and she will send them out when we're done :)

We love these people and miss them a lot- so it was a treat for us to be able to spend time with close friends and also celebrate baby E!  And Becca threw TWO baby showers in a span of two weeks for Rachael and I and she is always the one hosting and serving others, so it was fun to celebrate Becca and their little growing family with a backyard baby - q shower (that we ended up doing inside because of rain :)

We had ice cream and sorbet for dessert

Becca's family and mother in law!

Becca, Andy and Andy's mom, Carmen

Little RJ provided us with some baby entertainment while Becca opened gifts :)

We decided on some simple, low key baby shower games :)

Rachael made an amazing diaper cake

And then we tried getting a pic of everyone together!

And this picture just cracked me up so I had to include it- I think we did pretty well getting a picture of everyone on a timer and 6 kiddos!

Stitch Fix #3

So this is my third time doing Stitch Fix, and I think it will be my last one for a while.  I honestly had really high hopes for this last one, but it just isn't fitting into our lifestyle right now.  And really, the biggest reason is money.  Even though I have requested the lowest price on clothes, I still get shirts that are anywhere between $50 and $70.  And that is just unfortunately, too much for me to spend on a sleeveless shirt.  And honestly that may be the reason that I haven't gotten a lot of things that I love- because I ask for things that are cheaper.  Needless to say- I LOVE the concept of this company and if it were cheaper, I definitely would continue, but for right now, it just doesn't fit the budget. 

So, here's my last fix ... for now :)  [Maybe I'll pick it up again at a later time :) ]

Jill Jersey Maxi Skirt- $48

Really, I love maxi skirts.  And this one was super soft, the perfect length, and fit me pretty well.  I didn't love the color, but that wasn't the reason I didn't get it.  I already have two maxi skirts, and didn't want to spend money on another one that was plain- now if it had stripes.. that may be a different story :)

Purchased? No

Jessika Linen Solid Swing Skirt- $68

This skirt actually fit well, and I did specifically ask for a couple skirts for this Fix.  However, it was pretty plain- so not something I really want to spend almost $70 on.

Purchased? No.

Daryn Floral Print Jersey Top- $68

For some reason all of the floral print shirts they send me I just don't love.  I love them on Pinterest, but not on me.  My favorite part about this shirt was the back- I loved how it dipped a little lower and I don't have any shirts like this, however the high price mixed with the not-so-great floral print led me to send this one back. 

Purchased? No.

Cecelia Abstract Print Ruffle Front Blouse- $64

The ruffle was cute.  The pattern was OK. And the fit was fairly good, just again, not worth the $64.

Purchased? No.

Jasmine Pleat Detail Floral Print Blouse- $64

I can tell how much I loved this shirt because I took one SUPER quick picture of me in it lol  The floral again didn't work and it was pretty boxy on me.  So, sigh, another no.

Purchased? No.

Like I said, I have not completely given up on Stitch Fix.  I could see myself maybe doing this again if I need a fun dress for a special occasion and asking them to send me five dresses or five blazers so I can see if there is something out of the Fix that I would pick, but other than that, the cost just doesn't work for us right now.  However, if you have done or want to do Stitch Fix don't get discouraged by my post - I have googled a lot of different bloggers who have gotten some super cute and more affordable things from Stitch Fix! It just hasn't worked out for me and I don't want to continue spending the money right now.  I'd love to hear if any of you have done it and if you have any tips for the next time I may try it again!