Atlanta Fun!

Justin had a doctor's appointment at the Emory Clinic on Friday, so we made a day trip out of it! He had to see an eye specialist to ensure that he could physically do the job of an ophthalmologist. Praise the Lord, he got a good report and got the "go ahead" to begin applying to residency programs!

After his appointment, we went to the Georgia Aquarium. Justin and I have been several times, but this was Addie's first trip, and we were so excited for her to experience this!

Waiting in line in the HOT weather ready to go in!

Addie loved seeing the fish...she would giggle, point, and say " cute yellow one." This particular exhibit has waves that go over the fish and Addie kept remembering her trip to the beach.

Justin pointing out the whale in the Ocean Voyage!

We were in awe of how big the stingrays were.

What a beautiful smile!

Looking at the fish with Daddy.

In awe with the wonder of God's creation! This would have to be my favorite room at the aquarium! It is a huge room with a massive glass where you can just sit on the floor and get lost under the water.

Eating a yummy lunch of fish and chips...and a cupcake too! Mmmmm!

Looking at the penguins through the tunnel. She loved that they wore "bracelets" or ID tags!

Feeling the sea anemones and star fish!

4th of July and Beach Fun

We began the Independence Day festivities on Friday night with a fireworks show by Justin! Each year since we've been married, he has always put on a show for us and this year Addie REALLY enjoyed them. She would "ooohhh" and "ahhhh" and her face lit up each time they went off. She did remarkably well considering we had to wait until dark (9:00) before we began the show!




Justin had Monday off, so we decided to take a ride over to Tybee Island for the day. Growing up in Valdosta, I was so used to being able to drive 2 hours and get to a dozen or so beaches, but in Macon, the closest beach is 3 hours away! Oh well, it was totally worth the drive! We took Addie to the beach when she was 5 months old, but this was really her first experience with the sand and waves. She absolutely LOVED the water...she is truly a waterbug! She wasn't crazy about getting too much sand on her, but she did enjoy playing with her pail and shovel. When Justin first took her into the water, he said, "look Addie, here comes a wave," and she waved timidly at the approaching water! Too funny...our English language has so many homonyms!

Our first glimpse of the beach!

On her way to the water for the first time.

This face says it all! She was squealing in delight.

Taking a break from the fun to eat a "Jelly Jelly" sandwich.

She had to sit in Justin's lap because she was tired of getting sand on her legs!

Ready to splash some more in the water.

We loved sitting at the water's edge. The waves were rough because the tide was coming in, so a few waves knocked Addie over, but she loved it!

Taking a break from the sun.


On our way back home...we bought her this little hat that says Tybee Island and she wanted to wear it home.

Just 5 minutes later, and this was the picture! Such a tired girl!

Happy Father's Day!! (Just a little late!)

I know Father's Day was a few weekends back, but I never got to post a blog in honor of Justin! That weekend was rather rushed and out of the ordinary. I had to leave that day for testing with my school, and poor Justin was sick...very sick! He actually had kidney stones and an infection but didn't know that until a few days later! So, Addie (and I) wanted to post a "shout-out" to Daddy today!

Daddy, I love you! We have the best time together.

You are my biggest playmate!

I want to be just like you when I grow up.

Thank you for being such a wonderful Daddy and treating me like your princess!

Here is a special song just for you! (Click on "song" to hear it!)

Beauty Will Rise

I know that this is completely random, but I just bought Steven Curtis Chapman's newest cd yesterday, and it has thoroughly blessed me! This is his first album after the tragic death of his five year old little girl, Maria Sue. It is such a sobering and yet hopeful cd for anyone that has ever faced a difficult moment in their Christian life. If you've ever lost a loved one, or gone through a life-altering event in your life, you will want this cd! Blessings!

Slip 'N Slide Fun

The other day, Justin ran the store to pick up a "few items" and came back with a Slip 'N Slide for Addie! As soon as he got home this afternoon, he set it up in the backyard. He and Addie had a blast! Enjoy these pictures from today.

Once A Flower Girl.....

This past weekend, Justin's best friend, Ankur, got married! Well... actually he and Noelle were married a year ago, but they had their ceremony and reception after he finished his first year of Internship at MCG in Augusta. Justin was the best man, and he looked absolutely dashing (no surprise there)! Addie was asked to be the flower girl, and I had some big reservations about how well she would do with that position! On Friday night at the rehearsal, she took her basket and ran down the aisle to go stand by her Daddy. I reminded her several times to walk, but after a few practice runs, she was still racing down the aisle! On Saturday, I got her already in her beautiful white dress and had her playing in the nursery at the church until it was time for the wedding. She loved looking at Noelle's "big, white dress", and loved all the attention she got from the other bridesmaids. We all huddled together in the vestibule at the church and awaited the big moment. Addie saw Justin at the end of the aisle, and I was afraid she was going to dart in front of the bridesmaids, but she did very well waiting her turn. When we got the nod from the director, I whispered to Addie "go see Daddy", she looked up at me with wide eyes, then grabbed by hand. (We were prepared for this, and Noelle had already told me days ago that I could walk down with her.) So, I got to be a flower girl at the wedding too! We both walked down hand in hand, and when we neared the front, Justin put out his hand and Addie went to him. She did so great waiting there with Justin! As soon as the preacher began the ceremony, Addie came to me on the front row, and we quietly slipped out to the side. I was so immensely proud of her!! I had nightmares of all of the things that could have happened, but she was a trooper! Especially considering that she only had a 30 minute nap!! She had such a great time and was so tired once the day was over.

Waiting with Daddy while Mrs. Noelle came down the aisle.

Our tired little girl during the reception! She REALLY enjoyed all of the food, the cake, and the bubbles at the end!

It's Official...

Justin has chosen a specialty! Through much prayer and thought, he has decided on.....ophthalmology! The next six months will be grueling on Justin (and us). He has applied for some away rotations this fall and will be traveling for interviews throughout the fall and winter of this year. There are so many issues that really need to be bathed in prayer, but to be succinct, pray that Justin will have wisdom and for doors to open or close as the Lord sees fit. Even as I type this, I must remark that this is our 3 year anniversary in Macon, and I am amazed to see how much the Lord has seen us through. Thank you to all of you that pray for us and I appreciate your prayers as we enter this new stage in our lives.