Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Our little family is definitely proving this statement true! As part of his last year of Medical School, Justin had to take an away rotation in Ophthalmology in Memphis, TN. Go VOLS! Haha! He will be there until the middle of September. In the mean time, Addie and I try to have a fairly normal routine with my virtual teaching and her preschool. We cherish our time together on the webcam at nights, and Addie loves giving Daddy kisses! We are so proud of all that he is doing and getting to experience and are counting down the days until we see him!

Hamilton Eye Institute

Medical Mission Trip

Due to a few changes in Justin's Senior schedule, he had the opportunity to go on a medical mission trip down to Baja Mexico. We have been there before with our friends from Valdosta three years ago - right before I knew I was expecting Addie. The mission/orphanage there has always had a special place in our hearts, and we really enjoyed being able to minister there. However, this was Justin's first venture on a medical mission trip, and he was excited to be able to use his budding knowledge and experience in medicine on this trip. He was able to sit in on a few eye surgeries and ran the general medicine side of the clinic the week he was there. Even though Addie and I missed him VERY much, we were thrilled he was able to serve the Lord in this new capacity.

Dressed and ready for a busy first day at the clinic!

With all of the surgical expertise on this trip - they carved a Scrabble board out of cardboard for their down-time enjoyment. Guess whose idea this was??!!

The mission group from our old church in Valdosta...plus Justin!

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.