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Laina Turns Seven!

This lovely girl turned seven on July 14th. How is it even possible she's so big? She had a very special birthday with both of her grandmothers in town. Here she is on her last day as a six!

Laina and Grammy went to Target on her last day as a six, so she could pick out her gifts. She got a stuffed dog that sleeps and snuggles, and a mechanical turtle that swims. She loves animals; can you tell? 

And then the birthday dawned! 

(first day as a SEVEN!)

Laina asked for a doll cake (using Batgirl in place of a Barbie), sprite, and cheetos. And what the birthday girl wants...

 Laina had a craft party this year. She had six friends from church, and they first colored the birthday banner...

...and then they made tissue-paper covered jars to hold pencils. Her brothers and little sister joined in on the fun too.

After presents, it was time for cake and ice-cream (mint chocolate chip, and peanut butter), and then fun on the tire swing and geo dome.

Laina, it's so hard to believe you're seven! You're a kind-hearted, sweet girl. You are helpful and love being a big sister to Mason and Ivy. And you're a lot of fun! You try hard to include your friends and make them feel at home. You love Jesus and want to follow Him. We are proud of you and we love you!

And just for memory's sake, here are Laina's other birthday posts: one (and here), two (and here), three, four, five, and six.

June and July (almost caught up!)

JUNE:

June was a pretty low-key month.

(tadpoles! Cory took this shot.)

(we did Bible time all summer--the book of Acts. It was really good for us all.)

(Brannon track and field day in the backyard)

(Jeremy and the kids made pita for Father's Day. Yum.)

(our baby birds ready to fly away!)

(We went on a date, hiking to the top of Kennesaw Mountain. And on the way back down, we saw a mama deer with THREE fawns.)

(The big kids went to VBS, and the little two went in their pjs and boots to pick them up.)

JULY:

Where June was slow and relaxed, July was busy and full!

On the 4th, we went to the parade. It was rather disappointing, actually. Only one marching band, and lots of beauty queens and politicians. Not our favorite parade.

After dinner on the 4th, we set off fireworks and did sparklers and poppers in the cul-de-sac/driveway. It was raining, but still fun. Look at Ivy holding Cory's hand, and hiding behind Iain. SO cute.

(he was actually having a blast...)

(July 4th is our Independence Day and Rwanda's Liberation Day, so we get to doubly celebrate!)

(patriotic pjs and one last picture on the porch)

Then the Whatleys came to town! We hadn't seen them in a while and everyone had so much fun playing together for a couple of days.

Jeremy preached on Jonah. His mom and mine came to town, as did Haylee and Jeff. He, of course, did a great job.

And then Grammy stayed for a week and a half! It was wonderful having her here and we hope she comes again soon (although I doubt she has any voice left after all the books she read to the kids!).

(ballet with Ivy)

(Cow Day at CFA!)

(Laina got her hair done--doesn't she look lovely?)

(We went to hear Nick preach at Adoration last Sunday.)

And that's July thus far. We also started school and celebrated Laina's birthday, but that's another post or two.