Last weekend in Jacksonville..

I took a three hour nap today because my head was killing me. So, i'm not that tired right now. But I need to be up at 5:30 to get myself awake before singing with the guys at 7:15. Maybe as I blog a bit, it will get me sleepy.

I'm beside myself with how awesome this week has been. Really..the greatness of the summer as a whole is what has made this week great. I kinda want to blog about the main things the Lord has been teaching me, but it'd be way too long of a blog. Mainly, it has to do with me learning how to just, in general, enjoy. Enjoy life, enjoy my family, enjoy the Lord, enjoy! That has been the main thing that I have struggled with since I moved away years ago. But that's for another blog.

Whatever the case, i've been so very thankful that the Lord has allowed me to spend some quality time with my family this summer. Last night we went to the Woodbine Opry, and everyone went. I just feel like I can't get enough of looking at each of them, especially my nephews and Millie. I know they're going to be so much bigger when I come back for a visit, and I just want to capture in my mind their little smiles and expressions, really just everything about them.

Gabriel and I spent the night at Dada's (my grandpa) last night. It was a blast! That kid is seriously a riot. My very favorite memory from our sleepover would be sitting on the couch, chatting with Dada and Daphene (his wife). Every time we'd sit down, Gabriel would snuggle up right next to me, or grab my arm and put it around him so he could lay against my side. And his expressions were classic. I wish I could have videotaped it all.

A few favorite Gabriel lines throughout our visit:

(As he was taking off his shirt, looking down at his stomach): "I'm RIPPED".

(As he sits down by Daphene's 80 year old mother who was watching the Braves on tv): So, You like baseball?"

(When he found out we were going to try and stop by and see Kevin (my best friend)): " Can we PLEASE hang out for like an hour with him? That guy was like an older brother to me!" (He's only met kevin a few times :) )

(He had me blast a Gym Class Heroes song in the car and roll down the windows): "SWEET! Now EVERYONE'S doing it, not just brown people!"

(While listening to said Gym Class Heroes song): "You know, this take-a-look-at-my-girlfriend song? It's classic."

and my very favorite moment from the sleepover:

This morning, he needed to take a shower, but the shower head (one of those that is attached to a long hose) was too high. I told him I'd hold it up for him at a level so it'd be like a good height for a kid. I stuck my arm in there and he handed me the shower sprayer. He adjusted it real quick, and about that time he started humming and singing! He'd say, "a little to the left" or "a little to the right" then get right back to singing in the shower. It was so cute. I couldn't stop laughing (silently).

That was it for our little trip, but tonight was wonderful cause Corey and Julie invited me over for dinner since i'm leaving Monday. I was able to hold Millie for a few hours..while we were eating, cleaning, hanging out. I loved it so much. She is precious. I'm going to miss those three kids so much.

Benjamin was so sweet tonight too. When I got there, I asked him to give me a squeeze and he just hugged me for so long. He layed his head on my shoulder and wrapped his arms around my neck for a few minutes. I treasure those moments.