a simple white dress

    I took the girls to the botanical gardens for a walk earlier this week.  Of course, you can't go to the gardens without taking a few pictures!  I dressed Vivian in a simple white dress, but decided to let Emma Jane choose her own attire.  I did NOT let her know that I was planning to take pictures because she is not a fan of the camera these days.  When I asked Emma Jane what she would like to wear, she quickly eyed Vivi and then, without hesitation, chose a simple white dress, too.  I thought it was so cute that she wanted to be dressed like her sister (without my suggestion) and what a sweet pair they made in these photos! 

happy birthday, america!

   On the morning of July 4th, we had a true taste of small town America with our first visit to the Peach Festival in Gilbert, South Carolina.  We enjoyed the parade under a small tree that provided us much-needed shade.  Emma Jane devoured the cotton candy we purchased from a street vendor.  We had to try something "peachy" so we got peach slushies.  Emma Jane wasn't too sure about it at first, but she seemed to like it after a sip or two.  After walking around for a short while, the heat proved to be a little too much for us, so we headed home for the pool!

As always, this happy girl was along for the ride...

 Looking for the perfect parade watching spot...

This shady spot was perfect! 

 

Yes, that is a camel walking down the street!

Cotton candy consuming

 

Just happy to be there...

Leaf collecting became more interesting than parade watching.

Not sure about this strange concoction...

Gave it a try...

Loved it!

Finger chewing occupied Vivi.

Emma Jane did a little dancing.

A quick hello hug for Lily.



two for the red, white, and blue

   Of course, this was our first Fourth of July with two kiddos.  The girls were precious in their red, white, and blue.  The Sadlers invited us to their neighborhood celebration on Sunday night.  Paul and Emma Jane swam in the pool while Vivi and I hung out by the river.  We knew the fireworks would be too late and too loud for little Viv, so Paul took her home and Emma Jane and I stayed for the show.  The fireworks were pretty spectacular and, yes, they were LOUD!  At first, Emma Jane was a little overwhelmed by it all, but she finally decided it was pretty cool.  It was the perfect ending to a fun-filled night.

I had to add this last photo as a reminder that we celebrated Emma Jane's 1st birthday on our first July 4th in Columbia.  My how she has changed!