Side Note...

Guess who is fully potty trained... finally?!

I guess he just needed the right gear!

June: The Speedy Version!

June felt a little bit like the month of weddings with a couple of other things thrown in. It was a busy month, and here are the highlights.

Wedding #1: Tracy and Justin

Tracy is Angie's sister and the best hair dresser I've ever had! We're sad to see her leave Raleigh but more than happy to welcome Justin to the extended family. Noah was the ring bearer in the wedding. He and Owen were joined at the hip the whole time, no surprise there.

Wedding #2: Olivia and Eric
I've got a new sister! We welcomed another Tucker girl into the family the only way we know how to do it... Tucker girls have to marry in.
Swimming in "Papa's pool"

(Which is really the hot tub minus the hot water!) Owen is gaining confidence in the water and may be swimming on his own by next summer. (And yes, you very observant readers, Owen did get his very first crew cut for the summer!)
Swimming at the river.

Falls River has to be the prettiest spot in Raleigh!
Visiting with Louisa.

Do you think she looks like Trey? I am pretty much obsessed with her!

Wedding #3: Jenny and Ralph

Yes, my Indian Princess tribe is still together! Jenny was the latest princess to get married, and what a celebration it was! how! how!

Capital Community Church had our outdoor baptism at the pool. On July 1 we officially incorporated. It's exciting to see how God has used the church to reach so many in the community!

June was Kyle and my last month in our twenties, so we celebrated by buying each other bikes! We're seeing a whole new side of Raleigh on two wheels... what fun!

Strawberry Pickin'

Owen and I went on a special date to pick strawberries a couple weeks ago. They were juuuuust right!

If you ask him about it though, you're sure to hear about the hay maze...

Or how yummy they tasted...

He may even tell you about the cows on the hay ride. "Mommy! Those silly cows are wearing ear rings!"

One thing he probably won't tell you about though is the actual picking that went on.Because after 30 minutes of picking, that's mommy's bucket on the right and Owen's bucket on the left!
So, while he sure does love those strawberries, he left the picking up to me. And I'm fine with that!

Photo Shoot Bloopers

Some of my fav bloopers from our Duke gardens photo shoot...

Check out those cheeks!
Look, ma. No cavities!

Duke Gardens Photo Shoot

Celebration of Mama Lew's life

My (Sarah's) grandmother, Louise Elder Wood ("Lew") Batchelor, went Home on April 6th after a very long and very graceful battle with cancer.

The service, held in Winston-Salem, was a beautiful tribute to her life! Bagpipes played and Uncle Bill gave one of the best eulogies I have ever been privileged to listen to. It was a beautiful service and one that Mama Lew would be proud of.

Afterwards we all went to the lake to have a meal together in our more comfortable attire!

There the brothers and Aunt Liz planted a Camellia in honor of Mama Lew. The family told our favorite memories and recounted the rich legacy that she has left behind.
We share her love of photography, good food and a breezy day spent on the water. It's because of her that many of us have a deeper grasp of history and a love of antiques. She taught us how to be women of grace and tact and how to slow down and enjoy life to the fullest.

We will miss her, but we do not grieve like those who have no hope. We know that she is now in the presence of the One who will wipe every tear away from our eyes and it is for that reason we have a deeper peace that one day we will be with her again!

Louisa Greer Batchelor

She's here, she's here! Kyle and my first niece has arrived!

Louisa Greer Batchelor

Born February 24th to Scott and Mary Chandler

We are just a little excited about her!! Here she is with her cousin Trey.I'm usually not very good at being able to tell who a baby looks like, but with Louisa it's easy! She has Scott's eyes...
And Chan's mouth... and she's quite possibly the most beautiful little girl on the planet!