We started off the summer with a nice trip to Litchfield with Molly's side of the family. The weather was perfect and Mary Grace showed lots of promise in terms of confidence in the water. By the end of that first week, she had basically ditched the water wings. As the weeks went by, we traveled down to Charleston a couple times and spent a few weeks in Linville to escape this summer's brutal heat. Of course when I say "we" I mean Molly and Mary Grace. I spent most of the summer in my office, working.
The biggest leap this summer came when Mary Grace began diving for rings while swimming with her cousins James and Owen down in Charleston. It was amazing. I knew she could put her head under the water and swim from one person to another, but diving to the bottom of the pool is a whole new ballgame. I was very proud. She is definitely a little fish.
In addition to time at the beach and mountains, we made a quick trip up to Syracuse, NY to celebrate Mary Grace's Great-Grandfather Louis' 90th birthday. It was great to see everyone at the party, even if it was just for a short time.
Mary Grace started school today, which officially marks the end of summer. Well, that and the fact that the pool closed today as well. I hated this time of year when I was a kid but she was excited to get back to school. She loves to see her friends and teachers.
Anyhow, that is definitely an abridged version of our summer, so here are some pictures to flesh it out a little:
Mary Grace and Cousin Henry hug it out.
Porch time.
Introducing Cousin Charlotte to Duckie.
Fun with cousins.
Blondies.
Charlotte and Mary Grace being silly.
Braving the waves.
Poppie and his girls.
Boogie boarding with Daddy.
Getting ready to race.
Holding on tight.
Lots of fun.
Hanging out with Poppie.
Hanging out with Geegee.
All the kids.
Riding the dino.
Sunglasses and Capri Suns.
Movie time.
Long talks and Cornhole.
Christmas card?
In the waves with Daddy.
Swimming at the Kissick's pool.
Mingling with a drink at a summer party.
Meeting Thomas at Tweetsie Railroad.
Thomas was a little too loud.
Henry, Molly and Mary Grace on The Scrambler.
Riding the airplanes.
Eating hot wings with Uncle Trask.
Celebrating 90 years with Great-Grandpa Louis!
Charleston Aquarium.
Swinging with Aunt Johanna.
Ice cream at Jack's Cosmic Dogs.
Fried shrimp, french fries and hush puppies.
Building a sand castle with friends Emily and Molly.
Having fun in the water.
Nap time.
Making a witch's brew with dry ice and green food coloring!
Cookies with Cousins James, Owen and Maggie.
Carousel ride! Always the white horse.
Fresh from her very first hair cut.
Extending her nap.
A mischievous grin.
Modeling her game-day outfit.
Playing with Meemaw in the front yard.
Mommy and Peepaw stooping on a hot afternoon.
Getting ready for a birthday party.
Seeing her new classroom for the first time.
