Summer Finally.

It's official: summer is definitely here! Since summer began, James has taken up his regular summer job mowing lawns and I have been nannying for sweet little Ellie. James loves the flexibility of his job...it's basically up to him to decide when he wants to work as long as he gets his mowing done...he has been getting in plenty of golf time with the guys. It's a great way to make money over summer. And I love my job of course. Ellie surprises me every day...she is now 15 months old and constantly learning new words. Her latest words are "baby" and "teeth." She also has the adorable new habit of kissing her baby doll and walking around blowing kisses. I'm dreading having to move on to a more serious job. I think my calling in life might just be to take care of babies... :)
It's been nice and hot and sunny the last couple days and we have been soaking it up. We spent this past weekend lounging in the sun with our favorite neighbors, Bill and Paula, and their boys, Dalton and Carter. We grilled most of our dinners (the beauty of summer)and James' and I attempted to make Chipotle style guacamole and were very satisfied with the results!
Amidst all this summer fun, there has been some tension in the air. Neither James nor I know where we will be working in the fall. Everything is very up in the air right now. For me, this is causing major stress. I have been creating resumes and bouncing back and forth between what I want to do. I want everything related to the wedding to be blissful and I'm worried that money stress is going to ruin it. I am hoping and praying that we will soon both know what we are doing.
Carter is such a little HAM!
James and Bill grilling some "chicken on the bone"
Carter found a little frog on the pool
Me with the neighbors' dog Marshall
James bought a pound of beef jerky...
Dalton eating some chips!

Happy Birthday Jen!

C.E.L.E.B.R.A.T.E
Today is my sister's birthday. She's 22 today! It's days like this that make me so sad to be so far away...

James the College Graduate

James graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College this past Sunday with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Secondary Education License. It was a hot and windy day, but the graduation ceremony was great. James' grandparents, brother Justin, sister Erin, Mom and Chuck, and Dad (and Taz) all drove down for the big event. James' Aunt Becky even traveled all the way from California to see him graduate! We all cheered as loud as possible when they called James' name.
After everyone got pictures with the new graduate, we headed to our favorite Mexican restaurant, Mazatlan. James got plenty of his favorite salsa and a big mug of beer to drink as he opened his cards and gifts. We all drank huge Margaritas, ate good food, and celebrated his amazing accomplishment. We're so proud of him!!!!

Cohen John Ahles

James and I are now officially Uncle James and Auntie Justine! James' sister Nicole and her husband Tim are now Mommy and Daddy to a perfect 7lb 9oz baby boy. Our little nephew, Cohen John, was born May 22 at 1:26 pm! James is lucky enough to be this little guy's godfather :).We are so excited for Nicole and Tim and can't stop "awwwwwwww-ing" over the pictures that keep coming our way! Nicole and Tim are great parents already. They are working around the clock to keep him well-fed and content. Cohen is SO lucky to be their baby!