We are in a nice flow here at the Gowins Cottage. Both kids are in bed by 8:15 each night so we are restarting our monthly date night swap with some friends (fist pump). We went in on a grill for Father's Day/anniversary/my birthday with my parents (thanks, Mom and Dad!) and have been using it for dinners at least five nights a week and sometimes lunch on weekends too. The library has some great grilling cookbooks so we can keep the ideas fresh and our house is staying considerably cooler without me using the kitchen appliances every night. Our current favorites are pizza, quesadillas, and veggies on the grill.

Despite my lazy gardening habits this year, our garden is producing big time. I just made my fifth giant batch of kale chips and I'm going to need to pick more again tomorrow. I went to pick green beans for dinner and should have brought a bowl because I had to stuff both my pockets and carry some in my hands just to bring them in. Quinn only likes green beans and spinach fresh while standing next to the garden. We had a good cherry crop this year, our zucchini, spaghetti squash, and pumpkins are looking promising, and blueberries are steady.

I think I might possibly be a runner now. I'm not sure what the criteria is exactly. I signed up for one of those mud runs with some friends while I was still pregnant thinking it would be a good fitness goal. I've tried running many times over the years and would find it so boring, but it has always appealed to my practical side with its frugality and flexibility. I started running when I got cleared for exercise at Archer's six week appointment. It has now been ten weeks straight of running on Wednesdays and usually a weekend day and I'm loving it! My first one was in the rain and I've since run at 5pm on hot days a few times and I still love it. I used to feel like I needed to listen to music or run with someone so I wouldn't get as bored. I now run in total silence and it's amazing. I've even started a run with the intention of thinking of something specific and I just can't. My brain empties and won't let anything in and it's such a relaxing break. Jonathan is still running and biking to work occasionally, and doing arm workouts. Such a strong, healthy man-of-the-house. I'm still working my way up to his level distance-wise, but it will be so fun to run together!

Archer is trying to roll from his back to his belly. He's not getting far, but it's quite cute. He had his first swim on Saturday when we all went to the pool. He seemed to love it and was kicking his feet like crazy. 

Last week Jonathan's parents came for a visit, my mom, sister, and nephew came for some berry picking, and some dear friends who currently live in Texas visited as well. We even had a surprise dinner with Jonathan's sister and her husband and daughter last night. 

We are just constantly in awe of God heaping mercies on us during this blessed season. All the glory to Him!

The Fourth of July was quite fun. We went to our friends' annual BBQ. There were five babies under six months old so Archer fit right in. Quinn was excited about fireworks again. She held a sparkler and some sort of rocket. Then at about 9pm she declared that she was ready to go home and go to bed. After the kids were all tucked in, we sat in our backyard and watched three different groups of people shooting off mortars all around our neighborhood and chatted with some of our neighbors. 

Last week, the kids and I joined the neighbor families at Oaks Park. In the summer, they have certain hours that preschool age kids can go on unlimited rides. Quinn loved the carousel and she even braved the tilt-a-whirl (which she calls the turtle whale). We are definitely planning a repeat visit.

Aside from that, we've spent a lot of time by the kiddie pool or at the park. Over the weekend, we had our Sundae Sunday party and I was able to have a nice girls day out with my dear Amber before she moves to Amsterdam. We ate at Grassa and did some shopping. I'm sure going to miss you, Amber!

My sweet Quinn darling is two and three quarters of a year old today. She is very imaginative and whimsical. She loves making up stories and songs and playing pretend. When I took her to the dentist the other day, she told the secretary that Archer's name was John because she was Wendy from Peter Pan that day. She brought her baby doll to the grocery store yesterday and told the cashier that she was Mary and her doll was baby Jesus. She frequently has a crown or flowers and accessorizes guests in her bracelets. Each day when asked what she wants to wear, she chooses a dress. She likes to make everything "mix and match" especially pajamas, nail polish, and marker caps. She is very into drawing and can actually draw fruits and vegetables that look like what she says they are. Her current favorite game is princess neighborhood which involves building homes for the princess paper dolls I drew. And the neighborhood has a playground too. She could play blocks independently for hours. In the second photo below, she declared herself Sleeping Beauty Bride Radish. The bottom photo is her learning about grilling. She loves hanging out there while Jonathan grills.

We love you Quinn girl!