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!