Rest of Julyness

July happened! We spent 2 different weeks away from Austin. Mommy got an extra weekend away. Mommy also started a new job and took on new leadership on the Executive Board at shul. July had a lot happening. Here's the rest of the photographed fun.

We'll start the month as all months should start (if we're being honest with ourselves) - with fro yo! Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for sending some money to help us cool off from the summer heat.

These 2 boys are a force to be reckoned with. Like a literal force. Like total chaos. And there's no breaking the trance when they're together. Seriously, help us.

Nuts - Part 1

Nuts - Part 2 (No lesson had been learned.)

Our house is now the proud living space of not ONE, but TWO Baby Sharks! AND THEY SING.

Daddy didn't stand a chance.

More fun family moments from Austin in July:

spreading the love

Jon got a super duper "Eagle Award" from work, mostly because he's that awesome of an Air Traffic Controller

Musical Havdalah

what Havdalah probably looked like in the Von Trapp family

Austin cousins huddle:

"Raise your hand if you think Aunt Debbie is the best ever!"

"Good talk. Hands in."

Cousin time can't be all silly all the time. It's serious business sometimes.

This guy's brain is actively impressing us every day.

At the start of this month, he proudly spelled his name "S-E-E-E-E-E-R!"

(to the tune of "B-I-N-G-O")

He LOVES matching these puzzles together.

E-man:

Cousin Mira made Ethan's day when she sent a letter and a bracelet she made just for him in the mail all the way from camp.

hair style by Ethan

fun with Mommy at a splash pad

He shoots; he scores!

Gabi fell asleep many many times this month with her lamp still on, giving us ample opportunities to capture the interesting positions she takes.

#teamwork

proud of her house she built at YMCA playgroup

Before the month ended, on July 28th, big Gabi turned SIX AND A HALF years old. We started the celebration early with 6.5 Oreos decorated with sugar and continued the day with more treats and fun times. Summertime is good time in Chez Cohen!

Girls Getaway

After a full week of fun in Driftwood, I sent the kiddos back to Austin with Nana and Zayde and invited gal pals Barbra and Mor to come have a relaxing getaway together. It was LOVELY.

The first 18 hours were just me and Barbra while Mor finished up a training in Austin.


Mor arrived midday Saturday, and we were ready to rock n' roll (aka sit in the pool in the shade for hours talking).

Barbra and I surprised Mor with an ice cream cake, because Mor turned 35 on that very day! Happy Birthday, Morli!

After an afternoon nap (because we could), we headed out to explore the adorable town of Wimberly. Growing up at sleep-away camp just a few miles away, I had no idea than any of this existed.



We went to dinner at Hays City Store and enjoyed an outdoor breeze, live music, and great company!

We did have to do some pampering before the weekend was over.

Meanwhile, Nana and Zayde had graciously swapped houses with me to help us ladies enjoy our kid-free vacation. Back at the ranch, they did just fine for themselves. The kiddos may have not had a mother, but they easily were distracted by ice cream cake for Aunt Syssa's birthday.

happy boy

SUPER Spencer

Thank you, Nana and Zayde (and Daddy)!