Five Loves on Friday

Happy Friday, friends!  Before getting to the blissful bits, I must say that this week hasn't been all smooth sailing, things have gotten pretty rough at times!  I found ants in my kitchen - eek and ack!  Jason's iPhone 6 was broken after he was accidentally thrown overboard with it in his pocket while boating.  To top off this trio, we dealt with plumbing issues.  I praise God that through trying times we can trust Him with all our cares, and He is faithful to provide for all our needs!  All of these issues have been/are being dealt with right now. Phew!  While part of me wanted to say, "This has been a tough week!  Maybe I should just take a little blogging break and skip this Friday post."  Instead, I'm choosing to welcome this sweet opportunity to reflect on the beautiful blessings that have sprinkled joy throughout this past week. 

{Loves listed chronologically...}

1.  Riding through the Wildflowers

On Saturday we rode down a new-to-us portion of our city's bike path and were delighted to pedal beside these breathtaking petals!!  We also discovered some sweet benches for a lit'l snack break in that stunning spot.  As we rehydrated and refreshed we were entertained by fluttering butterflies and grasshoppers leaping along their merry way.  It was a pretty perfect way to spend our afternoon as a family and to burn 500+ calories!! Woohoo!


2.  A Beautiful Day for Boating 

Princess enjoyed driving Grandma and Grandpa's boat for a bit.  The highlight for Little One was tubing behind it!

Boating with my sweet in-laws is always at the top of our summer bucket list.  We enjoyed checking that off on Sunday with some family fun in the sun!  We had a great time, minus the phone breaking incident previously mentioned.  Honestly though, I left there just so thankful that my hubby wasn't injured.  Phones are replaceable.  He is not. :)  I'm happy to have captured these happier moments as overall it was a delightful day together!

3.  Raising Monarchs

Following our day aboard their boat, Jason's parents invited us back to their lovely home for grilled filets.  (So good!) When we finished feasting, Little One asked if Grandpa Kevin would take her out to their field of wildflowers to look for monarch caterpillars.  We took one home from their place last summer and raising it was one of the highlights of that season for us!  Not only did they find one, they brought back two!  Little One named them Stuart and Shirley and has been taking excellent care of this cute pair!  They have both since formed cocoons.  We are already enthusiastically awaiting the time when they'll emerge as beautiful butterflies!  I look forward to sharing sweet snaps of their release in a few weeks.  (Monarch caterpillars typically stay in their cocoons for 10-14 days.  Watching the entire process is amazing!)

4.  New Link Up! What's Hap-"Pinning" Wednesdays

There's a fun new party and YOU are invited!  Jessi of Jessi's Design and Jenn from Going the Distance co-hosted the first What's Hap-"Pinning" link party on Wednesday.  I've already come across some fabulous new-to-me blogs through this link up and really enjoyed mixing and mingling with some great gals this week!  If you're a blogger, I'd love to {link} party with you there on Wednesdays!  If you don't have a blog, I invite you to pop back by mine that day for some pinspiration!  Then, be sure to click through to check out the other lovely links as well! 

5.  Surprise Disney Mail!

If you've been around these parts long, you already know my blogging bestie, Chrissy of Adventures in DIY, is super thoughtful!!  She surprised my family with some very magical mail yesterday and it couldn't have come at a better time!  I had just noticed a plumbing problem here and was thinking "I need a vacation A.S.A.P.!"  Cue the mailman with what felt like a Disney vacation via an envelope! ;)  
While Chrissy is a Disneyland annual passholder, she couldn't make it there for the 60th.  But, she special ordered this special edition newspaper!  How incredibly sweet is that?!  This well timed surprise was so appreciated!  Thanks again, Chrissy!  You are the best!!!

{via}

Last Friday I mentioned that I'd be accepting a fun blogging award this week and passing along nominations to fellow bloggers, but with the added stress of the trio of troubles we experienced I simply didn't get it finished as expected.  However, something fun has happened in the meanwhile!  I received a second nomination from Alexis of Chemistry Cachet! (Thanks again, sweet friend!)  So, I plan to answer questions from both Michelle and Alexis early next week!  I'm excited to share that fun filled Q & A and look forward to nominating some of my favorite bloggers too!

Thanks for taking time out of your day to stop by the blog on this fine Friday!  Have a lovely weekend!

Earlier this week at Chatting Over Chocolate:

Check it out here:  July Favorites // What's Hap-"Pinning"

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If you're visiting from one of the link ups, be sure to say "Hello!" ...I'd love to come check out your Friday 5 too! ;)