The Davolts

Is there anything better than summer vacation? I mean, really, when you were a child, wasn't that the best time, full of the best memories? For so many reasons, I feel so blessed to have been called to a career in education, and summer vacation is like the cherry on top! Eight weeks of staying up late watching movies, wearing shorts and no make up, last minute road trips and tons of time with my growing boy. Seven years of marriage! No itching here! It's even more enjoyable now that Jeff is also enjoying his summer off. Sort of. Oh, you haven't heard about Jeff's endless teaching? While I look forward to spending my time with little to no formal schedule, Jeff has diligently taken on two rounds of summer school. The first was a continuation of his primary teaching job, helping seniors pick up just one or two more credits to graduate. The second is teaching incoming sixth graders in a program designed to aid the transition to middle school and hopefully reduce t

 Nathan is one year old! Okay, okay, today he is one year and one month old but the following is all about his FIRST birthday. I know it's totally cliche to say, but he is growing up SO fast! Leading up to the day of the party, I was suffering from "Pinterest Pressure". I love finding ideas on Pinterest, as many do, but the birthday party pictures I came across were magazine perfection. I am neither crafty enough nor have enough time in the busy end of year weeks to recreate the beautiful color coordinated buffet tables and decor I found. After a few brainstorming trips to the party supply store, the craft store, the thrift store, etc. I made a simple banner seen in the first picture above, which reads, "Happy Birthday", the felt triangle banner attached to his high chair and a blue cake. More crafty Auntie Ellen made Nathan's princely crown and helpful Auntie Jennifer played paparazzi for the day (she took all the pictures).  Nathan enjoyed the