The life of an expat teacher returning to school can be pretty exciting. We meet the influx of new community members and melt into the embraces of the familiar friends we left in June. Bright eyed and bushy tailed, everyone is well rested and curious about each others’ summer break and thanks to Drinking the Whole Bottle’s growing Instagram gallery, many people followed along with us on ours. “I loved following all of your family’s adventures this summer,” a few have remarked while some people mentioned specific favorite Instagram pictures from summer that stuck out. “I really liked the picture of you taking the kids to that restaurant on your road trip that you used to go to as a kid. That’s pretty cool.” (aka Waffle House – whoop whoop!)
With the first week of school under our belt, summer status for us is officially O V E R, (Well, we live in the Dominican Republic, which is an endless summer, so as far as weather goes, summer is still here); the school year has begun and the rebuilding of routine will take the place of summer’s free spirit. To fully close the summer chapter, I thought I’d reminisce with you all about our break one more time and pick our family’s 16 favorite Instagram pictures from summer.
1. WanderLUST
My favorite travel companion also happens to be this tall drink of water.
2. the Tradition continues
It’s the small memories that make the biggest impact sometimes.
3. SUMMER IN A BOTTLE
If this doesn’t scream summer, I don’t know what does.
4. SIR PIRATE GORGEOUS
We got some bad news this summer about this poor kiddos eye. he’ll have to wear a patch of the next few months and, most likely, have to have a corrective procedure, which involved sedating him for an MRI but that smile…
5. MY TYPE OF COLOR COMBo 🍾🍾
Happy Birthday, America.
6. the best day
We hadn’t seen these guys in over a year after they left the Dominican Republic and spending our 24 hours in NYC with them on wheels and laughing uncontrollably was magic. #unicorns #prospectingpanthers #facialmasksforall
7. When laughter erupts naturally and it’s caught on camera
I laugh every time I see this picture because I remember how funny it was in the moment.
8. THESE TWO BISCUITS
I adored this picture the moment I took it. It’s already in the process of being printed and soon to be hung up in our home.
9. REminder
This is Husband’s favorite place in the world and every evening Mother Nature reminds us why.
10. DADDY’S DAY
Living abroad we miss celebrating most holidays with our families so when we get to spend one together, it’s extra special.
11. Spunky Brewster
She’s beyond me in adventure and fearlessness so I’ll live vicariously through her. She makes me a proud mama.
12. FOOD SPIRIT ANIMAL
I feel like I’ve been missing out my whole life until I had real southern food.
13. WELCOME TO ICONIC SAVANNAH
Seriously? This just screams iconic.
14. squad goals
Frisbees, ferris wheels, sand, sunset magic hour, and sun-kissed face. The Summer Collection.
15. Our summer taken in one shot
Essentially this is what all of our summers look like: clown car-esque, on the road, together, and smiles – even on the dogs.
16. THE ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION
Ok, so I cheated-ish here. If you count these separately, there are more than 15 pictures which is why I’m counting the collection as one. This summer Husband and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary and, in honor of 5 years, I planned 5 mini celebrations for each day leading up to our anniversary.
MINI CELEBRATION 1: 
MINI CELEBRATION 2: 
MINI CELEBRATION 3: 
MINI CELEBRATION 4: 
Barbara Schutt
Awesome photos of your family!