We spent the entire day outside today and it was glorious. You all ran, played, and pretended for hours in the sunshine. There were a few tantrums to be simmered, but that is reality. It doesn't have to be perfect to be joy filled. So much to be grateful for today as I look back on our time together. And that word together, it is one of the greatest gifts of life. I love the three of you..no words could ever tell you how much.
Aunt Katie and the girls joined us for dinner tonight. It was so nice to visit with her and just watch all you play in the backyard before dinner. Life is most often a bit chaotic and loud and I am so grateful for that.
(see more images from this night and some thoughts on the Joy Project here)
I love when I find you so engrossed in your own world. Your expressions are priceless.
This afternoon Bubby and Sissy were fishing at the lake and you decided you really wanted to participate as well. Your pink rod has been in the shed a bit forgotten for many months. The line was tangled and needed some work before you could use it. You waited patiently while daddy fixed your line and got your hook ready; and then you anxiously took your turn. You were so excited to do it all by yourself. You really wanted to cast it without the help of any one, but you were not very successful. Daddy helped you and showed you how to reel it in. You had the best time and did this over and over.
An impromptu cookout with family was a great way to end our Saturday. Fishing by the lake, playtime in the backyard, lots of yummy food and extra daylight make for a fun evening.
Sometimes you ask and sometimes you sneak, but one thing is for sure, you love peanut butter.
This pink skirt, aka "your tutu", is your favorite article of clothing this week. Today, I asked you to go get dressed so we could go to the grocery store. I followed you into your room and was going to give you a little "help" with picking something appropriate to wear to the store. Once we got upstairs, I decided to watch you instead. You went through numerous choices, in and out of your bedroom to look in the mirror, before making your final choice. You were so happy with your decision and paired it with black sparkle flats. I was grateful on this particular morning it was chilly out and you decided last minute to add a white sweater.
I love the way God creates every one of us so unique. I love how you have such opinions on things. This can be such a great attribute as you get older. Do not let others influence you, be who YOU are.
I love watching the four of you together. Cousins, the best of friends, all living together on one road. I love that you don't know life any different than with each other.
Today we had to get up early to take Big Sissy to her dentist appointment. We are not usually up early enough to see the sunrise, but I was so glad we were today. The fog and the colors were beautiful and such a peaceful way to start the morning.
Last night Mimi and Popi surprised you and your cousins with new nightgowns for you and your babies. You were so excited.
As I look at these pictures and so many others of you all, the one word that comes to mind is grateful. This is the way I see your childhood. It is the way I remember mine, yet I know it is so different from what so many know. My heart aches for so many in our world who can't enjoy this season of life. I pray we will never forget to pray for, love and care for those we can. I pray that He will show us ways to help others and that we will answer that call.
I want you all to enjoy your childhood to its fullest, but I also you them to be keenly aware of the world we live in and open your hearts with love to all those you are around.
You have been at the soccer field almost since the day you were born...in an ergo baby carrier, a jogging stroller, running around everywhere as a toddler--watching your big sister and brother week after week, season after season.
Today, it was your turn to be on the field while we all cheered from the sidelines.
I love Fridays and I am pretty positive you guys do as well.
I walked into your room to find you looking for the perfect top to go with the pink skirt you had chosen for the day--clothes were everywhere.
Later that night I said to you that we really needed to clean up this mess. You looked at me with all seriousness and said, Mama I think my room looks so fancy with these tutus and dresses everywhere.
If only I could freeze this age a little longer. I love hearing your mind and watching you live.
You have been asking to go to Mimi's pool and today we finally did. Our first swim of the year.
Mondays are always hard to get back in our routine. We had a rough start to our school day, but we endured and got our work finished. The day ended with a wonderful play time at the lake. The sun and water are always a wonderful relaxing way to break from our studies.
Today was beautiful in so many ways. I love being reminded of the simple joys in life. This afternoon we painted a hopscotch board on the driveway and had fun just the two of us. It was pretty great.
Some days this is how homeschooling looks with a little bit of everything going on. And yes, that is baby Sissy having a tantrum under the dining room table.