beach getaway

These days we're finishing up our much needed beach getaway. It's an amazing feeling to be able to escape the world we live in, and go somewhere completely different. We are so grateful we have the opportunity to do so. In life, we have to reach that balance. And if we're lucky, we are able to find it in places with sunshine and warm breezes. Before we head back to reality, lets dig into sand and run among salty waves.

Let the kids be kids, busy building and destroying sand castles.

To top it all off, tonight we had a little walk on the beach at sunset. How many ways can I describe the perfection that is love and light from these two...

Their energy contagious. I wonder, how long can we keep this going. Can we ride these waves of gratefulness through the end of summer, into the crispness of fall, and lasting until the chill of winter?  I hope so, we can only try our best to keep it going. Keep the brimming joy of time together, and play it out over and over in our heads when the going gets tough. Balance is never easy, but we forge on in an effort to marry the difficult with the easy. That's life, as it was meant to be. Without the two, we cannot seek the importance of it all. 

On a side note, our kids are always teaching me something about everything. Parenthood is funny like that. They are both so unique and different. And tonight, at the dinner table we had a deep talk about what makes all of us special. Each person with their own developing and changing talent and curiosity of the world around them.

This sums up some of these little forming personalities...

At the edge, feet wet and watching closely:

Jumping in, getting soaked from head to toe:

What about you? 

end of an era

Walking the kids to school this morning, I got a little emotional...which is happening a lot lately.

Sentimentalism has started shaking my shoulders more often, as I've been getting older. But more specifically, as our kids are hitting milestones.

Today was our last day of school. And the last day both of our kids will be attending the same school, until they get to high school. Which will be a whole new milestone. But let's leave that subject alone for now...the tissue count is already at a high.

Katelynn has had mixed feelings on her big brother leaving elementary and moving on to middle school. Of course she will miss him, and we will miss that little special time in the morning, walking them the short 10 minutes and talking to them both about their day.

Caleb, however, is always reassuring to his crazy, red eyed mother:
"It's okay mom, I'll still be the same boy."

Oh, I know son. You will still have that smile.

That gentle nod that tells me you are okay with the world. Your place in it, shining brightly for all to see.

We are so proud of you Caleb!

Katelynn, you are also our shining star. We've watched you grow so much this year. Your smile kind, your laugh infectious. Your teachers say you always make others feel welcome, and invite them to read books with you and play with you. 

Today, at school dismissal, I couldn't contain my emotions watching the entire school of classes line the halls and watch the 5th graders walk down their school's hall one more time. The loud cheers and shouts of all the kids, encouraging them on their next journey. 

It's official, summer has begun.

the space in between

Why do kids have to grow up? Why can't we capture them in big jars...their energy, their smile, their outlook on the world? Just hold them close, with everything that they are right here, right now and keep them like this forever. If only...

Caleb will be graduating 5th grade in a few short weeks. Elementary school behind him, and he'll be a young man. I'm trying to keep it together. Really, I am. It's hard to let go of the boy who holds your hand, the one who still thinks you're flawless. The one who holds steady his views on the life that he's living. Son, there are so many adventures out there just waiting for your footsteps. As much as I want to cling to the boy you are now, it's just as exciting to see where you will go from here.

Your views on the world are at times skeptical but ultimately curious. Never far from a question or timely conclusion. Your imagination is limitless. Sometimes I envy the people, places and things that come from that incredible mind of yours. And your ability to store random information on history...you've got it going on, kid. 

Katelynn, you've grown so much this year. A first grader turned teenager. Your hunger for life and ability to turn on the emotional heart on your sleeve vulnerability is magical. At times, I'll admit, it's a little overwhelming. But I know the life you are meant to live is going to be incredible. Your smile lights up a room and you laugh at everything. The sense of humor your daddy charmed me with has been passed onto those little giggles. You have a brilliant mind, able to catch onto things like a fire igniting. The next few years will be an awesome journey to see where you'll end up.

With this space between Mark being done with school and the kids finishing up, we have a handful of days when I'm not working that we can take advantage of some much needed dates. 

Today we decided this beautiful weather was a great opportunity for a hike and picnic outside. 

We ventured out to Watson Mill Bridge State Park with the longest covered bridge in Georgia. Built in 1885, the wooden pins and beams bring you back to a different time.

A nice place to do a little outdoor exploring...

Feeling thankful for this space in between. Hope everyone enjoys a beautiful weekend. And for all those mothers out there....have a wonderful day celebrating this amazing privilege of bringing up our littles.

Hello there!

We are excited to be starting the month of May. The month where finals will end, the last day of school will begin, and a long overdue beach trip will be gracing the pages of this blog.

First, before I get too invested in summer plans, let's take a moment to celebrate our four-legged pup. Lainey Love came to us almost a year ago. She was a rescue from an awesome organization called Athens Canine Rescue. Though we do not know exactly when she was born, April 28th sounded close enough. And I swear that we saw that birth date on one of the many documents that came with her. The kids were ecstatic about a puppy birthday and we celebrated Lainey's one year with gifts, toys, cookies, and lots of love.

 

She has had a great week!

The kids are talking about summer like it's already here. They have just a few short weeks left and 5th grade graduation as well as a 1st grade party have already been added to the calendar. It's hard to believe another great year is almost finished. 

These two...they have my heart. 

We just ordered the kids' school pictures, including one of Caleb in a cap and gown. Promise, hearts are going to melt...

Until next time, hope everyone has a great week!