an unplanned adventure

a park loaded with adventures. chasing birds in the water. swimming and splashing. building sand castles with grandma and then destroying them. playing with cousins and great auntie-grandma's. borscht and hot dogs. toys and toys. wagon rides. many balls. hammock rides and swings. bikes and walks. helping collect sticks for the fire. roasting marshmallow's for the first time. mouth and hands full of stickiness and loving it. a dragon show. grandma's homemade corn chowder. smooshing bugs with the fly swatter. cookies and tea the "house" (closet) trying on hats. saying "grandma" for the first time. key lime honey on toast. trying on shoes. lots of hugs and kisses. smiles from ear to ear. not one picture to show for it :(. all this in a day and a half. O the life of a one and a half year old. Could it get any better?

8 t h i n g s a b o u t s u m m e r

o n e : the smell of tomatoes on the vine. even better watching my own little plant grow them turn red, and getting to enjoy the deliciousness of it all.

t w o : every day seeing my boys smiling face learn and discover something new. And feeling the true and full and innocent love that comes from a child's heart. Watching my child, and being a mother is the most gratifying thing I've known.

t h r e e: saying goodbye to a home of so many memories, most good. yet some bad. Feeling like a piece of who we are is gone and left behind. Feeling sad River will never remember his first home, one that was specially made with love and sweat and hard work. but also excited to lay down roots in a new home with lots of memories to be made. Watching it take shape more and more every day and getting excited about it!

f o u r : watching " b a b y t w o " growing in my belly before my eyes. Trying to fathom this new little life. Not knowing anything more than whoever this little baby is that he or she will surpass any of our hopes, and fill our hearts with more love than we thought possible. The miracle of a baby is something we are forever grateful for.

f i v e : a dear friend engaged. Looking forward excitedly with her and for her and to be standing beside her as she marries the man of her dreams. Feeling so at peace and overjoyed to see the growth in two people and the beauty of what love can do for lives. Sharlene and Kelly I am so happy for you guys.

s i x : starting a new and challenging job in the ICU which was most definitely the right move to make. Excited for more of it.

s e v e n: 8 years of marriage to my love and my life. turning 29 in just days and realizing life is so so short. somehow even a short date just us two feels better than it ever has.

e i g h t : friends at the lake. perfect. what else can i say.