Little Things

We've tried to fill our days with small, special moments this summer to really take advantage of every little blessing we've been given -- we know we are going to miss them! 

Sitting on the edge of the world having lunch with Red....

Having sweet Avery over to "blow bubbles...." in the pool

and I heard lots of "Miss Jill! Ford's splashing me! Obviously she doesn't have a younger brother who terrorizes her."

But soon the girls were running through the caterpillar sprinkler and all was well. 

I am sitting in the shade with my feet up and zillions of boxes to pack. But this was the right way to spend the afternoon.  Memories and friendship. We're trying to lock in as much as we can.

996.  afternoon pool time in the shade (and it not getting old)

997. inspirational shoes

998. the perfect wallet

999. peace amid the craziness

Annenberg Beach Club

This week, I'm starting to get a little sad about our move. I am sure that the good Lord, is letting me deal with things just a little at a time otherwise, I would surely fall apart. So, this week, I'm feeling the loss of the people we are going to miss so much. It's a part of the process. I know this. But this week, it became real.

So, when I look back on these pictures from weeks ago, I am so thankful that we have this memory.

A treasure already.

Just like last year, we took a much needed day at the beach with one of our favorite families. Because our little fish loves the water so much, we actually decided to stay away from the water (since he's still not water safe!) and play in the grainy-ness of it all.

It was so perfect.

Sand, lots of non-sandy water and lunch.

Is there a better day?

I assume he's wondering where the water is, right about here... (behind you!)

And we will take whatever opportunity we can to get as close to Luke as we can, learning from him and his big smile every single time. And, Miss. Hillary has some pretty special things to share, as well.

Sand angels...

And after we were all nice and sandy, we walked about 20 feet to the splash pad. It. Was. Amazing. Just enough water for the kids to have so much fun and just enough sun to warm up afterwards.  

No one was afraid, there were no terrifying waves to whisk anyone away. 

Lovely,  I tell you. Just lovely.

And this was after we ate our lunch under those orange umbrellas over there. See them? Yes. Just steps away from the beach and splash pad. We had the place almost to ourselves.

Fordy trying to make Luke laugh with water antics...

Who me? Unlike his sister, obeying mommy and keeping his hat on...

And the beautiful "Mommy, I think I'm ready for a nap" look. Ah, how I adore this look.

And while Abby adores Katie, I think we all fall in love with her just a little bit more every time we see her. Those glasses? I mean... come on.

Is this not pure luxury for a two year old? Playing ball next to the sand. 

The gang minus Ford (who, being in that "i want a nap!" phase was in no mood for pictures). Adorable  Danny, super happy Katie, joyful Luke and jumpy Abby. So blessed that these kids know each other.

A tradition I hope to continue even when we move up north. 

Keeping the good stuff alive. We gotta do it!

992. bumpers as packing supplies

993. free boxes

994. getting somewhere with discipline with abby

995. encouragement that it's for the best

Halloween in August

Mid July we started to hit a lull. It wasn't blazing hot (weird!) and we were all excited about our trip to Maine. What better way to pass the time than a walk with Tigger and Rapunzel! 

Halloween in August! 

And we insisted on visiting our neighbors hidden trampoline. (I'm sorta glad we didn't discover this until a month ago! I had no idea....)

Fordy is now saying just about everything. Everything. But my favorite thing he says is "sissy." "Here, sissy." "That's mine, sissy!" "I wuv you, sissy." 

Sissy, sissy, sissy. I hope it sticks.

987. sissy

988. being prayed for over the phone

989. facetime

990. easy disconnect and reconnect

991. a ridiculous number of things lining up

Late Summer Moments

Can I tell you the God-given glory of black out shades? Can I? I don't know how to express my gratitude to whomever invited them. A full hour of sleep has been regained each and every night because of those babies. And everyone is much, much happier. 

While we were showing our house, we took down the blinds in much of our house and Ford's room suffered the most. Putting him down for a nap under the noonday sun was the worst. "Sleep tight!" (While you roast in the afternoon blazes!) Now his room is like camping in Yosemite 24/7. Pitch black. It's a beautiful thing. 

And since we found out this move thing was happening, we've been soaking up the moments -- small, happy moments -- with friends. Could Ford and Abby be happier? (Thanks, Emi for the great pic!)

And yes, there was one Krispy Kreme moment. While mama was out of town, of course. 

And quite a few bubble mania moments in the backyard since the swingset got taken down..."Mama! Where's the swing?!"

And many impromptu sprinkler sessions since we needed that new sod to stay put!

And I think I've combed her hair three times all summer. Swim hair at it's finest - with no real pool!

And I just might be guilty of some cold, delicious bribery once in awhile. Mother Moo will be sorely missed. (Organic Mint Chip (real mint and dark chocolate!) anyone?)

There is still plenty of tom foolery going on over here while we get our minds around packing...

More on that coming soon!

983. processing what's happening
984. relying on God
985. realigning priorities
986. the unbelievable importance of friendship

4th of July

While we were away up north, Daddy was busy getting the house ready to sell. Once we came home, we spent lots of time trying to keep things clean, not get fingerprints on everything (impossible task!) and eating out. During one showing, the kids and I even went up the street with lunch and camped out in our neighbors front yard. Whatever works!

And, yes.... I'm only 1.5 months behind! 4th of July fun! Man, do I love this guy in a tie.... cute isn't he?

We did our usual absolutely-best-night-of-the-year get together with close families. We ate yummy burgers, candy and watched amazing fireworks over the Rose Bowl. It's Americana at it's finest and we absolutely love this tradition.  This was the first year that the "big kids" took care of Fordy so we could actually hang with the adults. Here's a glimpse of the red, white and blue chaos....

And Fordy successfully pulled every single flag out of the front lawn... I can't take this guy anywhere.

978. traditions

979. a rain check for fried pie

980. watching all of the kids grow up

981. encouraging words regarding our move

982. communicating well over text

Fairy Tale Town 2.0

This is pretty much how Ford felt about going to the park at Grandma and Papa's house up north....

Fordy's vocabulary exploded during the summertime and it has been fun to watch him fall more in love with his sister. Just the other day Ford and I were alone in the car and instead of enjoying some alone time, he kept asking, "Where's Abby?! Where's Abby?! Why isn't she in her seat?!"

Fairy Tale Town is another repeat from last year and it was a winner this year again, as well. A little Wizard of Oz happiness...

A giant slide at "Owl's House"...

I was afraid Abby wouldn't be into it-- but the crooked mile, the 3 little pigs, the Peter Rabbit garden -- it was so fun. It was completely devoted to their age and it was lovely.

We took a field trip a bit closer to the Bay Area another day and met up with JJ and her kids at a fun park. This picture was taken right after a little girl jumped off the swings and ran over to Abby, poked her arm, shocked her and said, "Shock!" A would assume she has an older brother who taught her how fun that can be.

First time on the tire swing!!!

After getting soaked, we had popsicles and "fed" the alligator out front...

And here is Lincoln, JJ's youngest, driving the Cinderella carriage with Abby inside.

Just like last year, it took us about a week to settle in and it took Grandma and Papa about a week to get used to the noise and the mess. After that, it was gangbusters. Papa was cracking jokes and being silly... and was quickly everyones favorite. Grandma was always two steps ahead of the madness. It was, just like last year, such a blessing to be there for such a nice long vacation.

973. all sleeping in one room
974. a dimmer that was the perfect nightlight
975. pie
976. eating outside
977. driving around myself

More Nor Cal Summer

Also while in Nor Cal this summer at Grandma and Papa's house...

Lots of running in the sprinkler covered in band aid art...(and doesn't she look big all of a sudden?)...

Running in wide open spaces (why did Grandma always get stuck doing the running?)...

Our little fish loving the pool....

Lots and lots of sprinkler running (with Grandma!)... in hundred degree weather...

And even some listening and sitting still under the shade of the tree in the front yard.

And mama got to do tons and tons of running to train for her very first "race" -- a Tough Mudder in Lake Tahoe a few weeks later. Not being a runner, it was pretty exciting to do 10 miles and 20 obstacles with close friends. This is 40, people. Well, 40 after electrocution and climbing under barbed wire...

Bloody ankles and dirty legs, good friends who clean up well for a well deserved dinner and passing along the training to the youngest monkey...

969. not getting stung
970. after dinner walks
971. bedroom fans
972. early naps