back to school for TWO??

I think Open house is just as emotional for ME as the first day of school. But especially this year with both of my sweet girls heading off...and growing big. It is not easy knowing that Emma will not be in the daytime schedule of life with me this year. I love that kiddo and her companionship. However, I am so excited for the way Ellie and Emma may grow and bond this year at Maplewood. 

God bless these sweet faces! 

The day before school we had a girls' day...lunch out...pedicures and manicures on Nana's back porch...lemonade and chit chatting. I think all three of us soaked up every moment of this.

My first day of school beauties. Even though they were arguing right before this picture was taken...they sure are cute. HA!

First day of first grade!

First day of fourth grade!



Nana surprised the girls and showed up to give them hugs and walk with them to their classrooms on their first day of school. Loved it.

First day of school for Emma at Maplewood---I snuck a picture of her that first 10 min of school. Bell had rung and I had to walk away...

I love everything about this picture. Ellie and Emma walking slowly down the hall, talking about their first day of school. Griffin ANXIOUSLY waiting for his big sisters to come home---back pack on...just to be like them. And me...I just wanted to go home and soak it up. The days of school have come FULL SWING in our home. Can't go back...

Lazy Summer Dayssssss

FIRST CROP!!!!

Oh Griff. You crack me up. You play hard, you laugh hard, you eat hard, and you...sleep hard!

What a special birthday gift this year. Mom gave this to me on my 35th birthday. She told me that Dad bought it for her the month I was born. The two of them went to the store and picked this out as a special ring to represent my birth. When she gave it to me--fully authentic and original...it meant the world to me. There is nothing I would change about this ring. 

Happy Birthday to Griff---his favorite bday present!!

I couldn't help but capture this picture. There are not many moments these days where the girls are ONE...and enjoying one another. I loved this special, silly, fun moment.

This is a moment I won't forget. Griff sat on the driveway and started drawing a picture of our family. This was him drawing Grady---right next to him. It just melted me. Griff doesn't always express, verbally, how he thinks about the change that is coming...so this was pretty cool.

Special Wedding and Day!!

Our family was blessed and honored to all be a part of this day for Erin and Josh. We will never forget it. So thankful for their friendship and family-like relationship to us. 

Summer Lake Memories

Pictures speak for themselves when it comes to the lake. It is a priceless, special, incredible place for our family. There are so many memories and we are so so grateful and blessed. 

Preston Visit!!

Looking more and more alike as the years pass---Nathan is becoming such a stud.

After their annual run together!