Easter

Easter baskets at home in the morning, an egg hunt at church and a quick photo by the gorgeous floral cross, egg dyeing and more egg hunting after naps at home.  And all of it in the sweetest matching white smocked dresses.  It was an Easter to remember.  Thankful for the risen Christ and the joy that Easter brings.  

Mother's Day

Being a mother to these two girls has been the greatest joy of my life.  They teach me so much and they have shaped my heart in ways I am eternally grateful for.  I am just so thankful.

And for my own mother, there are not enough words.  She has taught me what I know about how to nurture and love and discipline and teach my own two girls and she continues to inspire me daily in nearly every way possible.  She offers support to me in the task of mothering that most only dream of.  She listens to me talk about the minutia of a day raising two young children and helps me try to reflect on ways to do it better.  She loves my girls fiercly, and they love her in a way I could never have imagined.  I'm so thankful for her presence in my life and in theirs.  She is the best mother ever, no doubt.

Thanks be to God.

Retirement and Lake Adger

After FORTY-ONE years of working in education, touching lives of countless students in the elementary classroom all the way through graduate school, my mom finally wrapped up a remarkable career at the end of June.  There aren't ways to express how proud we are of her and also how grateful we are that this chapter has come to a close and that we'll get even more Sweet Mama in our lives.  Here are my girls with her, wearing their "Love Salem" t-shirts, on campus her last week of work.

When July 1 rolled around, we went off to Lake Adger to celebrate.  It was one of the most peaceful places I've ever been.  We spent the long weekend swimming, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, eating, resting, and enjoying being together.  It was a great summer getaway.

Eloise had it made; hikes in the backpack, naps in the kayak.

Matching PJs

Caroline and Clara loved listening to books on CD together.

 And everyone got some Sweet Mama snuggles.

 Great view from our deck.

The big cousins loved sharing a room.

 Robert taught the girls how to fish (no catching this time though).

 And we had our own kid-friendly firework show on July 4.

These girls finished up a fun weekend together with a movie night in bed.  Sweet cousin memories.

Congratulations, Sweet Mama.  Here's to lots more traveling and many more memories to make together in the years ahead.