colorado

we just returned from a much needed trip to colorado.  i soaked up time with family along with friend visits sprinkled throughout.  

we left ben behind as we started off our travels.  

it was good to be home.


cousin time was priceless.  


driving around mimi and papa's house

cousins plus technology equals quiet cuteness


kinsley has always loved snow.  we have barely seen a flake since we've lived in NC so she set up camp on this tiny pile.  


cousins (best friends).   see the following 2 pictures for further proof.  

exhibit a:  same sleep habits.   

exhibit b:  holding hands while sleeping

sarah and brennan moved in with my parents while i was there.  she made me oreo balls.  worth repeating:  she made me oreo balls.  

(sarah, i will delete this if you want).  she is 34 weeks pregnant and dealt with terrible back pain.  my time with her wouldn't be best captured without showing her on the floor.   

how cute are gabe and papa doing some homework?

how cute are brennan's pigtails?

ford and caroline were little buddies.  

best friends reunited!  i got 2 amazing dates with kari.   one with kids and one without.   we didn't skip a beat and neither did our kids.  

a night with amy d was also priceless.  so much history.  

and i finally, finally got to meet baby tatum.  #ashleyandamyforever

a long day of travel equaled caroline sleeping the final 30 minutes of the flight.   i rarely get to hold her sleeping so this was such a sweet time for me.  

 we were ready and thankful to be together with ben.   and extra thankful that he built me a barn door while we were away.

she makes me happy

caroline, you add an unparalleled amount of individuality and laughter into our house.  

how can one person give so much grief to every member of her family while also being outrageously adored by every member of her family?  

your dad and I catch each others eyes constantly to make sure neither one of us missed something ridiculous you said or did.  

i often have to hide around the corner when you are in a time out to prevent you from seeing me smile.   you are dramatic.  

this one cracks me up.     

she is particular about having her diaper changed on the staircase.   

i suppose 70 degrees warrents no pants.   

watching a house being built across the street.   

new art

since we moved in, this wall has been screaming for some color.  i had intended to do a gallery wall but it felt forced and uninspired.  enter ben.   he willingly and skillfully crafted the perfect art for the space.    it is giant.  it is heavy.  we weren't certain the wall would still be standing the morning after hanging it.  but it is beautiful and ben is already planning his next project.   

i included pictures of our family from all seasons.    i love the contrast of their precious baby pictures blended with the bright eyed girls in the more recent pictures.  

i also included a couple from my childhood.  if you could zoom in on the picture above of myself and my dad, you would see an uncanny resemblance to caroline.  

thanks, ben!    

from the phone

i think the only thing tying these pictures together is the fact that you cannot see anyone's face.

after searching the house, this is where i found hallie.   finding her reading in a corner trumps a mess any day.  

the girls LOVE when dad comes home....lots of cheers and jumping.  

before bed.  

 kinsley's legs in the air.  hallie trapped.  

 this is not gentle or quiet.  but it sure is fun to watch.  

unpublished

these pictures are from the last 6 months that i never included on the blog.  i take lots of pictures so usually only my favorites get posted.  

as i was organizing some picture folders i rediscovered the misfit photos.  maybe a bit blurry, bad lighting, bad angle, or an insignificant occasion.   as i remembered each moment i realized how much i love these imperfect shots.

the misfits:
this first picture i love.  it was just a quick non noteworthy moment.   our everyday.

caroline watching her favorite show, caillou.   fully relaxed.  

terrible picture.  but we spend lots of time at this pool every week.

hallie was not feeling well and it was a lengthy and tight snuggle.

hallie and i can make all the same expressions.  we like to practice.

caroline snuggling onto kinsley.  hallie kissing caroline's elbow.  kinsley holding caroline tight.

a visit from a dear dear dear special special special friend.  it filled all our buckets.

opening presents on caroline's 2nd birthday.  i never posted pictures of her party because there was never a party.  sorry, sweet girl.  this is the best shot we got.  

i took this through the window.  sisters chatting.

this was a really dumb pinterest craft.  something about hammering a cotton ball.  dumb.  

taken after a little archaeological dig in our backyard.  dirt is fun.

she can get in but not out.

a friend threw a super elaborate olympics for kids.  kinsley and hallie went for the gold while caroline shimmed up the playset giving me a heart attack.  

i like the color and the movement.   and happiness.  

a single serving.  a big mess.