Enjoying the little things...

like warm and sunny summer evenings spent in the driveway, drawing with chalk and lounging with family.

      We were home in Ohio the second week in July. My childhood home was abuzz with giddy anticipation and wedding prep was in full force. The third in line, Victoria, was getting married at the end of the week to sweet Dan.

     Dan is a Maryland native who courted my family so successfully my mother almost forgot he was whisking yet another daughter away from her. In the moments she did remember, tears were usually involved and it would make me think of the Kiera Knightly "Pride and Prejudice" quote when Mrs. Bennet says, "I often think, that there is nothing so bad as parting with one's children. One seems so forlorn without them." I can only imagine how difficult this phase must be for my mom, I hope I have as much grace as she does when I am going through it.

(It seems Vic was skeptical of whatever Ty was drawing.)

      In the best way we were all soaking up a little bit of extra family time. For most of the week is was the original six, laughing, talking, loving and annoying each other while doing the familiar-eating healthy, then baking dad's brownies and watching movies together all snuggled on the couch.

(T-O-B-I-A-S, I can hear them chanting it in my head.)

      We spent some time working in the yard (because that is where Vic was hoping the big shebang would take place), and lots of time discussing wedding details and arguing over the best way of doing things.

     We were constantly checking the weather and trying our darndest (yes I know that's not a word) to wish away the 100% chance of rain that was forecasted for the day of the wedding. We were unsuccessful, but the church turned out to be a beautiful backup plan. 

(My momma and two weeks old Baby Well's.)

     It was a week that despite having two littles was so full of ease, sweetness and good memories it made me wish for just a second that we all lived together, near each other in real life. But alas, we do not, so I will just have to fill up on family when I can and try and make it till I see them again.

(Always playing games and being silly with Auntie Cescee.)

     So there we were, my little pod of people, lounging in the driveway, savoring each others company and enjoying the little things.

(Spinning until you're dizzy...)

(and then falling down.)

Tobias Mowing

     These photos don't really have much of a story other than, I really want to remember this time and how much Tobias loves mowing. We talk about it everyday. If he isn't mowing the yard, it's the porch, or my carpet. If I ask him to do something he usually says "Mow First!" Gotta love his enthusiasm.
     The awesome rain coat and boots are from his Nana. We are waiting for the weather to cool before bringing this outfit back out. I have a feeling he won't take it off once he gets the chance to wear it again. Possible Halloween costume? It's in the running!

Splash pad living.

     This kid had soooo much fun and I took way too many pictures. It was seriously too hard to pare it down and pick the best ones. Ty's expression or stance in each one just made me giggle remembering the pure joy he had while walking in and around the fountains of water.
     It was over Labor Day weekend when we traveled to Ohio that we decided to walk around The Greene (a shopping mall near my parents house). We hadn't thought about the Splash Pad, but couldn't resist once we saw all the little kids prancing around in their suits screaming and squealing with delight. What is it about splashing water that is so exciting? I have no clue, but prepared or not, we just had to join in. So off came the pants and out came the camera and the introduction was made. Ty, splash pad. Splash pad, Ty ...

     There were several times when my mom and I had to rescue him from big kids and fountains that caught him by surprise, but no deterrent was too big! Once consoled, he was twisting in our arms trying to get back out there. So many laughs, such a good memory. 

-And Gray caught some of the excitement of video, for those who are interested!

A morning at the park.

     Labor day weekend was the first time in a very long time that our WHOLE family (Riggs, Tobias, me and Gray) was able to make the trip home! Thinking back, it really was the perfect amount of time. We split our 4ish days between my family, my two grandma's and Gray's family! They were jam packed with lots of love, attention, and activities and little frustration so I would call that a pretty successful trip!
     We started home on Wednesday evening and drove to Lexington where Matt and Dana and their sweet boys live. We spent the night enjoying their hospitality and company. The dinner Dana prepared was out of this world (a far cry from my usuals), grilled chicken and asparagus, with the warmest bread and the tastiest wine! I love spending time with them, they remind me of the beginning. We still joke about that time when Matt told Grayson, who had just vented about how frustrating I was, that we would get married some day. They have journeyed with Gray and I from our inception and have mentored us through to marriage and beyond. They are the dearest of people and talking about life with them feels so comfortable. We pick up right where we leave off every time, and as I have gotten older I realize just how rare that is!
     If any of you have traveled with children you know just how taxing it can be, so the next morning we woke in the wee hours and traveled the 2.5 hours home as the sun rose and the baby slept. We went to Gray's house first and after some conversing, Melody and I decided to take a walk down to the park with Tobias. We enjoyed the slide and teeter totter, but mostly the swings. Watching him swing is always amusing, what with his wispy hair getting tousled every which way and his infectious giggles, I always end up laughing. His zeal for life and learning is truly a gift.