pouter...

and up to no good... 

 

he reminds me so much of duke when he was little...always smiling at you as he did something mischevious.  

so sweet and innocent seeming that it is almost hard to get upset! :)

::firsts::

this past weekend was filled with a few firsts for finn.

his first college soccer game...

(you can all imagine how ryan's heart swelled with the possibilities...)

his first bikeride...

it is staggering how quickly he is growing!!

::farewell::

last weekend, we had the privilege of spending a day with our dear friends, andrew, lisa and ellison. 

                           

it was so generous of them to come down to visit as they are in a crazy time of transition as they are getting ready to move back to the midwest.  

it meant the world to us that they were willing to sacrifice an afternoon in their busy schedules with us and we could not have been more pleased than to get to pour over the details of their move with them.

the east coast will not be the same without you guys...but we are so excited for you as you begin this new adventure.

we love you guys and are praying for you!

much love!!

 

 

ellison is the custest little kissing bandit i've ever seen. she's not at all shy about planting one right on your lips.  and it could not have been sweeter.  finn's first kiss from a girl...we approve, chief! :)

don't worry. i really am a good mom...

mothering is a tough job.  

i've never had a job i would consider harder.

every single day that passes by, i count my blessings and would rather be no other place than right here with my sweet ones.   i want to capture these precious moments forever, as i could think of nothing better.

but, that doesn't mean that there aren't lots of days that i feel defeated by the end of the day.  

or spend the better part of the day questioning how i handled each situation that arose.  

some days i just wonder if i am doing ok.

this video and lily's following statement assured me that i am doing an impeccable job... :)

a few weeks ago, lily said to me:

"mama, i am going to run to the bathroom.  can you keep an eye on finn for me?"

yes, sweet lily.  i can.  (i think i might be giving her too much responsibility?!)

and then this...

(of course i cannot capture any of the adorable moments of film, but i manage to get that!)


but oh how i adore mothering...

::back to school::

lily had her first day of school today! 

i think i had more jitters than she did (again).

i can't believe how quickly she is growing before our eyes!

::thank you::

ash, jose and griffin came to spend labor day with us this past weekend. 

we were able to squeeze in lots of fun here in c'ville, in DC and outdoors.

it meant the world to us that they traveled all the way here from colorado and it was the perfect way to spend the weekend.  

thank you guys so very much for coming!  we miss you already!

 

isn't he just delicious??

twigs!!!

i don't think i can think of anyone who enjoys his or her birthday as much as my dear sister, whitney.

she LOVES birthdays.  anyone's birthday, really.  but of course, she loves her birthday.

and she is such a fun person to celebrate.

whit exudes a good time and it is so easy to get excited for a celebration when she is around.

sadly, today we are separated by several hundred miles, but i promise we will be celebrating you all day here on the east coast, whit.

we love you so very much and wish we could be there to have cake (and possibly frozen yogurt) and help bring in your 24th!

happy happy birthday, twigs!!