::something about a baby in a white onesie::

that melts my heart...

and this little buddy. 

::real life::

della may's first Easter.

and i had grand visions of sweet pictures of our 4 out in the sunshine of this lovely day.

and i tried.  and didn't get a single good picture. as each child took off a part of their Easter garb, and got a little crabby or food on their face and i thought of my parents going through 7 rolls of film each christmas trying to get a single shot of the 5 of us smiling simultaneously.

it's real life.  and i love it.  and thankfully, Jesus loves us so much in spite of our mess.  and on this first Easter for della, i was overwhelmed thinking about how often my parenting is a mess and i fail and mess up and need forgiveness.  and the fact that Jesus came for me is the best news i've ever heard.  

hallelujah!  He is Risen!

::beaming::

it has only taken me 4 kids to anticipate this moment.

but, i am always floored the first time i walk into one of my children's room to see them sitting (or later standing) for the first time in their crib.

it makes them seem so big.  so independent.  so old.

i knew della was getting close to this for weeks now.  

yesterday, i was in the kitchen when i glanced at the monitor and realized she was sitting in her crib. 

my sweet baby!

i went up to get her and she was grinning from ear to ear.  she was so very proud of herself.  

and i was too.

::atlanta spring break::

whit, duke & sam hosted us this past week in atlanta for lily's spring break.

it was perfection.  the weather was just right, the activities were wonderfully planned for both adults and kids (thanks, whit!), and the company was amazing.  

we soaked up every minute of it together.

at one point, lily declared that "time with family is waaaay better than disney world!" and my heart soared. (note that she has never been to disney world) :) 

thank you whit, duke & sam for hosting us!  we love you so!

we went to an amazing goat farm at an old cotton mill.  we were all intrigued and perplexed by this gem of a place in the heart of the city.  it was so cool!

duke and sam live steps away from piedmont park.  we spent lots of time feeding the ducks, playing, walking and running there.

the aquarium was unreal.  the kids were in awe the entire time and i loved seeing the delight and wonder in their eyes.

a wonderful birthday celebration for these three!

perfection.

::recap::

we have been blessed with a whirlwind of activity around these parts.

it has been awesome and busy.  and here's a quick recap of the last few weeks...

kathy came to visit.

it was oh so dreary while she was here, but she showered the kids in lots of love and it made for a perfect visit.

it was wonderful to catch up, have lots of time to relax and have her be a part of our weekly routine.  

the kids soaked up every minute of it!

the weather is finally becoming lovely and this little guy would spend every minute outside if it were up to him.  he has dug quite a few holes in the backyard and is so proud of himself!

ry and i got to run the 10 miler together and it was such a treat. 

gone are the days of our daily runs together.  so, it felt so special to have the 10 miles side by side.

the c'ville 10 miler has got to be one of my favorite races.  it is a great course, is a perfect distance to run hard but not have to train too hard, and has great crowd support.

at one point, we ran by a church with a band outside playing for us...i started to get all teary as i felt such gratitude for our strong bodies that were carrying us side by side, for this beautiful town we live in, and for the amazing grace of the Lord.  

it was a perfect start to the weekend.

(and we did not intend to dress alike...i was in orange first!) :)

lily has been taking a few horseback lessons and we have been afforded the opportunity to hang out on a beautiful farm while she rides.  our boys are really timid around animals and we have been working hard to choose bravery.  we had major breakthroughs at her last lesson!

so thankful that spring is upon us and for this beautiful time of year!