grease lightning

Ellie loves to dance.

And getting to see her buddies, Claire and Hannah every Monday

made for a sweet year of ballet and jazz.

Such a pretty little dancer. 

 Her biggest fans came to cheer her on. :)

phone dump.

So my good friend, Courtney, gave me quite the challenging gift for my birthday this year. :) A picture-a-day photo album. I was sick at the first of the year and completely forgot about starting with my daily pictures, so I decided I would begin on my birthday and capture each day of my 35th year.

I have really enjoyed it. However, I have been using instagram and not my camera. More practical and easier that way, but I think my camera misses me. And of course the pictures aren't the best quality. But in this case, it's quantity over quality baby. :)

So here's a few moments of my 35th year so far...

eight years old.

I sat across from him on the bus yesterday.
His first time.

I just stared at him, watching as he talked to his buddy and acted like a goof.

He would look over at me and smile.

It was the last day he would be seven.

We had just spent the day together at the zoo.
He taught me everything he knew about snakes... his current fascination.

He even let me hug on him without getting embarrassed.

Will that change now that he is eight?
I hope not.

 He declares he will never marry or have kids.

So will he ever know how much I truly love him?
How my heart aches with pride when I see him grow in confidence
 and accomplish things he didn't think he was capable of accomplishing?
How I can't imagine life without him in my world?

There have been recent stories about him chasing girls on the playground.
That's new.
Maybe there's still hope. :)

 Wishing my big boy a very Happy Birthday.
May you feel extra special and loved every single minute on your special day.
Everyday.

And may today be filled with more legos than you know what to do with.

 Love you, Hayes.
xoxo

game face.

seattle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

much-needed getaway.

just the two of us getting to explore.

many laughs and memories made.

mucho coffee and seafood consumed.

thanks minnie and papaw for taking care of our sweets.

xoxoxo