the princess is in the pool

It was the best Princess Pool Party she could have asked for...

It's great to be Five!

Happy Birthday La La!

Dear Lillianna,

I can't believe you are FIVE!

Recently, the thought of how fast you and Ellenie are growing up makes my chest tighten, tears come to my eyes, and a panic rise up in my heart.  Then, I look at these pictures or recall my favorite memories and remember that it has been five VERY FULL years.

Five years

Full of laughter and full of learning

Full of sweet, sweet, sweet moments

Full of hugs and kisses...

and tantrums and time-outs

Full of walks and treasure hunting

Full of tea parties and hand-holding

Full of naps and bed time stories and singing songs.

Five years...

Full of loving more than I knew was possible.

Full of watching you grow and grow and grow

Full of bursting with pride and drowning in humility

Full of realizing I know very little and yet learning so much

Five years...

Full of princesses, pink, and pretty, fancy things.

Full of cupcakes, cookies, and "special treats"

Full of old friends, new friends, and precious memories with both.

Five years...

Full of incredible, beautiful, amazing

YOU!

I love you sweet girl and couldn't be more proud of you!

You are a gift every single day.

Love,

Mama

It's hot in Mississippi!

We spend most days trying to new ways to stay cool...

Trying on her new shoes for school...

I can't believe how big her feet have gotten!

Where troubles melt like lemon drops

Somewhere over the rainbow

way up high,

There's a land that I heard of

Once in a lullaby.

Somewhere over the rainbow, 

skies are blue,

And the dreams that you dare to dream

really do come true.

A new pet at the lake

What?! What is it Ellenie?!

Oh my!  That is a BIG grasshopper!  He seems nice though.

Oh!  Maybe not!

Your big sister will protect you.

She LOVES things like this.

I'm so glad you have eachother.

I heart friends.

The day after we found out we were moving again, we went to visit our friends we moved away from.

The visit was just what I needed.  It was very comforting to remember that it is such a blessing to have friends no matter where they live.  So fun to pick right back up where you left off and to forget you live apart.

So good to remember that geographic distance has nothing to do with how close you are.

I love friends.

It was good for our souls to see our old friends.

To see some that we havn't seen in awhile and to know nothing much has changed...

except all the little ones are getting so big!

I didn't get pictures of everyone we got to see - it was such a treat to see you all!

Can't wait to see you again soon...when you come to TN to see us!