A moment of peace

Life has a way of sucking you in, keeping you busy, stressing you out, and jumbling you all around. It is so nice when you are able to find a moment to step back and find some peace. We were lucky enough to do that this past week.

We had an opportunity to take a short trip to California to pick up something for Kyle's work. We found this quaint little hotel near the beach in La Jolla, and were able to park the car and walk where we needed to go. Finding spots where we have to do as little driving as possible is my favorite! Not to mention, the walking is great when we indulge in delicious high calorie foods. :)

We found our own little cove down at the beach, and spent a few hours there. It was soooo nice. I am already looking to make some time to go back!

Here are some pictures to highlight the fun time we had :)

My whole world!!

she loved crawling (and eating) in the sand.

the rocks were her playground! she loved exploring.

our own personal cove :)

Operation: Real Life

I have a photographer friend who is very talented. She has been using her skills to capture real life, everyday moments of her children and family for keepsakes. Too often I use my simple phone camera, and they build up and never get seen again. We were gifted an old Nikon when Kyle's dad bought a new one, and I have slowly been trying to learn how to use it.

So, I am going to follow her example and put forth some effort at capturing real life. I will be printing them out, and starting a collection. I love them color, but for this collection, I think I will be sticking to good ol' black & white. I still don't really know what I'm doing with my camera. Its really just a lot of guessing. I hope to one day take a class so I can be efficient and take better quality photos.

Anyways,  here are a few.

Enjoy :)

Getting to Know You: Emma, 2 yrs 5 months

I have a friend who is always doing awesome stuff, and sometimes I just have to replicate her ideas. One in particular is the interviews she has with her children. So precious. I decided to sit Emma down today and ask her a few "get to know you" questions to see what her cute little self would answer. Enjoy :)

(PS- I do feed her more than just candy! But I might have had to bribe her a bit to sit long enough to answer the questions...)



What is your name? emma. just emma.

How old are you? uhh... i don't wememba (remember)

What color is your hair? brown

What color are your eyes?  blue eyes

What is your favorite food? candy food. i like candy food.

What is your favorite song? brave (by sara bareilles)

What is your favorite snack? candy snack

What is your favorite color? i love pink

What is your favorite animal? ephelant (elephant)

What is your favorite book? coloring book

What is your favorite store? i don't know (we rarely go out to stores... just too much for me right now haha)

What do you like to do with Daddy? play

What do you like to do with Mommy? play with coloring book

What do you like to do with Maya? play

What is your favorite movie? brave

Who are your friends? Harper (cousin) and Grandma

What is your favorite thing to do outside? swing and blow bubbles

What is your favorite thing to do inside? build a fort

My favorite phrases she says on the daily:
"love you sooo much momma" as she hugs me every morning, and throughout the day
"awww, my pwecious girls!" as she puts her arms around Maya and I and squeezes
"umm of course!" when i ask her to do something (that she wants to do haha)
"uh, i don't wememba (remember)" when I ask her something
"i don't know" as she shrugs her shoulders and raises her hands, so cute! haha
"momma i snuggle you" and proceeds to burrow her way onto my lap, and heart :)

It has been so fun to witness her independence grow. She likes to do things by herself, and constantly is teaching me how to be more patient, loving, and kind. She is so smart, and catches onto things so quickly. She loves to go to church, recognizes Jesus in every picture. Her colored pages every Sunday are my favorite works of art. After bath time, she loves to be snuggled in her towel. Still 99% a momma's girl. Loves cooking me food and giving me tea from her kitchen. I hope she keeps that up as she grows! She loves her sister... sometimes a bit too much. Even through the pokes, choke holds, and squishes, Maya just loves to watch her big sister and can't wait get up and play with her. Emma is already saying "no Maya!" when she climbs all over her, steals her toy, or eats her papers. Aye carramba. Sisters.

Emma Jane, I love you so. Thank you for choosing my to be your momma. 

Family of Four

So far, life as a family of four has been exhausting, wonderful, and full of love! We are slowly adjusting to the changes that a newborn brings, and slowly Maya is realizing the magic of sleeping at night and being awake during the day.

My brother's girlfriend, Alyn, is an up and coming photographer.  She was kind enough to come to the hospital and get the first official photos of our family of four. She did a great job, we love them! Here are some favorites, enjoy :)