I took this picture of Owen mid-July and, looking back through my blog, realized I took almost the same picture of Sophie when she was about Owen’s age. (Owen, in general, is a little more frantic.) You can read about it here. Now, of course, it’s times two. (And some days, times three.)
“The quickest way for a parent to get a child’s attention is to sit down and look comfortable.” —Lane Olinghouse
Two nights ago Sophie helped us make an apple pie, which took an hour to cook. As such, she got to stay up past her bedtime because we decided it would be cruel to have her help make a pie, smell the pie while it’s cooking and then not be allowed to eat it. Because of bedtime. In the summer. Plus, Grandma and Paw Paw were visiting and grandparents always mean a bending of the rules.
By the time the pie cooled and she ate all her vanilla ice cream and didn’t even try the pie and then asked for more vanilla ice cream (we said no) it was 9:30pm. She curled up on the couch and asked for a blanket. I told her there were several nice warm blankets and quilts on her bed. And that it was time for bed.
She was done. It was well past her bedtime. We had visitors. She had been allowed to stay up late for dessert. She was in the mood to argue. We talked with her. Argued with her. Pleaded with her. And then, finally, I scooped her up.
Cradled in my arms, she made a round of quiet goodnights to everyone in the room. She protested once again.
“No.” I said. “It’s bedtime.”
She looked at me then, and in the softest voice said, “Do I have any other options?”
It was the sweetest and funniest thing. And how did she know that would get to me more than screaming, “I don’t want to go to bed!” Of course, I still put her to bed. As she had no other options. Which dismayed her greatly.
“Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed.” —Robert Gallagher
We recently received the following e-mail:
Dear Aunt Kara and Uncle Andy,
So pass along, don’t throw away. And if you are in need of something baby-related, do let me know. Now that the boys are 14 months, our attic is quickly filling with all those plastic things that made our lives so much easier those early months but are already no longer needed. And I’m eager to return the kindness that was given to us.
And yet, I confess: While I’m happy for the growth, it’s surprisingly hard to let so many of these things go. I remember when my parents gave Sophie that Reds T-shirt. And I remember the first game she wore it to, how she acted, what the weather was, how excited I was to take her. But even though I no longer have the shirt, I have the memories. And pictures. And little space. And no matter how loved, I believe a thing in use is better than a thing stored away, to what? Stumble across in a dusty box 10 years from now? No, I’d much rather see a picture of my niece in my inbox, ridiculously dressed up to show off what’s been given, what’s passed and what’s to come.
Matt and Christi’s beautiful son Quinn turned 1 several weeks ago and we were so grateful to be able to attend the party—November was the last time our children and Quinn played together and everyone has changed so much.
Owen, Sophie, Quinn and James, crawling up and down, up and down, up and down two steps.
Happy birthday, buddy! We’re so happy you live (a little) closer now (Michigan vs. North Carolina) and we can’t wait to celebrate many future birthdays with you.
“May you live all the days of your life.” —Jonathan Swift
We finished our drive home from vacation on a Saturday and that night a sitter arrived at our house to watch the boys (yes, it was a bit crazy). We decided Sophie was old enough to stay up late for a wedding, and she was invited, and she loves to dance, so we got her all dressed up for Ashley and Mark’s beautiful reception at the Oscar Event Center (oh, how Jungle Jim’s has changed!). Those who are looking for barn wedding venues Southwest Virginia may contact Bailey’s Wick Farm Wedding & Event Venue. Many couples also consider portable bathroom hire when planning larger or outdoor receptions to keep facilities convenient and accessible for guests.
You may also book a black and white Photo Booth so your guests can take fun and artistic pictures at the reception. Family photography is especially popular for capturing important life stages and milestones, such as maternity sessions, newborn portraits, birthdays, holidays, and annual family updates. These images often become cherished keepsakes displayed in homes, photo albums, and holiday cards, passed down through generations. A professional family photographer helps guide the entire experience, from choosing outfits and coordinating colors to selecting locations and the best lighting conditions. Nicole Boudreau Photography has experienced family photographers. Soft natural light—often during early morning or sunset—tends to create warm, flattering tones that enhance the emotional quality of the images.
And if you need exceptional local bands, musicians, and entertainers for your event, make sure to check out professional entertainment services like South East Entertainment Co. Couples planning destination celebrations may also want to hire a wedding photographer New Orleans trusts to capture every candid, joy-filled moment in a timeless way. For couples who want their rings and other special jewelry to shine in every photo, a jewelry retouching service can make those details sparkle perfectly in the final images. For those considering a mountain or desert-inspired celebration, exploring event venues in Flagstaff can provide stunning backdrops and unique spaces that make every wedding moment unforgettable.
Heather and Jimmy
Corie and John
the beautiful bride
Matt and Christi
Our dancing queen—she was shy at first, but late into the evening she taught all our friends “Daisy’s Dance” and everyone was doing it on the dance floor. “Jump forward. Jump backward. March, march, march. Clap, clap, clap. S.l.i.d.e to the one side. S.l.i.d.e to the other side.” Again and again and again.
Danielle and Corie
Joe, David and John
I think he’s convincing her to smile.
Dancing is hard work. Especially when it’s past your bedtime.
Congratulations, Ashley and Mark! We had a wonderful time at your reception.
“There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company
than a good marriage.” —Martin Luther
“One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach; one can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few.” —Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Each family made dinner for everyone one night of the trip. While my sister and I simply went to the grocery, my parents managed to find a place where they could buy fresh shrimp for their meal, directly from the men who caught it. I didn’t go with them to purchase the shrimp, but Sophie did, and these are my parents’ pictures from the outing.
“No life is so happy and so pleasant as the life of the well-govern’d angler.” —Izaak Walton
When the cold sets in in only a few months’ time, and I long for the sun, I will remember this walk—this perfect, perfect walk.
“To see the Summer Sky
Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie—
True Poems flee.” —Emily Dickinson
We took advantage of a rainy day to visit Wilmington, NC, where we had lunch at The Oceanic.
After, we explored the town—and had ice cream.
“In my mind I’m goin’ to Carolina
Can’t you see the sunshine
Can’t you just feel the moonshine
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine
It hit me from behind
Yes I’m gone to Carolina in my mind.” —James Taylor
Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Our little bumblebee spent hours digging in the sand.
Pop Pop and James
sweet Colleen, always with her thumb in her mouth
My mom made beautiful (reversible!) sun bonnets for each grandchild.
I absolutely love this picture. Drunk on cold milk, napping on the beautiful beach quilt my mom made, listening to the sound of waves crashing, seagulls calling and Sophie laughing.
My parents watched all four children while Katy, Tom, Andy and I enjoyed the water.
the Rees family
Sophie, thrilled to be spending an entire week with Daddy.
Our brave Sophie—it took a lot of encouraging words to get her to venture into the water some days, and even then, we often had to hold her. “Swing me! Dip me! Swing me! Dip me!” Tired arms followed.
I love Sophie in pigtails. She hates them.
I could have spent hours, every day, at the beach with Sophie.
Sophie also loved making, what she called, mud puddles. Every day, we dug these for her. She’s quite particular in how they’re made, however—and how fast her construction workers worked.
My idea of beach heaven.
Sophie’s idea of beach heaven.
James tolerated sitting in the sand. Owen did not.
sunset
playground fun
We celebrated a belated Father’s Day with my dad.
Katy makes the best cards.
He’s excited about his Paul McCartney tickets.
The boys doing the thing they love most—standing on a couch and looking out a window.
The boys doing the second thing they love most—drinking milk.
a sweet nap
cousins conversing
beautiful Colleen
Andy “watching” the boys.
I love when a day simply requires a blanket, some towels, a chair, flip-flops and a kite.
Sophie
The kite flying was a bit anti-climatic—perhaps Sophie will enjoy it more when she’s older.
sandy shoes
Somehow Sophie always got the beach chair—and I always got the sand.
One hot afternoon, while the boys napped, Sophie and I went shopping and stopped for ice cream (this is her second scoop—there was an unfortunate mishap with the first).
We came back to find Katy and Colleen relaxing in the hammock.
Sophie fell asleep snuggled up with me—I can’t remember the last time this happened.
This was the view from our back deck.
Strawberry shortcake for dessert, which Sophie loved.
Sophie staying up late …
playing hide-and-go-seek with Dad.
This was the boys’ first time in a pool. Thank goodness for grandparents as we certainly needed an extra set of arms.
It was Colleen’s first time in a pool, too!
a Sophie-sized beach towel
James enjoying the pool deck more so than the pool.
Out of all the toys we brought, the kids loved the “pillow pile” the best.
Uncle Tom made a pretty cool fort for the kids—that was popular, too.
my dad
my mom
cousins and siblings
grandparents and grandchildren
Katy, Tom and Colleen
Mom and Dad
my kids
my family
“Find what brings you joy and go there.” —Jan Phillips
