Ileigh's First Day of School

Watch out, Cow Room. This little one is headed your way every Tuesday. 

Again- I love that smile!

You had a great day with your friend, "Bri-wee"

Ileigh, you are sure to tell me every day how big you are. Believe me, I'm well aware of just how fast you are growing up.

You are so fearless and carefree.

You want to do everything your big brother does and you miss him so much when he is at school.

Your teachers said you did great your first day. I am so proud of you, little miss.

Eli's First Day of School

I don't even know how we got here so fast, buddy.

I can't believe you are in preschool- all day, every day.

(Ileigh had to have her picture taken too)

You had a great day. Here's to a great year.

A year full of learning and new friends.

Growth.

I cried all day long.

Growth.

After Ileigh and I drove home from dropping you off, I was lost. I didn't know what to do. I was left trying to swallow all of these emotions- fear, excitement, pride, sadness. Ileigh was taking it pretty hard too.

Growth.

You rocked your first day, bub.

You lived it and couldn't wait to go back today.

RIP Summer

Wait, what? Summer is over?

I can't believe it. 

According to my phone, this is how we spent our last half of the summer...

We had sleepovers in Mommy's bed while Daddy was out of town for work...

Watched the clouds....

Played at the library...

Visited Cadillac Ranch and found out Matt & Cami's big reveal!

Watercolored....

Really LOVED watercoloring...

Ate a steak...

Mowed the street...

Became a princess at Memamaw and Gramps'...

'Helped' Gramps mow the lot...

Played in his office...

Test drove some trucks...

Rodeo-ed...

Tried to boss horses around:

"HORSIES! My name is Ileigh Grace. You come back here, right now".

Learned how to get lots of candy at the parade...

Vacuumed up messes...

Had last t-ball games...

*Finally* got that trophy!

Got major haircuts!

Had lunch with Daddy at the Courthouse...

Took Baby Polly on a stroller ride...

Practiced our ninja skills...

Did half-year photoshoots...

Hosted a neighborhood ice-cream party...

Painted the living room...28 color samples later, we found the *right* grey/gray/greidge...

Shot a wedding in Red River, and snuck in a little fun too...

Stylin'!

Played lots with baby Polly...

Took one last summer stroller ride...

Practiced our beat-boxing...

Went to the Zoo...

Made pumpkin bread...

Got a new screen...or finally used the one we bought almost a year ago...

Went to 'meet the teacher'.

My heart is stirring with so many emotions tonight. I can't believe all the anxiety I'm feeling entrusting someone else with my amazing little boy every day, all day for preschool. All the excitement for new learning and new opportunities- I'm sure a more in-depth reflection is coming.

At this moment all I can think is:

S*** just got real.

Red River- Family Vacation

Oh, Red River.

We meet again.

If Chris could retire here, he would.

I just can't get over the whole winter thing....

This time we came back for family time!

The first night we had a dance party in the front drive with Emma...

The next morning we got up, got dressed and took some family pictures!

Afterward, we changed back into play clothes and went exploring....

And then to the park....

Anything he can do....

And then we got talked into go-carts. I haven't laughed that hard in years. The kids loved it. The adults love it even more.

Yeah, Ileigh and I let daddy and Eli catch up with us....but then raced passed them again.

I love the detail in Chris' finger in this shot.

Our deer friend by the cabin...

We ate mom's stew that night...

She doesn't cook a lot, but her stew is the best.

So big!

More go-carts!

This time, mommy had the camera....

Red River, we love you.