Summer

I used to think Fall was my favorite season, but this summer (apart from being sick) has been so magical. Trolley rides, road trips, beach days, splash pads, family visits — all have made it so fun  and so full of amazing memories!

I’ve been trying to be more intentional about using my pro camera for my personal day-to-day family photos, and I am so grateful when I do. This particular day we were just needing some fresh air & sunshine after being cooped up in the house sick all week, so when Ryan got home from work we got take-out and had a picnic in our front yard. The weather was perfect, the light was dreamy, and we were all together. I love soaking up these moments with our family. And it warms my heart to watch Evie play with her daddy. They are so silly together and she really lights up when he is home. Too much sweetness.

This season with littles is a lot of work and can be so hard at times, but I know someday I will look back at these photos and miss this stage so much. Now here’s to soaking up the last few weeks of Summer before it “officially” becomes Fall!

In love,

Monika

My little gardener

Yesterday I was gone most of the morning on a hike with some women from church. My husband, Ryan,  stayed home with the girls, and him & Eveleigh planted a little strawberry plant we were given as a gift. Eveleigh LOVES working out in our garden & and it warms my heart to see them having so much fun together. Ryan put this video together of their time and it’s just too cute not to share! <3

Hope you all are savoring this beautiful weekend!

With love,

Monika

Eveleigh Lynn, Age Two

Our sweet Eveleigh is growing into such a big girl. She is two years and four months old and is so full of joy & life. She is talking more and more everyday, and we are able to have full on conversations now! Nothing sweeter or sillier than a conversation with a two year old! She loves to sing and is always asking mommy & daddy to sing her songs (old mcdonald, the ABC’s, and twinkle twinkle being some of her favorites). She loves puzzles and making towers out of her building blocks. She is miss independent these days and pretty much says “no, I do it!” to just about everything. I love seeing her little personality and sense of humor come out more and more! I love to watch her interact with her baby sister too. She loves laying on the floor with Cora for “tummy time” and is always smothering her with hugs & kisses. Whenever Cora is crying Evie says “Uh oh, Codaa befff” or “Uh oh, Paci!” (as in, “mom she needs her paci!”).

She loves helping out with our little garden out back. Watering the plants, and picking & washing the fruit. We have some blueberries we’re waiting to ripen, and every morning she looks out the window and tells me “blueberries ready soon! We pick ‘em and eat em! Blueberries is so yummy!”

She really loves to learn and absorbs so much more than we even realize. She loves to pull her books off the shelves and sit with them in big pile all around her as she reads them. We read to her every night before bed, and she has to be the one to pick the book, hold the book, and turn all the pages all by herself. She also enjoys dragging out that process as long as possible and taking an hour to turn each page haha! Some of our current favorite books are ones by Dr. Seuss and Nancy Tillman.

Can’t forget this recent conversation over breakfast that cracked me up:

Me: How old is Eveleigh?

Evie: TWO!

Me: Do you know how old mommy & daddy are? Mommy is 26 and Daddy is 29!

Evie: Pauses, stares. Then “Daddy is SO OLD!“ ?

—

And a little questionnaire…

What’s your favorite color? “color blue”

What’s your favorite food? “Chocolate Cupcakes!” (I think she has only had a cupcake maybe twice in her life, but clearly they made an impression!)

What’s your favorite song? “twinkle twinkle”

What’s your favorite thing to do? “play toys”

What’s mommy’s favorite thing to do? “coffee” (it’s amazing how much she gets me ;))

What’s daddy’s favorite thing to do? “Guitar!” (again, spot on, kid!)

Where’s your favorite place to go? “walk to park”

Who’s your best friend? “TANYA CALEB!” (our friends from church… She always says them together as if it’s one word too, haha! Though I was sorta wishing she said mommy… tear)

Love this girl so much and am so grateful she’s mine. Watching her grow is one of my greatest joys!

Weekend Recap

^{This sweater is so cozy. I think I got it from… I wanna say TJ Maxx or somewhere… like two years ago. Boots and jeggings are from Target. As is half of my wardrobe, because I go in for something random like batteries and come out with all.the.things.}

I know it’s, er, Wednesday now, but here’s a recap of our weekend!

Last week was crazy busy for us. It was hectic, but we accomplished a lot and that always feels so good! But by the time the weekend came, we were all in need of a little sunshine & fresh air. So we went on a little family outing to Laguna Beach (always our favorite). Laguna is a charming, artsy beach town about 10-15 minutes north of where we live. We stopped in to Urth Caffe for lunch, then got some coffee and walked along the beach towards a little playground for Evie to play. While we were there a whale swam up right next to the shore! It was amazing. I couldn’t believe how close to shore it swam. It definitely further solidified my fear of swimming in the ocean though! But I loved how everyone just stopped what they were doing to watch it. I love how a sight like that brings people together in wonderment.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend, and were able to find time to get outside with the ones you love!

With Love,

Monika

^{Evie kept saying “Whale Mommy! Whale!”}

^{No weekend is complete without a little rest & relaxation. Love sneaking out to our deck when I can during nap time for some coffee & reading. This book is so good, and so empowering!}

^{Cora, all ready for church! Oh, and it’s a foot shadow, I promise ;)}

^{This guy is seriously super dad. Love him so much!}

Seven Months

Seven months ago my life changed forever. I became a mama to the sweetest, happiest, most beautiful little baby girl. I learned just how deep and unconditional my love was capable of being and I grew a deeper understanding of the love the Father has for us. And I’m making it my goal, my choice, to love everyone that way.

Life with this sweet girl is so beautiful. There may be challenges and hard days, but it is a gift that I will never take for granted. ♥