My almost two year old.

I can hardly believe that it's been two years since this little love stole our hearts.

  For me, birthdays and celebrations always seem to lend themselves to reflection and a look back at the previous year thinking, "Look how far we've come!"

As we approach the big 2 I am overwhelmed and overjoyed at what a special and wonderful little person our girl is growing into. I know that people say they are the Terrible Two's, and while I admit there are most definitely challenging times and breakdowns (possibly more to occur)...I wholeheartedly LOVE this age!

Everything is new...every day something new to be discovered, and watching her little mind work and learn is such a treasure.

She loves her friends.

I delight in watching them together now because for the first time the kiddos are actually playing together vs. just side-by-side independant play. I hope she continues to delight in her special friendships throughout her life...

PEPS party at our house a few weeks ago.

She is inquisitive and curious...

and she is goofy and silly.

She is completely independant and wants to do everything by herself...

but then quickly realizes she may "nee hep" and isn't afraid to ask for it.

She greets everyone with a smile and a wave and doesn't know a stranger...

But then at times in large group situations, she becomes very shy and sticks close to mama or daddy's side until she's warmed up.

She can be quite particular and she most definitely knows what she wants... and she is our pride and joy. I love you Miss Gracie. I love watching all the different sides of your personality blossom. You make me so very happy. Happy birthday weekend baby.

Memorial Weekend.

This Memorial Weekend we returned home to Walla Walla to remember.

To celebrate.

To laugh, cry, and surround ourselves in all things that remind us of him: shrimp creole, Beaujolais music, heartfelt toasts, a drive into the mountains, a look through old pictures...

Because 10 years ago my sweet dad said good-bye to us.

We drove up 5,300 feet in elevation into the Blue Mountains to try and reach Yellow Jacket Point...his special look out point that he knew he wanted as his final resting place.

The snow drifts kept us from reaching our final destination this trip up, but I realize now he was probably looking down smiling at us the whole time.

Because to him...it was never really about the final destination, it was all about the journey.

We miss you dad.

We miss your sweet smile and your calming presence.

We miss your teasing nature and your reminders for us to all "be pleasant".

Thank goodness we have so many wonderful memories to hold close to our hearts.

And thank goodness you were ours.

Because you were the best.

My most important role.

Being a mama.

It's my second Mother's Day as a mom myself, and I can't help but look back through pictures of the day that made me just that.

 Her mama.

And this little one-to-be inside me's mama.

It is the most amazing, challenging, fulfilling, and purposeful role I have ever and will ever have. Being a mother completes me in a way that nothing else can.

Simply put, it is what I was meant to do and to be.

To love her, to guide her and to nurture her life.

So Miss Charlotte Gracie girl...thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Thank you for loving me even on the days I have no clue what I'm doing.

Thank you for making me a mama.

i carry your heart {i carry it in my heart} -e.e. cummings

So, guess what...

it's true!

big, exciting stuff around here.

and we are feeling pretty darn happy and blessed about it.

The South.

Each time I visit the South I am completely taken with it.

  Each new place I've seen, I grow more and more in love with just about everything about it.

The seemingly slower pace of life, the smells...kind of earthy and damp, the way folks greet you and speak to you like you are a long lost friend.

I swear, part of me truly believes I was meant to live there.

This past week I got to enjoy a quick trip to South Carolina for a couple of days. And while it was a work trip peppered with meetings and dinners, they thankfully gave us quite a bit of free time to wander the gorgeous 22,000 acre plantation land.

Time to relax in my own private cottage on my own private screened in porch (honestly, is there anything more appealing than a screened in porch??!)

Time to read an entire book in 2 days.

Time to relax in a soaking sanctuary.

Time to ride the darling bikes they have parked outside each cottage around the grounds.

And time for an incredible facial, manicure and pedicure.

I came back feeling refreshed. And I'll tell you...I haven't felt refreshed in awhile.

Must be that sweet Southern air.

Well hello there.

Remember me?

  It's been awhile.

This little blog o' mine has been quite neglected as of recently.

How does time pass by so quickly?? How is it that weeks have passed and the thoughts I think of writing about 20 times a day never quite seem to make it on the screen?

Lack of time? Busy schedules? Rather snuggle a sweet little girl?

I think it's a combination of all of the above.

But...I love documenting our life here.

I love looking back and reviewing the past year's ups and downs. I love it not only for its timeline of events, but for the outlet it allows me. A way for me to take a step back and ponder...and through that pondering, more often than not comes a clearer realization of thankfulness.

  Thank you little blog...I pledge to be better at keeping up. If not for me, for Hans and Auntie Kay :)

And so...little things that make me extra thankful lately:

Sunday brunch with friends (and REALLY delicious Mighty-O donuts!)

The friendship between these two...

Easter gatherings with family, gorgeous weather, and a passed down dress on a little one that used to be mine.

The extra-excited-shake-face made quite a few appearances with each egg opening this year!

Zoo adventures

And little girls holding hands...

Backyard apple blossom tree.

First outdoor lunch of the season.

Just being outside in general...the vitamin D did some serious wonders last weekend.

Happy thankful week friends!