Two years of knowing Heaven on Earth. Mallie Lynn Estelle

At 8:54am today in the sweetest of moments we celebrated our sweet girl's 2nd year of life.  The smells of birthday breakfast filling the house, the sound of Henry singing a birthday song on the guitar and the feel of her in my arms while we swayed.  I'm so thankful for that moment, and all the others before it.  She has brought us joy, love, and laughter beyond our wildest dreams.  A year ago we celebrated the darling that she is and I can not believe the abundant and glorious changes we've seen in her since then.  She is fueled by love, surrounds us in sass, melts us with sweetness, takes our breath with beauty, produces belly laughs with her silly's, and surprises us with smarts.  She is Mallie Lynn Estelle.  Our sweet girl we love you so and are filled with joy and thankfulness as we celebrate you today.  you turning two.  

the making of a boy.

Another milestone was reached for our sweet Henry on his journey through boyhood.  This past week as he suited up for his first t-ball game.  His bat has seen a lot of hits, his glove many catches but always from the comfort of his own backyard.  He has been so excited about being on a real team and the preparation of it all has brought much joy to our hearts.  Being handed his team shirt and getting to enter a dugout as a player felt super cool to him.  Then there was the trip to Dick's Sporting Goods aka "Sports Goodies" (according to Henry), to pick up REAL cleats and baseball pants.  

Cheering him on in his first game was fun and entertaining.  We saw everything from a great hits and throws, to playing in the dirt and climbing fences.  Henry made a hit each time he got to bat, one of which popped up pretty nice and according to him "went as high as the moon. "  When asked if he could hear us cheering for him he replied "Yes, I hear you and all the other people; I knew everyone would cheer for the Gophers!"

 His littlest fan is far from fair weather.  She loudly yells "Go Henwy!" Run Run Run da bases!" And when a potty break was needed for our big leaguer mid game, she clapped and yelled "Go Henwy Go!"

 I love a reason to celebrate and that's just what we did to close out his first game.  Graham Slam ice cream in his Reds ice cream helmet.  My big and wonderful boy!  I hope that he has fun as he plays and learns those little lessons found on a field being a part of a team.

Closing out Summer

When you arrive at the lake it's important to get your game face on,

have a swim before dinner, and play a good game of battleship with your Pop and cousins. 

 Going to bed is a pretty big treat when you get to listen to Nanny tell a captivating story.  

The weekend was weather perfection which made for a wonderful setting for family fun.  Mom and Dad were so gracious to host all the cousins for a camp out houseboat style.  We set out for a cruise down the lake on Saturday morning after a wonderful night at the dock.  The kids had a blast taking turns at the helm and I had a blast actually having a need to wear my Sperry's.  Running ropes to cleats and feeding them up the shoreline put me in a seriously happy place.   The kids had an adventure filled time as they scouted the shore for geodes, found sticks for a bonfire, searched for treasures, rode the sea-doo and swam in the lake.  

 My little buddy asked to borrow my sunglasses while I gave him a belly rub.  I'd say that's a pretty rough way to ride down the lake.

Evidence of boys on an adventure can be seen on their faces.  This sight was observed more than once and Henry liked to call it his "worker man" look.  

There were marshmallows for roasting and s'mores to smack our lips on.  Even sweet Mallie Lynn was able to participate in the gooey goodness thanks to Annie's graham crackers and Enjoy Life chocolate bars.  

Waking up to this view and watching the kids throw rocks in their pjs was a priceless moment. 

BIG rocks

l i t t l e        rocks

this is the look of a girl who is about to use her spider killing skills.  

None of us were ready to leave the lake, easy to see why.  When God's creation can be enjoyed both in nature and family I feel like a girl filling up a treasure box.  More precious than gold are these memories.