a fair evening

We visited the fair a couple of weeks ago, and we had such a wonderful time.  The kids are still talking about it and asking when we can go again.  We took Bobby's sister, niece, and nephews with us which made it even more special for the kids.  They just love their cousins!

The very first ride that the kids got on was a little faster than Makayla had bargained for.  Every time the ride came around, she had on such a serious face and you could tell she was not enjoying herself.  After that, she would look at each ride and say "too fast" or "no thanks" and just keep on walking.  She didn't seem to mind at all or feel like she was missing out on anything - she just knew that some rides weren't for her.  She was totally content with the slow carousels and trains and teacups - just like her mama!

Caleb, on the other hand, could not find a ride that was high enough or fast enough for him!  He headed straight for all of the big rides, and he was so disappointed when he found out that he was too short for most of them.  (I was secretly ecstatic about this fact, because otherwise, I would have had to say no and been the bad guy!)  We still found some faster rides to make him happy, but I just know I am in for it when he is older!  The faster and higher (and more dangerous and life-threatening), the better as far as he's concerned - just like his daddy!

school's in session

Caleb started school last week, so we took our traditional first day of school pictures.  He was not feeling it, but he humored me long enough to at least get a few decent ones.  I've loved seeing all of these pictures pop up on friends' instagram and facebook feeds all week - it's just so sweet to see all of these excited kiddos!

He has had a great first week of first grade, and we are so excited for him and for this next year.  He definitely feels like a big boy, and he is reminding us of it every day!

| last year's first day of school pics here |  | sign found here |

#tbt.....first day of school

Well, our summer break is officially over.  Our little man started first grade yesterday.

Ummmm, seriously?!!!  

We took his first day of school pics yesterday afternoon, which made me want to go back and look at his very first pics just three short years ago.

And now I want to go snuggle my babies and ask them, yet again, to please stop growing so fast.

a decade

Today is our ten year anniversary.

For ten years I have had the amazing privilege of walking alongside this man and doing life with him.  It has gone by so incredibly fast, and it seems like forever ago.  I'm a sentimental, emotional woman, so of course I can't help but think back to where we started and where we are now.  We've been through so much together.  There's been a lot of ups and downs.....maybe a few more downs than we bargained for.  But I know that God is writing our story, and I know that he has wonderful plans for us individually, for us as a couple, and for our family.  I know that there are more blessings and more trials in our future, and I know that we will weather it all together.

I love this life that we've built.  I love this family that we've made.  I love this journey that we are on.

And I really, really love this man of mine.

| select photos by Jennifer Dunaway Photography |

summer happenings

and according to Instagram.....

watching fireworks  |  they don't like the smell at Starbucks  |  family night mini-golf game

library story time  |  just dance in our pajamas  |  dinner on the water

washing grandpapi's truck  |  family selfie at the pool  |  picking flowers {aka weeds}

daddy buys them silly things  |  a beautiful morning calls for breakfast outside  |  lazy day fun

she loves her shades  |  morning play-doh session |  haircut

playing at the library  |  family selfie at movies in the park  |  good morning

Our summer has been flying by, but we have been having a blast!  It's been a little laid-back, a little busy, and a lot of fun!  We have been doing so many things that we don't normally get to do during the school year.  We love having our little man home with us during the day, and I know it's going to be especially hard on Makayla when school starts back up.  And it will be hard on this mama as well!  Even though the days can be very long and very tiring, I really do cherish this sweet season with my kiddos!

Here's to the last few weeks of summer!