Catching Up

My camera has been busy lately and it isn't going to stop any time soon.

A few weeks ago my mom, the girls and I, celebrated Hilton's second birthday at his Bubble Guppies party.

He got a lot of train and golf stuff, and that was alright with him.

Emmy had fun playing with his cousins

Elly was content with Memama because she got her first taste of ice cream.

 And I got to cuddle with this birthday girl (cousins born on the same day one year apart), who's name is also, Kayla.

This past Thursday I was invited by an old dance friend to be one of three premiere photographers for the Walk a Mile In Her Shoes annual event to bring awareness to sexual crimes.  I honestly didn't know what to expect since I had never even heard of the event, but I ended up getting in a lot of laughs... As you can see why.

Not only was it fun to see men of all ages and occupations walking around in heels, but it was great to hang out and catch up with my fellow Carolina Ballet dancer, Mary Dell.

Then came Easter.  I was excited to spend the weekend with family, eating good food, and celebrating my savior that has forgive me.  But most of all, I was excited to explain in a little more detail this year about what Easter means to Emmy.  She's starting to understand that it isn't all about finding eggs and chocolate bunnies.

It was a perfect day and my father in law was kind enough to snap some family photos of us all dressed up.  Family photos with two little children is always a task. 

More catching up to come!

week wrap up

Hello again!  So much has been happening lately. 

Emmy has been insisting she say the prayer at the dinner table most nights.  Hearing her talk to our heavenly father about us is just the sweetest sound and makes our hearts so happy.

I worked at the hospital on Sunday and was able to attend a party for the NICU graduates.  I got to see my old coworkers and some of the kids that I took care of as babies.  One in particular was the first preemie I ever cared for.  He was born at 26 weeks and weighed 1 pound 10 ounces.  That was almost seven years ago and today he is a perfectly healthy little guy.  

 Here we are in 2008

And six years later, and a few pounds that have been gained by both of us (ha)...

This was such an amazing experience to see him after so long.  Even though he didn't know me, his parents and I sat around reminiscing about the scary and happy times when he was in the NICU.  I LOVE being a nurse.

 Then last night I got to go out for 4 hours by myself to do something just for me.  Caleb finished his last final that morning and I left him with some pumped milk for Elly and got the heck out of dodge.  It was glorious.  I got a pedicure, went shopping and had dinner with some MOPS ladies.  It was so needed and I was very thankful to my husband for being willing to take care of everything after 6 days of critical testing.

 Lately, since the weather has been so fantastic, the girls and I eat lunch outside.  They both love it and it is nicer than being stuck inside and its free.  While being outside, we've all been playing around.  Elly eats grass, Emmy waters the plants, and I take photos.

And today we decided to take an impromptu trip to the beach. It was disastrous and comical at the same time.  Chilly, windy, sandy, and all of those combined with a baby and a toddler and trying to put up a tent is just counterproductive, but on the way home Caleb and I just laughed at the circumstances and then Caleb said that this would be the times that our children remember and that we were making memories (since the girls had no idea how crazy the day was).

Here is Elly during her first ever beach visit.  I'd say she was a happy girl!

I love making these memories with our little family.

Cousination 2014

Last week I spent four days with my two girls, six nieces, and one nephew.  It was a fun and exhausting four days.  I took some photos randomly throughout the chaos, some with my camera and some with my sister in law's camera, so I don't have all the photos I took during the stay, but I'd like to share some of the fun we had.  

Emmy LOVES being with her cousins.  That's even how she addresses them in large groups.  She doesn't say "Hey guys..." she says, "Hey cousins!"  It is cute and amusing.  

My second niece, Laurel brought a make up case with her and Emmy thought it was the coolest thing and this was the result...

This is Lidia.  She was born three months after Emmy and is so funny.  I love how silly she is and the sly smile she gives after she knows she's been silly.   I'm also extremely jealous of her long, dark, thick hair.

 Little Lidi was so in love with baby Elly.  I mean, just look at that smile!

Then there's Liya.  A very independent yet soft-hearted little lady.  A kid that can get along with anyone and not to mention is so beautiful!

Of course, you all know the baby of nine kids, Elana.  She loved all the attention and was pretty exhausted after the "cousination" too!

Abby was the youngest of the Wilkes grandkids until Elly was born.  She is so full of life.  Everything is so exciting to her and it makes her such a joy to be around!  I love to hear her elated voice say "Hey Aunt Kaawa" when she sees me.

 You can see the enthusiasm for life in her face during an Easter egg hunt we had for the kids.

Liya and Laurel.  Laurel is into gymnastics, and is quite good.  Emmy really looks up to her and tries to mimic the gymnastic moves that Laurel does.

And then there's Anna.  My curly haired tomboy.  She is our "free spirit" and such a sharer.  She loves Emmy and Emmy LOVES her.  

While the kids were in town, Caleb was able to do a fly over so the kids could see him in action doing what he loves.  They all yelled as he flew by, even though he couldn't hear, he was able to see them running around like crazy!

 

I love being a mom, but I was an aunt first and the moms of these seven children are my parenting role models.  I love spending time with them and seeing my kids becoming best friends with these amazing children.