Yesterday morning, I was jolted from sleep by the reverberating thunder of the sonic boom--two low and powerful rumbles that rattle the windows and shake everything that makes you feel grounded and safe. Hearing the sonic boom, along with spotting random alligators and dolphins, has been one of the unique experiences that accompanies moving to Florida--unless, of course, you count watching the leathery, Speedo-sporting bodies of old men scrounging for coins and watches down at Bonita Beach.
It was the last sonic boom we'll hear for a very long time, and I had to smile at the realization that I was aware and present for space history's monumental moment while my weather-obsessed, astronautics-loving husband sawed logs beside me.
The irony continues with the fact that our temperatures are several degrees cooler than our friends north of us...but still sweltering and pool worthy.
The sky was fabulous yesterday--layers of thick clouds that molded into different shapes every few seconds. At one moment, it was all bears.
By sunset, the clouds shifted to pink feathers that floated across pockets of dreamy blue as the last bits of sunshine cast a warm amber glow across the characters in our driveway. We drank in cold beer, lively conversation, and two little girls that dirtied the bottoms of their feet as they scooted, pedaled, crawled and skipped across pavement.
At the end of the day, the girls' skin smells like a hot summer night--earthy and warm--retelling their outside adventures. Sunscreen, chlorine, grass, dirt, sweat, pavement, popsicles--it all soaks in, and I kiss their cheeks, breathing in that sweet distinct scent of summer adventure. And then, like magic, I dip them into warm suds and it all melts away, replaced by milk-and-honey fresh. I love the rituals of summer.
New Friday Ritual: Instagram dump for week's adventures:
And I'm happy to report the "Oh" is back.
Baby's still got it.
*****
A few Giveaway Winners:
The PurseBling winner: Comment #9, Sarah K: The moments you capture always add a little sunshine to my oftentimes cloudy Seattle day.
Hallmark Card Pack Winners (only listing part of comments since there are so many of them!)
Comment #178, Renee: I forgot to add my just because card moment. My friend sent me a special card telling me how proud she was that I was getting my life together and finding new paths...
Comment #610, Emma Krueger: Such an inspiring post. I have got to do this! I love cards and sending them for random reasons is the best way to do it!
Comment #9, Tish: Great post! Love the Challenge! I'm in! Hands down the best "just because" card I've received is from a teacher I worked with years before...
Comment #446, ashpuk: I love cards and think it's becoming a lost art of sorts. I sent 2 this week, one get well and one just because. It did make me feel good and I think made them feel good too!...
Comment #707, Ginger: My husband knows how much I love to get mail. Seriously. It's like a compulsion--the walk to the mailbox, the excitement building if the flag is up, the peering inside, the disappointment when all I pull out is telephone bills and ads to get staff prices at the local car dealership...
Comment #591, Sarah: I'm heading over to my favorite card shop at lunch to stock up on my "just because" stash. Thanks for the reminder...
Comment #418, Keely: What a great idea! My daughter reminds me often that I need to send everyday cards to those I love when she makes me cards/pictures just because she loves me...
Comment #33, Stephanie: Every time I went away from home {to visit a friend, camp, school trip} my mom always left a card in my suitcase, that sometimes I wouldn't find for a few days but then when I did it made me smile and not be so home sick...
Comment #389, Anna-Maija: I am so fortunate that my three closest childhood friends, from MICHIGAN :) still send random "just because" cards. Recently, I received one from my friend Kate...
Comment #658, Deb: One of my most memorable cards was from my mum when I was about to embark on a new challenge. It said: "Do not go where the path may lead... go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."...
Winners, please e-mail your address (with the subject line of what you won) to kellehamptonblog@comcast.net. Thank you Hallmark and Pursebling!
*****
Finally, I'm digging new sponsor Oh Ollie and their adorable handmade clothes and accessories. I love the funky mix of fabric choices, and the quality of their designs.
Nella: Bloomer & Onesie Set
Lainey: Left-Paris Halter Dress, Right-Twirly Halter Dress Millie
Be sure to check out the variety of fabric prints and colors under each listing!
Use Code 'horray' for 10% off. One comment will be randomly chosen to win a $60 gift certificate, courtesy of Oh Ollie.
*****
After a long week, we are exhausted and ready for a bit of rest. Pajamas call.
Have a peaceful week.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Friday Boom
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313 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 313 of 313Love Lainey's Paris Halter Dress, it looks so cute on her! And that picture of Nella with the doll is so so sweet. :)
I love love love the halter dress.
Your babies are beautiful.
We really haven't been getting much summer here (BC, Canada) so enjoy it for us!!! xo
Happy weekend to you!!! I got a chuckle out of reading the smells of summer...my kiddo smelled the same way this evening. In fact this mama smells fairly similiar. I need to go soak in the suds myself! I have found this summer in FL so enjoyable! More enjoyable than I previously remember. I can't complain about the heat, when it's small potatoes to these truly magical moments I'm sharing with my family. Thanks for inspiring me! :)
The oh face has to be the cutest!! Love it!!
Nella's "oh" face is priceless. I hope you make a "oh" collage so she can see how stinkin' awesome she was when she was just a little.
What a cute little baby doll Nella is holding!
There are few things sweeter than the dirty feet of summer followed by a freshly washed, tuckered out from all the sunshine kidlet to snuggle with.
I love the Oh! Too cute!
Those clothes are so cute, especially on your little ones! You find so much joy in every hot summer day! :)
My little Russian peanut puts an "ee" at the end of every word...watee(water) and Doree(Dora). Of course she says cooka for cookie, huh? I love it and don't want to correct it!
Love the bear picture of the clouds. Adorable dresses!
Love the city print on the dress!! Reminds me of Madeline!!
What darling dresses.
Ok, so that Paris halter dress is beyond fabulous!! everyone should get that in adult size!! Lainey is darling in it...plus LOVE the mouse shot :) hee hee
Hubby & I have been talking about moving south. Your Floridian adventures keep nudging me. Just lovely.
Oh how I wish this week were going to be peaceful... no, I take that back. I am at church camp this week - in charge of 34 12-18 year olds. It is insane and busy, but one of my favorite weeks of every summer. I will take time each day to look for moments of peace.
As always, thanks for sharing your life!
I love the "Oh" face. Such a cutie pie! hehe! :0)
I love the bears in the clouds. I haven't cloud watched in way too long. ALso Lainey's dress from the sponsor on the Right is super cute. Very Asheville.
I am so happy the "oh" face is back! And I love that first picture of Lainey!! My daughter needs that Paris dress! So stinkin' cute!!
I love Nella's oh! Glad to see it's back. :)
Esther Dush
I love the smell of summer - after a day in the sun, fun in our kiddie pool, two layers of sunscreen and a parade, I inhaled deep as I lowered my babies into warm suds of lavendar and sent them to dreamland! And I am so glad the "Oh" is back!
I hear ya on the rest. Lounge around and drink coffee all day long...with a smile.
Love the picture of Lainey with the lil' mouse! have a great weekend :)
Love Lainey's dress and Nella's Oh face!
We love summer skin. It's the best when you've just come back from the salty beach at Chincoteague.
Where's Nella's dolly from? So cute!
I'm one of those people north of you and boy, is it hot. We are keeping the lemonade out, and trying to stay cool. I love the Paris dress! It's SO cute.
Oh, for the love of summer! Thanks for helping me appreciate it even more!
Beautiful family photos!
I saw your mother in one of the pictures, and every time I do I am reminded of her story. I love the story of her meeting her new husband online and it turning out to be love. So romantic!
i like when you dont blog on the weekend..when I see you havent done a post.. it makes me think you are out enjoying your weekend.. and it makes me do the same!!
so thank you!
Oh, the "oh face!" Aren't you glad when little things are back when you thought they were gone forever? I miss my babies as newborns when you pick up their scrunched up bodies when they're sleeping, and they still stay srunched up, and arch their backs, and stretch.
I like the Friday dump. And Nella's pink dress is super-sweet.
Love the photo dump: that's what finally got me using Instagram :-D *thanks*
The Paris dress is to die for - makes me wish I had a girl to dress up in it :-)
The instagram pictures are great! I agree- Summertime is the best!!
Fun Summer pictures! The "Oh" is just too precious!
Awwww, so glad to see the oh face is back - SO cute!!
I love you" blog :)
The picture of the bears in the clouds cracked me up. When we talk about weather in my Kindergarten class I always pick a cloudy day for us to go out and look at the clouds and it's amazing what the kids come up with.
Friday 22nd of July, buildings in Oslo in Norway were bombed by a terrorist. Seven people died. There was also a shooting on a small island outside of Oslo where approximately 700 teenage polititians had gathered for disgussion and debate. 84 of them were killed. Four are still missing. We're all shocked. We have always been the ones hearing about other countries far away being attaced by terrorists and other horrible things, it has never happened in Norway if we leave WW|| out. We were basicly smacked in out faces friday. And the terrorist was a Norwegian himself... My great grandmother, who we thought would die from aging during Christmas but is still alive, had her 87th birthday friday.
Awww in the top right picture of the instagrams I can totally see the resemblance in your and Nella's smiles! So sweet! :)
I love the shot of Nella with the dirty tootsies, and also the one with her teeny tiny pigtails!
Dirty hands and feet tell the best stories.
Dee
dbyrne1[at]gmail[dot]com
love love looooove the "oh"! and the smell of summer on littles is one of my favorite things ever.
I'm so glad the "oh" is back! Too cute! Darling girls, as always
Beautiful photos as always. the pictures of Lainey on her back in the grass and teddy bear clouds just encapsulate summer for me.
What is your username on Instagram? I love seeing your girlies grow and explore!
Loving "oh" too!
Dirty feet are what summer is all about!! The girls look so old all of a sudden.....enjoy every minute!
Great pictures from the week! :) I enjoyed the "photo dump" and pictures of Nella doing her signature "Oh" face! Adorable!
Not that my girls need another dress but I'm heading straight to Oh Lilly!
Happy to see the return of the "oh", it always puts a smile on my face!
Yeah for the Oh face--it is absolutely precious. Love the Oh Ollie dresses and bloomers--your girls look adorable in them.
So glad the "oh" is back.....ahhhh I love summer. ;-)
I love the photo dump! It's so fun to have family out to visit. Two of our Nieces and one of our Nephews are out to visit for the week. They come every year...they only live a few hours away...but the cousins LOVE being together! Tonight all but the 17 month old is staying at Grandma's house! Fun memories!!!
Hugs!
Great picture of Lainey with the water droplets splashing over her.
Love the "Oh"!
Kellie, I just love your blog. I am up in Minnesota, and right now we are having a total heat wave as well. I have taken pictures of my kids out in the pool, and I think of your water pics with your girls when I upload them. Love it! I also love the new sponser. My little Lilly would look so CUTE in the get up like Nella has on.
You can tell a good day with the kids by their smell at the end of the day. I love the sweet sweaty smell of my little ones at the end of the day. I equally love inhaling them after a nice warm bath. I too, love summer.
As for the weather here, yes it's hot. I was at the Michigan beer fest in Ypsilanti this past sat. and it was H O T!
You super inspire me! Love the new sponsor! And, LOVE the bears in the sky picture. :)
I LOVE the dressed on Lainey, CUTE!
I'm such a sucker for dirty feet -- love the one of Nella with the dirty feet and dirty pantaloons.
And the mouse picture!
Just so you know - I want to be you when I grow up.
Those coordinating outfits are so sweet. And the doll? Swoon!
I adore those bloomers!!
Love the bloomer and onesie set from Oh Ollie. Must get one for my new niece... she'll be soooo stylin', just like Nella!!
for some reason, jets used to fly over lake superior when my family was on vacation one summer. they would literally come out of nowhere and ZOOM across the lake causing sonic booms!! used to absolutely terrify me as a kid!
I was just talking with a friend about how I love summer and that you can tell a great day from how "dirty," your little is at the end of the day!
I so love the oh face and laney laying in the grass pictures. I think I need to buy my daughter that pink Paris dress. Too cute!!
So excited to see the return of the "oh face". So precious. Also glad to hear that i'm not the only one who loves the smell of summer on their kids. That glorious mix of suntan lotion, saltiness of their little bodies, the sweet smell of fruit on their fingers...yum.
I love the feeling of bare feet on the hot asphalt. Always reminds me of summer in Texas.
Triple love the Salt Water Sandals! Both my kids wore them forever. I even had a pair of adult-sized ones. Best ever. Glad to see they are still out there.
I love your words, Kelle. They're as beautiful as your picture.
I also love taking my pool smelling, dirty footed little girl and dipping her into a nice clean bath and sniff sniff sniffing her after.
I hope you and yours have a peaceful week as well!
Love the bears in the sky. :) And your girls make those clothes look even cuter!
Oh, gosh, that Paris halter dress...to die for!
Being in the last 5 weeks of my pregnancy pajamas call to me all of the time. =)
The "oh" is so stinking cute! So is your new sponsor. My little one would love the Paris dress. She loves calling herself "tres chic!"
Just got caught up on your last couple posts. It was exactly the start I needed to my week. Thanks for your honestly, the gorgeous life moments you capture, and your encouragement to get my butt to a Hallmark and tell my nearest and dearest I love them-just because :)
Love the "oh!" Our new little one makes the "oh" face without the noise. Cutest thing ever!
Awesome once again. I love that Paris Halter dress on Lainey as well as the chic pulled back hair. Your little girl looks so grown up there.
Love Nella's dirty feet and "fancy pants!" We stomped in the puddles last night after a needed rain. Griffin had a Green Lantern mask and ring- and only undies! Hilarious!
My little one (12 weeks) makes the OH face too.....we call it his "zoolander".
I love the cloud bears. I am reminded of when I was little, my mom would take us out to lay on the grass and find animals and other shapes in the clouds. What a great way to stoke our imagination.
Glad to hear the "oh" is back. Your children are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your lives with us "lurkers".
Love your post and love the dresses! Oh, and what the heck...LOVING summer!
You are such a great Mom!! I love all the adventure you bring to your kids' lives =) You make me think of things "out of the box" to do with my daughter =)
I love Nella's doll and these outfits are adorable! I want I want!!
As always, LOVE all your pictures! But the one with the mouse especially made me smile. Too cute!
Love the paris dress! Very, very cute!
Kelle, where did you find that gorgeous knit ballerina doll???? We have a 1st bday coming up! :)
Simply beautiful!! My grandbaby would totally rock out in those cute little outfits :)
Love the pictures and the header you have right now!
I love Lainey's dresses. I want one!
We were vacationing in Orlando, and two days after visiting the Kennedy Space Center, we were jolted awake by the sonic boom - so cool! A highlite of our trip. Florida is a beautiful place and we loved floating in the ocean at Seista Beach under that Crayola blue sky!
In love with that Paris dress AND Nella's Osh Kosh's!!
Amazing how 2 little girls bring smiles far and wide a few times a week!
Nella's hair is getting soooo long! And old men in speedoes? Really? I pictured the leathery skin, bending over... uh, not the nicest picture in my head. Back to looking at your beautiful pictures to erase that image.
Those dresses are adorable!
My son has started making the "Oh," too. Love it! And I love your blog. I've been reading since K was born. It's been such an encouragement and a source of hope. Thank you!
I'm thrilled that the Oh is back! Every time my kiddos do something that is purely them, it puts a huge smile on my face. Personality in a single look - what's not to love?
Digging your bear clouds. We have been reading books about clouds. My five year old is fascinated. You should look up the book, "Cloudette," by Tom Lichtenheld. Lainey would love it.
I so wish it was hot enough for the pool here! Awesome pictures as usual!
Oh Kelle, lovely! I hadn't been on here in a while, too busy in the moment here! Thanks for the sweet photos and scents of summer...
I love the smell of summer on my kids skin too. It's magic that happens where I'm instantly taken back to my own childhood but relishing that I have littles of my own.
Love your words, girl!
XOXO,
Angie from Ohio
I am so getting one of those swings for my daughter. Looks like Nella is having so much fun.
I just love both girls' hair :) Sweet, wispy, little girl hair.
Would you mind sharing some of your weather? :) The Pacific Northwest obviously does not remember what a summer is supposed to be like.
Oh - and so very glad the 'oh' is back. Always brings a smile to my face!
http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=121995
LOVE this!! (Article about a girl with DS who becomes a kindermusik teacher)
Oh Ollie. Loves it 'Oh-so-much'! :)
It makes me happy that the "Oh" is back! *smiles
Oh Ollie!! looks right.up.my.alley!!! So fabulous. So cute. And I just have to say...those skies and clouds are my most favoritest. Ever. As are your gorgeous pink sunsets...we get those in Texas too. Fav pic, you wonder? Of Nella and her dirt feet. LOVE that. Ohhhhh yes I do.
Those dresses are beautiful! I love how stylish all of your sponsors are...you have great taste! Also, if you get the chance can you tell me where Nella's green sweater in your more recent post came from? I love it!
melissacaitrin[at]gmail[dot]com
Beautiful babies as usual! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one that loves the smell of dirty babies after having a long day of fun. I love the Friday Phone Dump also! :)
P.S. I can't belive I actually won something! Thank you!! :)
you forgot a bear :)
http://tinypic.com/r/2zyhero/7
[IMG]http://i55.tinypic.com/2zyhero.jpg[/IMG]
That Paris halter dress is so adorable!
Dear Kelle, A few months ago I somehow came across your blog while searching for information on Down Syndrome. I was so touched, into my core, by the birth story of your little Nella. I have come back often to read and look at the beautiful pics of your little girls,your family and your life. I am touched by your mothering and the love and zest you have for life. I love how your children come first, your desire to see them grow to loving, giving adults. I truly adore your girls, little Nella with her pictures has wrapped her little self into my heart and Laine with her big sis attitude. I love it! It so makes me want to return to the days when my own DS son and his siblings were small and young. My son will be 35 in October. I wish I could do it all again, even though some days you wonder how you will ever make it through. Thank you so much for sharing your family. It never fails to cheer me!
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