Thursday, July 21, 2011

Friday Boom

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.

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The sky was fabulous yesterday--layers of thick clouds that molded into different shapes every few seconds. At one moment, it was all bears.

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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.

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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.

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New Friday Ritual: Instagram dump for week's adventures:

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And I'm happy to report the "Oh" is back.

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Baby's still got it.

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*****

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.

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Nella: Bloomer & Onesie Set

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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.

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Have a peaceful week.

313 comments:

1 – 200 of 313   Newer›   Newest»
Patti said...

I always love Nella's faces:) That last photo of her is darling- love baby girls in soft pink dresses!

Amy said...

Are you kidding me? #1? I will drink to that...but I'm pregnant, so it will be cranberry juice, or something equally as unexciting... but still!! woooo- hooooo!!
Love the photo dump!

Amy said...

shit... I was ousted as I typed it...hahaha

Abby Lynn said...

YES! OMG, I can't believe I'm the first! Love your summer memories. My favorite card is when I was moving away to Austin, TX. My parents gave me a card that said, "wherever a daughter goes, your heart goes with her."
It finished with "And no matter where you go, we'll always want the same thing, for all to be right in your world, and to know that you are happy."

It still makes me tear up!

Trini said...

I love Nella's faces...

mama marchand said...

The "Oh" is just so precious! :)

Sarah said...

Love it! Glad to see the return of the "oh"...so adorable. Wish we lived near a cool waterpark like that...

Lindsey said...

So adorable! Looked like a fun summer day!

The Annessa Family said...

SO happy the Oh is back!!!! I am heading to Roanoke VA for my brothers 37th birthday tomorrow...I will have to see if I can get one of his Oh's to share too!

Brooke Annessa
www.TheAnnessaFamily.blogspot.com

Noah's Dad said...

Wow! thanks sky is awesome!!!! Oh..and is it already fall time colors!?!?!?

Great job!

------------------
-Rick (Noah's Dad)
Check out our fun one minute videos about our son who was born with Down Syndrome!

puckedbylove said...

We get an "oh" sometimes too. I'm hoping it sticks around. Love that Nella's found her "oh" again too :)

We've had a glorious week in Florida this week, even if it was hotter than heck here! I really wish I was as dilligent as you with capturing every moment, but I find myself gazing into Everleigh's eyes too much to remember a camera!

-Amanda

C said...

The oh is back!! Yay, that always just makes my day. :)

Noah's Dad said...

By the way..thanks so much for your nice comments about our video blog! We'd love for you to connect with us on Baby Noah's Facebook page!

http://facebook.com/noahsdadcom

Becca said...

I always love your sponsers stuff and seeing them on "real" little girls that I can see the stuff on but those halter dresses might be the cutest EVER! Love!

And love Nella's doll in the last photo of her. Makes a mama smile whether its her baby or not.

Lola and Diesel said...

Love Lainey in those halter dresses- she looks SO grown up and lovely!

Debby said...

Such summer fun. I bet there was a ring around the tub that night. Love
Nella in the pretty pink dress. I love the Lainey and the mice picture.

Bethany said...

I just began following your blog last week. I have read a lot of your back story, and began filling my husband in one night when I spent quite a while here. :) He said that he had read it Reader's Digest?!

Anyway, today's shots have simply taken my breath away. My God, what a gorgeous, gorgeous family. I must have studied these photos at least three times today. Just thought I would let you know. Ha. :)

Jennifer from NJ said...

how cute! i too love getting all milk and honeyized after a long day of chasing 2 active boys and their tagalong 18m old sister! like the friday dump!

Ashley said...

Is it weird that I live my life vicariously through you?! I aspire to be the mother that you are. I have a near 2 year old and baby due any day now but have NO energy at all. I read your posts and think, how does she do it?!? Such an inspiration you are!! :) Thank you!!

Jada said...

Love the little dresses! Summer rituals are definitely special:)
~Jada

Kendall said...

I love how summery this post is. And the Oh -- gotta love the Oh. :)

Louise said...

Lainey's Paris dress is so beautiful! Especially with that sleek hair do! And I love Nella in her messy diaper! I love to see a dirty baby, it shows they had a great day!

The Gustafson Family said...

I also love the rituals of summer, even though it means more baths!

.lou said...
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chambanachik said...

The sky is so gorgeous.

I love that one of the names of those dresses is Millie- that's my little girl's name. :)

leemeandthegirls said...

Kelle- Your way with words is nothing short of magical. I swear you could make dog poop sound appealing.

dmsegel said...

Glad to see the "oh" is back !!!!

Sarah said...

So glad to see the 'oh' back! The first pic of Nella and that's the first thing I noticed! Have a great weekend with your adorable girls.

KalynErnest said...

I LOVE the OH!! I can't wait until my daughter, 6 months, can start this!

Jenny said...

Awesome cloud bears! :o) Glad the 'oh' is back-it's so sweet!

Summit of Glory said...

You rock that Oh face Nella darling! xo

The Beauty In Me said...

I love how much time you spend with your girls!!! you guys go to so many nice adventurous places!!! I look up to you ones I am a mom i hope to be like you!!!


www.stayyoungforever.blogspot.com

Jocelyn said...

I love the pic of a dirty Nella!

Heather :: AFD Jewelry :: said...

Nella's faces crack me up!! And what a cute shop - I think I need to get Leila the Paris halter dress. So cute.

lil misses' mama said...

Love those bear sightings in the sky!

Katy said...

Have a lovely weekend! :)

Meg said...

LOVE the oh!

Melina said...

Ah, that smell of summer! For me it is campfire, the iron smell of rock, spilled iced coffee and strawberries. Although to be honest, it's been on me for a month without a shower, pasted on with a glue of salt water and sunscreen, so I'm happy to smell like milk and honey (or in my case, green apple)...the smell of the first shower after an adventure.

I love your water photos, the way your super fast shutter speed captures the individual beads. Have I mentioned how big Lainey is getting? how did that happen!

xox
Melina

joeltrista said...

Love the cloud bears!

KatharineLilley said...

I love the smell of sticky, sweaty, worn out, happy children... beautiful. And I love how so many of your sponsers are straight from etsy!

Kelsey said...

I love the Oh Ollie dresses! How pretty and fun!

Ane you never fail to make me want to take a bath. Every blog post. I swear. I now know what tonight's activities will involve. :)

High Five said...

How adorable! My beautiful niece would look so cute in one of these outfits!

Nicole said...

Thanks for sharing your life with us!

Ben and Jessica Buehner said...

Ummm... Loving the photo dump! Bravo!

Cara said...

My daughter has a fun face, too. We call it her crazy face. Imagine a big overbite with wide open eyes :)

Aleyta said...

I lover her "oh" face!!!!!

Christy said...

Hmmm, wonder if that Paris Halter Dress comes in my size?

stephanie said...

my new little makes an awesome oh face that melts my momma heart.

carriebebs said...

The picture of Nella and the ballerina baby doll is beautiful!

Knowitall said...

Your pics are always so beautiful....but could you say the word lanai (sp?) a few more times...it reminds me of the Golden Girls :P ....happy weekend!

Lacy Hope said...

My son has started making the "oh face" and I think of Nella every time he does it. :)

Julie said...

seeing the instagram photos makes me want an iphone. love them.

Heather said...

Love the photo dump!

Tiffany said...

Your photos are gorgeous and captivating as always! Thanks for introducing me to Oh Ollie! Beautiful stuff.

April Vernon said...

Oh, how I love your photos! Have a wonderful weekend!

Lynne said...

Yes, the dirtier the feet, the more fun was had......also, what a darling dress the Paris halter style is....I want one for me!

Molly306 said...

I know the Summer ritual well with the girls I nanny full-time. It took quite a while for me to relax about messy, sticky, nasty hands and faces. They're only kids once, right!?

Kat said...

Preciousness! I just love reading your posts and gazing at your lovely photographs. You truly have a way with words and the camera! Your girls are beautiful!

Amanda said...

Beautiful post as always, and I love Lainey's overalls!! :)

Shannon said...

your comment forum is overwhelming. By the time I finish reading your posts, you have had another 50 comments from when I started :) Keep on bringing the small things and the positive light you shine on life

Aja Freeburn said...

Oh how I love that 'oh' face!!! <3

janekathryn said...

This post made me smile! Love reading about your sweet girls!

And I'm glad Nella's Oh face has come back, it's one of my favorites!

Mrs. Buckingham said...

LOVE the new Friday phone photo dump ritual AND that the "Oh!" is back! So stinking precious! Her face is perfect when she does that... just perfect! That picture of you and Nella... LOVE the braid in your hair! Too cute! Wish I could pull that off! Have a peaceful weekend also! <3 Amber

Anne Marie said...

Loved the photo dump and the new sponsers....and Nella's Oh face.

pakosta said...

oh how i want to go back and be a child, and come live at your house! it's magical...love how you put it all into beautiful words, the good, the bad and the perfect!
lovely!
tara

Mama-in-training said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your word collage of summer scents. I'm already starting to miss summer... which is weird considering the major heat wave we've had for the last month. Cute dresses on your adorable girls.

Heatheroo said...

Yay the oh is back...isn't it sad when your kids "outgrow" things...but I'm glad Nella still has her oh....it makes me smile! Have a lovely weekend!

The Adams Family said...

I love the "oh" faces!

Emily said...

Summer does smell better on the skin of a wee one! Happy weekend.

mrszimm said...

I had a tiring evening. Lots of arguing from my three year old. Thanks for helping fill my glass half full again. :)

cade said...

oooh! i love Oh Ollie. My sister is pregnant and that may or may not be her boy name. which makes me want to buy her something from this shop!! also, glad to see the "oh" face is back!

Julie @ my tiny bookworm said...

So happy to see the return of the "Oh"!

Speaking of Ohs, those Oh Ollie outfits are adorable!

The Growing Oshika Gang said...

I would dearly have loved to hear the 'sonic boom' in person! I've always been quite fascinated by astronautics too.

And LOVING the Paris halter dress! Love it love it love it.

SuperMilf said...

Hooray for the return of the "Oh" face...too precious!

Katie said...

Love the last picture of Lainey and the mouse! Too cute!!

Hee Won said...

Those dresses are adorable!

Lindsey said...

I love Nella's expressions! She is truly adorable, as is Lainey!

Joelle said...

I love the Paris halter. Adorable!

gkey said...

dear Mid-Summer-loves,

Aww, Kelle, your writings and pix never dissappoint!
I've said it before, but tonight I will say it again....THANKS for sharing.

love,
long Summer days (and nights)
in
NE

Melissa said...

My littlte gal is in much need of some new digs...to go with her new do!
Loving the 'oh' face!

Hazel said...

love the oh!!! just learning how to use the camera on my new phone...still got a way to go!

Lauren Miranda said...

Lainey looks so grown up in her halter dresses!
I've loved reading your blog over the last year and watching how much she has changed.

Becky@IfTheseWallsSpoke said...

As always, gorgeous pics!

Beth said...

I never got to hear a sonic boom =( I think if I put two and two together when I planned this trip back to Connecticut I would have made sure I was still in Florida for that!! And this 107 degree weather we're having in CT is making me want to run back to Florida - not that the heat is much better, but mere miles from the beach makes it more tolerable!!
Your summer nights make me envious and long for what is to come!!
Happy Friday!
~Beth

Ky said...

So cool that you were able to hear the sonic boom. Reminds me of the re-entry scene in "Apollo 13". Strangely enough, that's the first movie I remember crying in.

The sky pics were so good...and I love the Oh Ollie dresses- pick me : )

Ky

Ruth said...

The description you gave of your girls' Summer's Scent is fabulous and should be bottled up. Not really cause you probably wouldn't want to sport it on Date Night, but you knw what I mean.

Perks and Beans said...

Those are some seriously gorgeous sunset sky colors you captured. My beach is just 2 minutes down the road... perhaps I need to haul it there for sunset instead of doing kitchen duty tonight? You're inspiring, as per usual.

katie said...

The last picture cracked me right up. My kids want us to get two white mice soooo bad. They think they're going to teach them to perform circus tricks and will entertain everyone for hours! I feel like....no. I'm just gonna end up spending many days on my hands and knees under the couch, looking for the escaped "circus" mice. lol.

melissa said...

Love Nella in her dress on the grass with that cute baby doll!

Artesia said...

I LOVE the pink paris halter, come on # 90 (I think!)

decorater4life said...

Your girls are so adorable!!!!!! I love these pics!!!!!!! So much fun.....


Michelle Torres
decorater4life@aol.com

jennifer said...

Nella's 'O' face is to die for!!!

Jennifer said...

Love Nella's O's! She is absolutely precious.

Loved to read other's inspirations for recieving and giving cards. I want to do that more too. Just simple gestures, the little things, makes all the difference sometimes. :o)

Jennifer said...

Forgot to mention. the sonic boom! You are so lucky to exerience that there. My husband trained all the astronauts sincd 1996. He was so proud to be a part of such a great organization, NASA. I grew up with it in Houston for 40 years.

It isn't good buy, it's see ya'll later!

PrivatelyPublic said...

I finally figured out why Nella looks so grown up in a couple of pictures from the posts this week - it's the bangs! Cute!

Stef said...

AH! I wondered about you guys the other day... wondering if you heard or watched or took pics of the last shuttle. I'm glad you heard it.
CUTE little clothes. Love them. This would be a good one to win :)

Jennifer S said...

When I saw the picture of Lainey and the mouse I thought "Lainey found Stuart Little!". My bed is practically screeching for me right now. Been staying up late knitting and I am sooo tired now!

Amber said...

What a stunning dress! I am in love with the cityscape one :)

m.d.l. said...

I'm officially jealous - growing up, I always wanted to witness the launch of a spaceship. Seeing that I live in Germany, it just never worked out to be in Florida at the same time. And now ... it's over and I'll be moving to FL shortly.
Have a blessed weekend.

Aimee said...

Darling dresses! And what a fun sock dolly...

Maureen said...

Those outfits are so adorable!! I'll definitely be checking them out. Great post, as usual :)

Kimberly said...

Babies sleeping on their Mama....pure bliss. Love it!

Sandryte said...

The photo with the clouds made me smile! That's what Photoshop should be used for, not for unrealistically looking photos.

Team Lando said...

love those bears. and the girls traffic jam. do not love 121 heat index in dc. our pool was warm, ellie didn't even react when i put her in the water!!

Cheryl said...

is there anything more fun than looking up at the clouds to see what you can find? it's funny some of the things kids come up with.

ohsoblessed said...

I love your description of summer smothering the girls...and then the bath afterwards. So refreshing.

Snidely said...

The Oh Ollie dresses on Lainey are perfection! I might have to splurge and get one:) Thanks for sharing.

candy_mercer said...

Bathtime is an amazing time of the day! I love your new ritual too; phone picture dump....it wraps it all up!

This Way Mami... said...

Love the Paris Halter dress!

I'm Cassie... said...

Rituals of summer....oh yes....we have them too....and oh yes..... we are exhausted too. July is wearing us out, but we will not slow down up here in Minnesota where summer is way too short.

THose dresses from Oh Ollie?!?! a.d.or.a.b.l.e. My girl would love them.

Megan said...

I love the bears in the sky! I still see animals and people in the clouds. I hope to teach my son that skill. :)

Samantha said...

Cloud watching is our most favourite thing to do!

Kristen said...

I love the bear clouds! And Nella's doll!

Jessica said...

Oh those clothes are super cute!! Would love to get an outfit for our little girl arriving in about 6 weeks!! :-)

Brenda said...

Love all the pictures of your girls! Love the Oh Ollie dresses too-so cute!

JDaniel4's Mom said...

I love the bears too. All the pictures are wonderful.

Bikini By 30 said...

I need the Pairs dress in a big girl size. So adorable!!!

There is nothing like spending a long summer day dirtying up in flip flops then having a wonderful soak in the tub.

ginnyaustin said...

I love the outfit Nella is wearing and love the dresses too.

E-mail - ginmae85@yahoo.com

Kimberly said...

I love the ooh face! So cute! Those clothes are adorable!

Daina @ New York State of Mind said...

I love summer pink skies. And yes, the temperatures up here in NYC are unbelievable!

Thanks for another great giveaway!

Boneyard said...

Love the painter's overalls! I am currently making a pair. Will see how it turns out...

Adrienne said...

That last picture of Nella must be framed!!

Melissa said...

Love that the "oh" is back - so sweet!

Lovely giveaway!

Brianna said...

LOVE that "oh". So sweet.

Tatiana said...

yay for the return of the Oh!!

Taylor said...

Great pics- I love Lainey in the Paris halter with the popsicle and nella in her bloomer set looking down! Cute clothes on cute babies :)

EGarner said...

I check your blog daily for an update and get excited when I see a new post, just thought you'd like to know!!

Wenona said...

Yep, up in Canada over here we've had unbelievable heat this past week. I love walking outside and feeling the humidity wrap around me like a warm blanket fresh out of the dryer :)
But today is cool and rainy and I'm enjoying sipping hot coffee and dressing the littles in cozy clothes :)

Monica said...

love the instagram photo wrap up!

Carrie Serna said...

Ahh, the smell of summer on our kids' skin-yum!

Kelly said...

I love the bumper car picture in the driveway! Too cute!

T. Nelson said...

Love Lainey laying on the horn in her little car! LOL

Carolyn said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE the next to last pic of Nella in the grass... she looks angelic. :)

Speaking of Summer, I'll be visiting Florida (not your area, but our favorite vacation spot - Destin) in 2 weeks with my family!! Can't wait to soak up some Florida sunshine!!!

Ginger said...

I'm so glad the ''oh'' is back! I missed it. Love Lainey's Paris halter dress. Adorable!

Have a fab weekend.

Susan said...

No matter how cute those mice are that Lainey is looking at I hope you said, "No darling, they can't come home!" Have a great weekend from a neighbor up North in the sweltering heat...............susan

mjscreative said...

The weather was so warm up here in Michigan this week! I loved it, nearly 100 degrees everyday - until Friday. Then it dropped about 25 degrees during the day and rose about 10 degrees as the evening came upon us. That's Michigan weather for ya, as I'm sure you can remember!

amandawil81 said...

first of all your children are just precious..you make life looks so fun.
The oh ollie stuff is amazing...my little reagan definately needs something from there. :)
-Thanks, Amanda

Molly said...

I've already asked, but where, oh where, did Nella's doll come from? My little gal (about the same age) needs a baby doll that isn't creepy.

Sherri said...

Yay for the O face making an appearance! Little Miss Lainey, in that gorgeous dress eating a Popsicle...my goodness, she is precious! Happy weekend:)

Emma In Chicago said...

Hey, that's so funny, I just started "dumping" my instagram feed into my blog, too! Is that where you got the idea?

Jennifer said...

I am so glad the Oh is back!

Alicia said...

oh i do love the rituals of summer...yes i do! and lainey's bibs...do they come in my size?? love!

Heidi said...

I love Nella's O!

Raluca said...

your girls are adorable. I am curious how my Ilaria would look like in one of those dresses. so, pick me, and you will find out too :-))
love your blog and your photos!
they are great!

Jessica said...

I love those dresses on Lainey!

Heather said...

Oh how I love the Oh! Beautiful post, stunning girls. :o)

Heather said...

Oh how I love the Oh! Beautiful post, stunning girls. :o)

Marisa said...

That Paris Halter Dress is a-dor-a-ble!

After a slew of baby boys among my friends, we found out this week that there are two baby girls on the way- so I could definitely do some damage with that gift certificate!!

CodynStacey said...

You make me LOVE summer...I've always loved it, but you make me LOVE it.

greilotus said...

Oh, how I miss Florida summers...
I'm even beginning to miss the leathery old men in speedos. Sad. :)

jessica said...

your blog speaks to my soul, i love everything about it. thanks for sharing your heart with us, readers. we could all learn a lot about life (and writing, blogging, and picture taking!!!) from you. thank you for writing.
xo, jessica

Leah Alexandra said...

I love the "summer smell" and I also love the "O" Face! My sons does that too, but it's getting less and less these days! :(

Leah
www.lovelifeandmommyhood.blogspot.com

Shel said...

Seeing that the "Oh" is back just made my day!

Andrea said...

Sweet post! I love summer!! I also LOVE Nella's sweater doll, and those dresses are so cute! They would be so cute on my baby girl that's turning ONE on Wednesday! Where did the year go??

Kerry and Chris said...

Love the Oh Ollie stuff! And the "O" :O :O

Mary Beth said...

Loved your posts this week, Kelle... and so happy that "oh!" is back!

This is my life you're laughing at! said...

As a teacher, and the start of the school year just around the corner, I find myself taking in the "summer scent" of my children every night before bath. In fact, after a last minute sprinkler playdate a few nights ago, I was telling my friends about this scent I love so much! The combo of sunscreen, heat, chlorine, dirt, and a the sticky popsicle bellies make me long for summer time ALL YEAR LONG! Summer is so magical!

Kelly Cach said...

Oh my GOSH, Kelle!

"Have a peaceful week"!!!! Thank you so much for that sentiment! Do you find it interesting and exciting to see which little bits of your writing speak to readers in different ways? I DO!! I am literally trying RIGHT NOW to get into a peaceful state of mind. Nora's birthday party is tonight (actual birthday on Monday). My heart is racing with an anxiety-ridden beat, only 2 hrs of sleep last night, and yucky family drama while trying to plan her precious celebration. Oh, and all of that on top of the last year's emotions....UGH! I need this to be a peaceful weekend and MONDAY! (Be sure and check out her slide-show on FB sometime on Monday ;)

Much, much love to you this "peaceful" morning,
Kelly

Jennifer said...

Hooray for the return of the "Oh!"

Shaina said...

GAH! Nella's "Oh" face is SO sweet!

Love the summer rituals! Beautiful photos as always!

Lindsey said...

I love the smell of summertime babies too...even after their nightly bath, I can still faintly smell the afternoon's chlorine and sunscreen. (perhaps that means I'm not scrubbing hard enough?!)

MyCastleIsFull said...

I would love to see a pink feather sky. Too bad in Washington it's typically a gray, pensive, sky:)

Laura

Courtney Williams said...

I love when you have links to older posts! I always go back and look at them, and I remember reading them what seems like forever ago, but really it's only been 18 months since I started reading your blog. I love looking at how much your kids have grown. Seeing Nella so little reminds me of when Maddie was that little and how far we've come in these short 18 months!!! Do you have a list of other blogs you read? You've mentioned some, like Dig this Chick (love her blog, too) and apartmenttherapy, but I was wondering what other blogs you read on a regular basis?

T.J. &amp; Becca Wuth said...

Oh, thank God the "Oh" face is back. This world is just not quite as beautiful without it!

abbey said...

love the bears in the clouds pic...so fun. I love the rituals of summer as well. something magical about the sweet memories made in the summertime!

Gina said...

That last photo is just magical.

Katie said...

Love the instagram photo dump :)

Tara said...

Nothing better than getting all sweaty and dirty with your kiddos during the summer. Love it! That's what life is all about!

Jo's Corner said...

Lainie Bug's hair is getting so long! The "bears in the sky" photo made me Smile...Big!

jan marie said...

LOVE the pic of Lainey and the mouse. What an awesome capture!

Melody said...

At what age do little white mice become disgusting? My little girl loves all things mice related and I remember loving them as well. When did that change? :)

Lindsay said...

Loving the scents of summer here, too. Is there anything like it?

Lauren@ "Happiness is..." said...

Summer rituals are the best! Today it was swinging on the swings and playing in the sand. Pure bliss. Lainey looks absolutely adorable in that paris halter dress!!!!

Inspiração Inesperada said...

Have a wonderful weekend...

Jaclyn Hicks said...

Love all of this....enjoy your restful weekend!

Brittany said...

Ahhh, I love seeing more photos of Nella's 'Oh' face. She is so precious. :)

Erin B said...

Loving the fact that the OH face is back. I bet she's getting lots of applause around the house for the cute face!
P.S. My two girls would look so cute in some new dresses :) Please pick me random.com.

Deborah said...

I love looking at your photos as well as reading your blog. The girls are so beautiful! I love the dresses Lainy has on:)

Pettitt Family said...

that outdoor smell transformed to clean pajama wearing babies that smell of powder- so good!!!

Katie said...

These dresses are too adorable!
We have a similar face out little munchkin is making, but I can never capture it on camera! You are really fast :)

WhatDoesTheFutureHold said...

Can't wait to check out the site, we have a baby girl coming into the family soon!

Have a great weekend.

Melissa

martha said...

Oh! I am so glad the OH is back. I have been trying to teach my girl the OH but she is more interested in figuring out the quack quack of a duck.

emily said...

Adorable outfits! Adorable post, as always.

patricia said...

How sweet your photos......they all take my breath away. And those babies of your's. Just too cute in everything they wear. Long week here too, so please enjoy your weekend:)
Thanks for chance at winning something special Kelle!

Farmgirl Paints said...

those last two were my favs kelle. finally made it to virginia. missed your blog. you have a peaceful week too!

CoyGirl said...

The pic of Lainey Love in the grass is one of my favorites of all time.

brooke said...

the 'oh' !! i LOVE it!! :)

p.s. you have got the BEST sponsors!

Amanda D said...

Your blog is always so inspiring, thank you! Your connection with your girls is beautiful, I love the picture with you and Nella making Oh faces at each other. :) Happy weekend!

Alzbeta said...

Pajamas... perfect idea!

The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Mother said...

I LOVE the photo dump!! How do you do that? That is the first I have seen it...maybe I'm living in a hole here (a hot hole), in San Antonio...we are always behind the times. My 4 kiddos are loving our summer traditions too...we've practically moved into the pool we are there sooo much!

Seelife3d said...

hello summer, where have you been we missed you over here in the olympic northwest!

Photo dump is a keeper :)

McMel said...

long live the "oh"!

Shelby Baker said...

LOVE the ''Oh'' face... and love the photo dump idea, too :)

Angela said...

Oh my! Lainey looks so grown up in that last picture and her hair is getting so long! Beautiful! Have a great weekend!

whentheraincomes said...

Love those clothes! Kayla

Kristen said...

So... as I sit here holding my very own miracle... I'm still loving the pictures of your miracle(s). I'm feeling exhausted as we just returned from vacation with 3 under 3. So thanks for the re-charge. We are gearing up to bath away those sweet smells also. I have some questions about how you "run" your sponsorship. I have some AMAZINGLY talented friends who would like to sponsor my blog. I was wondering how you did it - if you could give me some pointers. Kristen www.alittlesomethingforme.com

Kelly said...

Coolest.Cloud.Picture.EVER!
Are you getting a pet mouse? My son has been begging for a hamster for the last year. We told him we couldn't because we had a cat. Damn cat ran away last month.....ugh.

Chelsie said...

The mouse and Lainey scoping each other out is priceless. Love it!
Love the bear clouds too :D
And Nella in that dress with her dolly. Just so much love. Love love love.

J-Dub04 said...

Yay for the "oh" face being back! It'll always makes me smile to see her adorable faces.

KP said...

i am so so glad the "oh" is back! i've missed it! :-)

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