Happy 4th

We had a low key 4th and it was just about perfect!  We had a water balloon fright, ate dinner with Kay Kay and G, and then got our favorite spot in town to watch the fireworks. It was a fabulous time!❤️💙🇺🇸

My little photographers.

Celebrating EK!

Nine years old.....what in the world!  Our sweet first born has grown into a young lady and it is such an amazing thing to witness. Her birthday this year fell during summer intensive. We went back and forth as to what she would like to do to celebrate and she concluded that she wanted her friend Claire to come home with her from dance, go swimming, and then go to dinner. So that's exactly what we did!

EK, you are so worth celebrating not just one day a year, but every single day. You have such a sweet and compassionate spirit and have a heart of service. You are a thinker  and you feel things deeply. You have had to learn to be brave, honest and vulnerable. You are wise beyond your years...and old soul for sure. I write each day on your lunch box napkin the same words to close each note.  Love God.  Be kind. Be you. Choose joy. I pray those words take root in your heart and mind and that you live in to them. 

As always, a little Birthday interview to close things out....

1) What is your name: Ella Kate Nelson

2) What is your nickname: EK

3) What makes your happy: dancing and being with friends

4) Where do you like to go: the pool, Barnes and Noble, the library, school, dance studio

5) What is your favorite food : biscuits

6) What is your least favorite food: chocolate

7) What is your favorite animal: elephant and owl

8) What is your favorite Bible story: the one where he dies to save us

9) What is your favorite tv show: dance shows and cooking shows

10) What is your favorite movie: Brave

11) What are you really good at doing: dancing

12) What is your favorite color: blue

13) What is your favorite song: This is Me

14) Who is your best friend: Sienna and Claire

15) What do you like to do with mama: just be with her

16) What do you like to do with daddy: go on walks

17) What do you like to do with Walker: play games

18) What do you like to do with Emma: play games

19) What is your favorite sport: ballet

20) What is your favorite book: The Secret Garden

21) What do you want to be when you grow up: speech therapist

22) What was the best part of being 8: 3rd grade

23) What is your favorite thing about school: learning things we need to know for the rest of  our lives

24) What are you excited about in 4th grade: trapper keeper and switching classes

25) What are you afraid of: hurricanes and death

26) What makes you mad: Walker and Emma when they are annoying

27) Where do you want to go to college: MSU

28) If  you had one wish, What would it be: that everyone would know about Jesus

29) If you had a million dollars, what would you do: give it to people who need it

30) If there was anything you ever wanted, what would it be: that everyone would have a home and know about Jesus 

Summer Fun

This summer is flying by and we have been enjoying every minute. Here are some of the random happenings from the last few weeks.

We got to catch dinner with our dear friends while they were in town for baseball. Any time with the Gordons is a gift. Love these friends so much!

I got to meet another dear friend for lunch the next week. Lauren lives in FL so we don't get to see each other very often so any chance we get to visit in person is a gift!  18 years of friendship with Meaghan and Lauren! Wow! Grateful for them!

We had to say goodbye to our friends the Alexanders as they prepare to move to Hattiesburg. Walker will miss his best buddy so much!

It was a HOT day at the park for these mamas! 

The kids found out a BIG surprise!

We got to celebrate some awesome daddies for Father's Day. We really hit the jackpot in this department!

EK attended her second Summer Intensive at her dance studio. She learned so much and had a great time dancing wither friends. It's wild that this will be her 7th year of ballet!

Please excuse all of my school stuff in the background but check out this girl's split. She has worked hard for it!

Walker lost his first tooth! So grown! 

We loved cheering on the Bulldawgs and their incredible run to the Omaha and we had fun finding "rally bananas" all over the place! 

EK and I attended the International Ballet Competition. We had such a nice time and will look forward to going again in 4 years when it comes back to town.

Our church is having VBX this week. Such a fabulous week for the little people.

My friends are the best! I'm so grateful for this tribe of mamas (and a few more who missed out on dinner). We celebrated my birthday and my birthday buddy Sarah's birthday over Mexican food and cake. Can't think of anything better!

Next up....EKs Birthday, the 4th, and our trip to the coast. One day I will catch up😉