this is my family…
…and when i’m here with them, i could just cry that my life does not include hopping in the car on a moment’s notice to meet them for dinner, sunday barbecues in my brother’s backyard, saturday afternoons shopping with my sister.
i knew i was giving up all that when i moved to florida…but oh how i am reminded what i’m missing when i’m here.
saturday evening was blissful. my sister hosted her first wine & cheese party in her new abode and if her sweet little digs weren’t christened before, they certainly are now as we settled into pillows on the floor with friends, cousins, and babies in our lap…playing the ‘if’ game, exchanging birth stories, recalling memories with our grandma, catching up.
and i finally met barb, my sister’s dear friend. although i envisioned our first greeting in slow-motion, in a field of daisies with chariot’s of fire playing, running through a hallway with an apron and beaters sufficed. she is as fabulous as i imagined.
and a 4-day road trip didn’t quite do it for our fun as heidi rejoined us for a sleepover and sunday morning coffee and sticky buns followed by a girls morning spent in old town yesterday where we perused the shops and landed upon the hidden treasure of honora bird’s art gallery.
honora herself met us in her studio where she passionately discussed her art…
i felt very at home…in the midst of a messy studio where creativity abounded.
…and lunch found us nestled in big couches in the back of a cozy brick-walled den of a pizzeria…
and finally…my favorite…my dad’s first father’s day in probably more than five years where all of us were together. we spent it behind big plates of spaghetti at bravo and then back to dad’s where we enjoyed a dreamy walk…all of us together…down to the wildflower field.
i was, in a word…happy.
and my girl is taking in enough family lovin’ to last her the whole year through.
and happy father’s day to my own incredible dad who continually amazes me…
my wonderful father-in-law…couldn’t have chosen a better one if i had first pick in a bucket of father-in-laws to choose from…
and our larger-than-life daddy whose true gift in life is his ability to love his kids in this magical way. we miss you so much.
…enjoying the happy things. ~k
every time i visit your site, tears come to my eyes – there is something so magical about how you capture the beauty of life. seeing you with your family is so amazing, especially your sisters. I miss mine so much. i am heading to Illinois for a family reunion of my own and how i wish i could capture it on film the way you can.
…stumbled onto your blog after Joan’s..with tears rolling..i am amazed at seeing life through your lense..your eyes…your heart. i am inspired today to embrace life and all it’s beauty.. and share my heart…with no fear! YOU r BEAUTY!
p.s. had to write this comment twice…to create a blogger account..lol!! Guess that’s my kick to get going on the “no fear…share” challenge!! 🙂
You found Sir Pizza! Yeah!
Why do Lisa and I look deranged and you and J look so normal? hahaha…
I love seeing you with your sibs…love and joy. 🙂
I love all the family pictures.
LL is in a daisy dress in the daisy field!!!!!!!!
Stop the insanity susan powter!
Too ______ for words! Insert any adjective synonymous with sweet and you’ve got the caption for that picture!
Holy moly!
I love the “I spy a mama” caption 🙂 So glad that you are enjoying Michigan – remember that you’re always welcome to move back! Lots of people need picture-taking in Michigan too!! 🙂
Um, yeah. Heidi said “Now make a goofy face” and I think she caught me mid-wink. Tell everyone I wasn’t having a seizure! SO great to hang out with ya’ll at Carin’s.
YOU ROCK MY WORLD.
PERIOD.
YOU ROCK MY WORLD.
PERIOD.
I love that last photo of Lainey. What a snuggly cutie! Her hair is getting so long. Sometimes I wonder what Avi’s hair would be like if I hadn’t cut it 6 times in 16 months! The pressure of keeping a boy’s hair somewhat short!
So do you drive back to Florida for road trip part deux?
OMG…I don’t know where to start!? I love the family pics, of course! The pics of LL walking amongst the daisy field….out of this world! Looks & sounds like you are having so much fun! YAY! 🙂
Hello my name is Meagan… and I’m an “enjoyingthesmallthings-aholic”!
Kelle – your photos and thoughts always inspire me to be a better mom, wife and sister.
Thank you!
oh my goodness…these pictures are soooooooooo beautiful!!!! i love seeing all of cryderman’s together like that! that feild…holy beautiful and amazing!
love them all. love you guys. and i miss you already. don’t even want to think about tomorrow.