I did something really stupid today, and I don’t know why I did it. Perhaps it’s the Cryderman gene responsible for weird spontaneity, the same one that, last year, compelled my cousin to pen a letter to her daughter from the tooth fairy explaining that her four day delay on leaving a dollar was because she was held up…in jail (which, for the record, isn’t true. My cousin’s a good girl. One of the best).
It was a serene breakfast moment. Brett was feeding Nella at the counter and Lainey was happily marrying her bagel halves into a cream cheese sandwich at her table. I went to refill my coffee cup and noticed the gorilla mask Brett used to scare me the night before was lying on the counter (that’s another story).
I don’t know why I did it. I should have thought it through. But I didn’t. I put the mask on and walked toward Lainey’s table and roared at her.
I roared. It was definitely more of a cute bear cub roar than a ferocious lion king roar, but still…I roared. I wish someone would have stopped me, really. I thought it would be funny. I thought the saddle shoes and the coffee cup I was holding would most certainly give it away. That I wasn’t a gorilla but just a funny mom.
It went badly. Very. There was this look of terror I’ll never forget, even though I only saw it through the blurred vision a rubber eye hole with fur offers. My stomach dropped, and I whipped the mask off so fast, my cheek got rubber burned.
Why, oh why, did I think a four-year-old would laugh at a gorilla mask?
There were tears. I ran to hold her, squeezed her tight, told her I was sorry, promised her I’d never do it again, and inside scolded myself for being so thoughtless.
Brett, unscathed, scooped Nella another bite of food, flashed me a look and calmly asked, “And you were thinking that would be hilarious?”
We learn.
I did.
But I made it up to her.
Determined to make the best of a short sliver of sunshine today, I loaded up the car and drove. I had no idea where we were going and I changed my mind three times on our drive. Beach, no; park, no; fruit market, no. So we continued south, past Old Naples, until we landed in the parking lot of our Botanical Gardens. A welcoming scene greeted us: a crew of volunteers in summery straw hats pulled weeds and pruned flowers and smiled at us as we made our way to the entrance.
It was humid and buggy and I quickly regretted my choice of jeans, but there was a breeze, two happy girls, and some overcast skies that finally proved useful.
We forgot our bathing suits for the fountains, but that didn’t stop the woman at the beach yesterday. So, we stripped down and frolicked. Well, the girls did. My clothes stayed on and frolick, I did not. Okay, I frolicked.
Nella likes to climb and investigate solo.
She does not appreciate Sister’s assistance.
But she does smile every time Lainey tries to take a picture with my phone. It makes me swoon.
I witnessed several moments today that made me near breathless with humble adoration for these two little spirits whose souls are interwined not only by common genes but by moments and memories and this obvious security they feel in each others’ presence.
It just happens. Right when I’m digging for goldfish crackers or rolling up my pant leg for the fiftieth time. I’ll catch them locked in this moment of sisterhood. Lainey knows just how to smile to make her laugh. And little sister knows just how to laugh to make Lainey smile.
Gorilla mask’s got nothin’ on that.
We stayed just long enough to wear them out and run through an entire trial-sized bottle of overpriced organic mosquito repelling oil, the only one the gift shop sold.
But again, it was worth it. Because it always is.
The gorilla mask is packed away deep in the Halloween closet, and we are preparing for more rain, more crafts, more mushrooms in our woods.
And more rainy days mean more moments in my kitchen gettin’ fresh with a sharp-dressed man.
He’s a Scentsy brick, in case you wondered.
*****
The $50 gift certificate winner for Amber Silva’s Stella & Dot store is Comment # 373, Evelyn Louise: “I got down here, saw that quiet water, and it looked so inviting. I jumped in, clothes and all, and floated on my back in the rain. It was amazing.”
Seriously, best quote ever.
Now I want to find a body of water in which to float fully clothed in the rain.
Heading to the beach for a week…perhaps I’ll find that body of water and a rainy sky.
Evelyn Louise, congratulations. Please e-mail your info to kellehamptonblog@comcast.net, and you will be soon be sportin’ some new jewels.
*****
Have a great weekend!
Patti says
I always love the sisters pictures the best. Right now Lily is addicted to her sister Abigail, and it is so sweet to see her “prefer” her over her other siblings (much to their dismay!) That photo of Lainey taking a pic of Nella is the cutest!
Alicia says
i agree with patty…the sister pics are the sweetest memory shots ever!
Life with Kaishon says
Gorillas rock my socks off.
Southern Gal says
We all make those kinds of mistakes every now and then. The picture of Lainey and her reflection in the pond is perfection. So are the sister pics.
Jaclyn says
Yes, what is up with this Florida rain? this is different than the quick, robust summer storms. Icky here in Orlando too.
Love the moments you capture between the 2 of them. That is true love right there. It makes my heart swell to see such pure love from them.
Happy weekend!
Beth says
At least there was no rain today! =) It’s a step in the right direction!
I absolutely adore the picture of Nella smiling for Lainey to take the picture with your phone!! Too cute!
Happy Weekend!
Beth
Beth says
Afterthought::: Did Lainey take the picture of you and Nella on the hammock?? Pretty impressive if she did!!
Shannon says
just love your girls. Nella is getting so big and she is just precious
loveyoualready says
Love the hammock shots!
I did something similar with our 16 month old (then 14 months) and also honestly thought it would be funny…while she was nestled up close on my lap I decided to blow a bubble with the gum I was chewing…BAD IDEA. Like you, I will never, ever forget the look of horror on my girl’s face!! It was the worst.
And oh, the tears!!! It was really sad.
Of course, I tried it again the next day just to assure her that gum was fun. It also didn’t go well. Dummy Mommy.
Kelly Cach says
I can’t stop laughing out LOUD…..and I’ve only read the first part!
Going back for the rest……
Marianne says
“Leggy Lainey” is going to be quite the tall drink of water! Your girls are so beautiful!
Samantha @ Moody Mama says
Oh the pictures in the hammock make my heart smile and brought a tear to my eye!
Katy says
Have a great weekend Hampton family! π
Freckles Chick says
HA!! I hear ya; I forget that sometimes humor has a selective audience. =] For what it’s worth, I would have totally laughed with you.
You girls are so beautiful. Darling Nella is becoming a little lady right before our eyes. I love her independent streak.
Katie says
oh mama….too funny! I laughed …I probably would have thought it was going to go over well too!!
Janelle says
Just to make you feel a little better… my husband’s 17 year old cousin thought the very same thing as you. He is great with kids and my children along with my nieces love him. One evening after supper they were in the basement for their usual chase, tickle, laugh and play routine (which sometimes includes him singing to them) he put on the gorilla mask, a father’s day gift for my father-in-law(yes he asked for it & we got it for him), but anyway back to the story at hand. He put the mask on to make the kids laugh… and my kids (Jack 4, Hannah & Rebekah 2 1/2) thought it hilarious but sadly my 4 year old niece Kate thought it scary and started crying. He felt so bad. She recovered fully and still loves and laughs with him. So no fears, we all make decisions that could have been thought through more fully but there is forgiveness and who better to learn that from then a child!
Kelly Cach says
…..I’m back and not laughing anymore…sigh.
I had to go back 3 times and look at the photo of Nella with the blurred orange flower in the fore-ground. She. is. beautiful.
And Lainey taking the picture of Nella…..my eyes welled.
And Lainey cupping Nella’s cheek…..full on tears.
I know these moments π
Much adoration,
Kelly
michelle says
Jack always gave the biggest smile and laugh when used the phone to take a picture. His very best smiling picture came from the cell phone. They are too cute
Heather says
About the gorilla…you HAVE to watch this if you can get to it! http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=2161309917860&comments
My cousin scared his kiddos with a mask and recorded it. Hilarious!
Camilla Moe RΓΈdven says
What a beautiful blog! I love your pictures, and the way you write. And that every post has a lot of pictures. Wish you a great summer!:)
maryβ₯cate says
I was once scared by a gorilla mask when I was 8. It was Halloween and I was about to ring the door bell at my aunt’s house when I heard this horrible growl and I looked up. I ran down the hill crying. I’m 27 & I haven’t forgotten it. It’s funny now, but oh poor Lainey!
Love the sisterly love! xx
kate's corner says
you must frame one of the hammock sister pics.
Mr. Jayson says
Just have to say that third picture of Nella is gorgeous!!!
Team Lando says
I love this one. Sister love beats gorilla. Precious. π
But this post is seriously lacking a gorilla photo. π
Happiness is... says
Oh, that mask story. I had a moment like that a few months ago. We were playing monster, growling at each other, hiding gently in her room. And then I walked out the door casually and then jumped back in with an oversized, definitely-too-scary-for-an-almost-3YO roar. And I saw every muscle in her body shutter, and her face twist in fear and her eyes explode with tears in an instant. Oh, yeah, that was too big for her. And I heard that voice in the back of my head say, “Genius, brain surgeon.” Not the best playful parenting moment.
And as I apologized and she curled into my arms bawling her eyes out, I was made to swear at that moment to never “roar” like that ever again.
Oh the botanical garden looks simply lovely. Love Nella’s cute pants. Love how long her hair is getting all of a sudden.
Have a rocking weekend.
Jennifer from Annapolis
Glennen says
The photos of your girls cuddling are the best ever. So so gorgeous. Good job, Momma.
Jess says
The hammock pictures are priceless! You captured it perfectly. I LOVE your blog!!
jlr says
The 3rd shot in, of sweet Nella, might be my favorite of today! π As ever, I also love the shots of the girls together. Never mind that I am almost 40, I tell anyone who will listen that I want to take pictures as beautiful as yours when I grow up! Thank you for sharing with all of us.
Amanda says
The picture of Lainey taking a picture of Nella with the cellphone made me tear up. Such sincere smiles. And I love the pictures of Lainey peering in at her reflection.
Natalia Jean Sansosti says
Of course I love the sister pictures – and seeing those makes me SERIOUSLY question our decision to be a single child family – but I have to say that the 3rd pic on this post (Nella sitting on the ground, framed in flowers) is *stunning*!!! Her face is just perfection. Those chromosomes know what they’re doing.
Beth says
Oh wow…the pictures in the hammock melted my heart. What a beautiful family you have. BTW I so would have done the same thing with the gorilla mask….
The Mac's House says
LOL I think it is safe to say that made me giggle when he flashed you a look and questioned what you thought you were doing.
This while I’m sitting here at the computer a 3 year old hands me a plastic bucket for my hat, a Tin can that use to hold M&M’s and a pen for my drum stick so I can get busy banging out a song. OH yes that’s me, I dance in the kitchen with this wonderful 3 year old like a crazy loon all the time while her mother stands there and rolls her eyes at me. Do I really need to add that I will turn 50 this November???? Does that need to be said? The 24 year old mother refuses to participate in our daily dancing, drumming, singing but I love every minute of it. I especially love when she gets her Papa to sing out loud in the middle of Lowes.
And yes my plastic bucket hat is still on. π
Love your adventures of motherhood and life. They make me SMILE BIG TIME!
π
Teri
lauren says
sisters. it is a love all it’s own. it springs forth from us, inspires us and yet reaches beyond the moments we will ever see. i always say the best gift i will ever give my babies is a heart that remembers there beginnings. it is as gift for their future. my goodness those girls are magic kelle. π
maggie says
Ahhh……I literally hit “publish post” on my own blog–a piece about mom guilt and how terrible it is….and then came over to yours and read about the gorilla mask. Good company I guess.
Stephanie Doyle says
Okay, a couple things.
1) Beautiful pictures, as always!
2) My son, Hunter, definately needs some of those “Hunter” rain boots!
3) My son is jamming out to the music playing on your blog. LOVES it! π
4) I would have totally had to learn the hard way with the gorilla mask as well. Totally something I would’ve thought would be funny.
That is all π
Marti says
Those hammock pictures are priceless! I’m sure the look on your face after ripping off that mask was priceless too.
Single PAP says
you often take amazing pictures but oh those two of nella–the one in the midst of the flowers and the one on the bench. she is so, so adorable!
Shannon says
Long time reader, first time commenter!
While I love all the photos and descriptions of Lainey and Nella’s sister-moments, for some reason I’m struck with at the shot of Lainey and her reflection in the fish pond- absolutely stunning!
Your girls are gorgeous, and I can only hope that when I have kids of my own someday, that they have the bond that your girls share.
Laura J. says
I cannot believe how long Nella’s hair has gotten!! The baby is starting to disapear and look like a toddler….sigh. Love the pictures as always and the gorilla thing would’ve scared the **** out of me, so I can imagine poor Lainey…LOL.
Carly says
I love your shoes! And your girls are so beautiful.
Sooo scary when you realize you’ve just scared a child! Ahh.
-Carly
http://www.createliveblog.com
Elysha says
Okay, I have to admit that I am laughing. Like, serious, tears rolling down my cheeks laughing-out-loud. And I shouldn’t be, because I have a three year old girl who thinks ants on the sidewalk are terrifying, but I just know that I wouldn’t have been able to resist the gorilla mask either. She’ll get you back someday, anyway!
OnCallMom says
I am dying over those sister pictures on the hammock–they are good for the soul. And that gorilla story made me laugh out loud–it’s totally something I would have done.
Jessica says
Oh my gosh. I had tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard. Not because you scared poor Lainey but because I did the.same.exact thing a week ago to my 3 year old. He did not find me as amusing as I did.
Sister pictures are SO cuteeee! I have two boys and I agree. It takes my breath away when I see how much they adore and need eachother. Its amazing. Have a great weekend!!
medina family says
I know it wasn’t funny to Lainey, and I feel bad…but I was laughing out loud. Especially at Brett’s comment…just perfect.
You guys are such a great family. THanks for sharing your lives with all of us.
Susan
Heidi Lee says
Not even sure I should say this but here goes: you know the movie “scream?”…we have scream mask.
We get it out every Halloween.
Crisilee and Sophie are over it. But Mylie and Darby are terrified. They know it’s us underneath though..it’s all in good, scary fun.
And of course I wonder why Mylie doesn’t sleep well….(sigh)
You were so NOT BAD to do that with the gorilla mask!
Ani says
This makes me want to frolic in a fountain and then chill in a hammock. Your girls are so lovely!
Heidi Lee says
Oh and wait, you don’t know about the “scary-haired woman”
The next time I see you I will introduce you to her.
Seriously, do NOT feel bad about the mask. I have lots of stories…
April Vernon says
So sorry about the gorilla gone bad moment! What a title for a blog post! Ha!
The 3rd photo (of Nella at the Botanical Garden) took my breath away. I had to stop and stare a minute before reading on. Beautiful!
Naomi says
Aww, what a good mommy!
The Annessa Family says
Even though I follow your blog I am still amazed by the simple beauty you capture…especially with your girls!
Brooke Annessa
http://www.TheAnnessaFamily.Blogspot.com
Melissa says
I adore that last photo. Little moments of sibling tenderness are the best.
Kdunn says
I just LOVE the sweet pictures of your girls together!! I wish I could capture more moments that those between my girls.
Amy says
I have two boys (7 and 1).. and hope that they will someday share the love your girls do.. right now they like to wrestle… yell.. race.. but no sweet cuddles! The pictures of lainey and the oranges are adorable..
thanks again.. a bonus blog for our week!
Zia says
Your Nella reminds me so much of my daughter..it must be their age, such innocence in their faces and contagious smiles!
hayley says
i keep waiting for my kids to love each other fiercely the way some siblings do. at 4 and 2, they are working on it, but the magical moments are few and far between. i know you would never take it for granted what your girls have and how special it is… just wanted to reaffirm it for you π
sarahmarie0730 says
I adore the pictures of the girls together…so adorable! Have a great weekend!:)
Mrs. Buckingham says
Oh my goodness! What great hammock pictures! They are just priceless! And you totally capture that bond between your girls in the pictures you take… it’s so obvious! Nella’s smile for the phone is PRECIOUS!!!
Jo, just Jo says
Beautifully written, I felt your pain – tears were forming, I could feel how you were so sorry for what you had done…. and then I read Brett’s comment, and I laughed – out loud – you know, belly laugh… That could’ve been our family.
fifi says
Sister shots are priceless. I only wish my mom had taken pictures of us when we were little. I am blessed to have three wonderful sisters. The photos may not exist but the memories do!
bellinipics says
It’s been a while since I visited last but again so happy I’m here. You’re writing is just…amazing. Love reading you!!! xoxo, Steph
Gentle Blue Mom says
That 3rd pic of Nella is breathtaking!
Stef says
I did something just like this! On our recent trip to California, to visit family, I pulled a complete insane Mommy moment and said THE dumbest thing to my kids. We live in Washington, near Seattle, so we don’t so much access to the wide open ocean, like you would in, say, Santa Cruz. So we pull up to the beach and my kids are already feeling a bit freaked out by the massive amount of water they’re seeing; I can see my 2 year old is kind of shaking in her boots as she gets out of the car and won’t take her eyes off the ocean. So what does genius Mommy say?? “there’s the ocean!! Isn’t it beautiful?! That’s where all the sharks and whales live!!” — yes. I kid you not. Those words came out of my mouth. My husband just stared at me, like “you’ve GOT to be kidding me!” and then it hit me. WRONG thing to say to your 6, 4 1/2 and 2 1/2 year old kids who are already afraid of this new ocean discovery.
I want to say I’ve learned… but I know I’ll say something dumb again in my lifetime and they’ll learn to roll their eyes and say “there goes Mom again.” π
TaterTotMom says
You take amazing pictures. Your daughters will LOVE these when they are “old”. π
jenilu2 says
The hammock shots are priceless!!
My husband did the mask “thing” at the zoo with our oldest and she reacted the same way. She was not amused and he felt so bad!
It makes me feels so much better that I am not the only one that changes her mind 10 times in the car about where we should go.
Great pics and post! Thanks!
Jorie says
Seriously, was laughing so hard I was crying! We all have those moments we look back on and think, huh, what were we thinking?!
The pictures of the girls are priceless!
Heather :: AFD Jewelry :: says
Oh my goodness, the pictures of your girls on the hammock are priceless. I live for the moments like that between my girls. Nothing sweeter.
Kathryn says
don’t be hard on yourself, we all live and learn! She has forgiven you today, and forgot tomorrow!!
Have a great weekend yourself!!
Esther says
Happy you got a bright day today! And have no fear for any long-reaching effects from the gorilla mask. There’s a horrifying “Old Man Mask” in my family that I was apparently frightened with many times as a small child, but I don’t remember any of those times π
Tina says
I don’t want to scare you Kelle, but… my parents also had a scary gorilla mask as I was very young, and my Dad also thought it would be funny to put it on and roar at me… and I remember how terrified it made me to this day. However the difference is my Dad did it over and over and over again. I suppose he thought I’d get used to it (or at least I HOPE that is why he did it repeatedly, and not to torture me) but probably until I was about 8 I found it equally terrifying every single time.
So do Lainey a favour, and don’t do it again. It really won’t be funny the next time either. LOL. π
Emily P says
I do lots of dumb stuff. Not saying what you did was dumb, but you know what I mean. How about this one… I left my little monkey nugget on the window seat where I was changing him for literally 5 seconds to grab something literally 2 feet away and he rolled off. Why did I leave him? That was really dumb of me. I totally knew better. He’s fine – scared more than anything. Rolled right off onto the plush carpet. I apologized over and over as I held him. And promised I would never leave him again. I’ll make a mental note that gorilla masks aren’t good either…
LOVE the picture of Nella sitting in the gardens. And I melted with the sister pictures:0) I can’t wait to see Mr. Monkey act as a big brother. Maybe next summer… Happy Weekend:0)
mrszimm says
I love your blog so much. You speak right into my heart.
I love the pictures of little sister resisting big sister’s help. They made me laugh so hard.
We have the same relationship playing out in my house. Three year old big sister is always wanting to do everything for 15 month old little brother, who would rather explore and investigate on his own. I love the love of an older sibling who just keeps insisting on taking care of “their baby” even when it’s unwanted. π
Happy Weekend!!!
Louise says
“I thought the saddle shoes and the coffee cup I was holding would most certainly give it away. That I wasn’t a gorilla but just a funny mom”.
Okay, so I just almost peed my pants. I have been feeling low with my mom superpowers today, rought evening with a 3 yr old who just went to sleep like 5 minutes ago. Thank you for the laugh and the beautiful pictures, those gardens look so serene.
Carrie Halman says
Can totally relate to the gorilla mask horror. I have a four year old and an old scream mask…nuff said. π
CoyGirl says
Oh, I must find a Brett. Someone calm to balance out my dramatic tendencies. That’s so funny that he just went about the business of the morning. la la la, that’s my silly wife, whatever.
“Okay Nella, open sesame!”
Lisa G. - Happy Mama says
I laughed my ass off at the gorilla story. I read it to my husband and he laughed too. It was especially funny because today while at the children’s museum our 3 year old ran away from (an employee dressed up as) Mama Bear from Berenstain Bears. She said “I want to go somewhere else!” and refused to go to that particular exhibit.
On the way home from the museum our daughter was having a tantrum and my husband decided it was a good time to threaten her with Mama Bear coming to our house if she didn’t behave. Way to go, hubs. My poor girl freaked out.
Oh the things we do as parents π
mrszimm says
One more thing:
I love that post about you all at the Orange Grove. It was the first one I ever read and it touched my heart so much b/c I take my kids on adventures all the time by myself while Daddy is at work. As I also, distinctively remember my Momma doing it. Thank goodness for Mommas who adore and live for their babies. π
Shannon says
I just cannot tell you how much I love the look of complete sister adoration on Lainey’s face. Sweet girls, the love between them is just breathtaking.
We all have our “Oh crap” moments, I know I do. π
Natalie says
I just adore your girls. I feel the same about my two boys. They’re almost the same ages as your girls…it’s perfect isn’t it?!
Sarah says
awww, I love sister pics. My sister and I are best friends, soulmates even. And now I have 3 beauties of my own, ages 5,3,1. I love to watch them dress each other up and take car of one another. thanks for the great pictures and I am still salivating over those shoes!
Lauren says
Absolutely precious! Some of my favorite pictures of yours to date. Makes me wish I had a sister even more! Looks like you girls had a fun day…you can forgive yourself for the mask! π
colette says
this is one of my favorite posts of yours. the pictures are beautiful. gorgeous, as always, but i love especially how the love just oozes in the sister pics. and the 3rd pic down, of nella sitting on the path between the flowers. oh my is she ever beautiful. gorgeous girls you all are.
Kelly says
PRECIOUS pictures on the hammock!
Your blog is my outlet, my ‘vacation’. Thank you, Kelle!
Brianna says
I love the sister photos, so sweet! It really makes me get excited for my daughters to someday share a bond like that, once #2 arrives that is =)
http://georgiapeach83.blogspot.com/
Joeylee says
those pictures of the girls in the hammock are so precious. you take great pictures!
Wren says
Ah the difference between boys and girls! Landon begs for me to growl at him and “be scary mom”! LOL I love the pictures of your girls together…despite being boys, my babies are just as sweet and love each other just as much. It’s a bond I’ll never get tired of and never stop enjoying. Happy weekend!
http://www.eachdayisanewjourney.blogspot.com
Becky@IfTheseWallsSpoke says
I hate that feeling, when you’ve totally misjudged, especially if the husband is watching!
mrc-w says
Hahaha, nice try with the gorilla mask. It could’ve gone either way, really. You just never know until you try, haha π
our clan says
Your daughters are so sweet!! Their pictures just melt my heart!!
Jaemie says
I just laughed my ass off with your gorilla mask story!
We have a gorilla mask that we use to scare each other with constantly and I swear that even though I know it when I see it, it freaks me out! (BTW my 4 year old boy thinks it’s hysterical…I should show you the picture of him w/it on-cracks me up every time.)
Cammie Heflin says
Someday I am going to take the time and put forth the effort to learn how to take and edit photos to make them show the true beauty that they are! You are so inspiring! I love your photos, they are so genuine and true and make me smile. The love for your children is contagious!
Erin says
“I’m thirteen now and don’t know how my friends could be so mean
I come home crying and you hold me tight and grab the keys
And we drive and drive until we found a town far enough away
And we talk and window shop till I forgot all their names” ~ Taylor Swift….This blog so made me think of these lyrics. I hope to be that mom some day!!!
Jennifer says
Oh my GOD!! That picture of Nella in the flowers! She’s gorgeous!
lightkeepersdaughter says
Awww! Poor Mom! If the truth be told, you’re probably more devastated than Lainey! We’ve all done things we wish we could pull back, in just about the same instant as we’ve said/done them!…….Don’t beat yourself up too much.
Sounds like you more than made up for your lapse.
I gotta say – the picture of Lainey taking Nella’s picture with your cell phone. Oh my lord – but, that’s a precious shot! The picture of Lainey’s reflection? So gorgeous….and the hammock shots – so very gorgeous. Thanks for sharing with us………Rosemary
Libbi says
When my son was 3, (he is now 17)he loved monkeys. We decided to have a birthday party with a monkey theme. We rented a gorilla costume. My 6’3″ husband was the “dresser upper”. When he came out to “play” with the kids – everybody screamed bloody murder. I had 3 year olds in such cahoots I thought it would never end. Two of them were so traumatized they never set foot in my house again.
I never even considered that would happen:)
Your blog is so beautiful! I live in Utah and I love it here as much as you did. Thank you for sharing.
SuperMilf says
~sigh~ LOVE the sister pics…makes me sad that my two boys spend more time “wrestle-fighting” instead of hugging each other! Such beauties…
Aimee says
I love the picture of Nella sitting on the path at the gardens(the third pic down from the top)
She is beautiful!
Victoria says
those sister shots are just BREATH TAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!
have a lovely weekend as well!
~Yours Truly says
Ok
#1- that pic of nella sitting on the sidewalk with the flowers? So dreamy! Love it!
#2- I actually laughed out loud at the gorilla story because I have the same one! When I was laineys age, at halloween, I dressed up in a mask to wait by the back door to scare my dad upon his arrival from work.
Knowing he was coming home clad in a gorilla suit(like the expensive rental kind) my mom playe along with my scare tactic(video camera in hand.) soon, the door opened and before I could scare my dad, some cheat pounding gorilla scared the life out of me. It wad awful. Plain
Awful. I will never forget the fear that day but thinking back now and watching the video I laugh out loud.
You’re a good mama Kelle. She will laugh one day.
Nuna says
they’re so sweet. i can see how much they love each other. ^_^
sheri says
Don’t beat yourself up over the mask. My dad did the same thing to my one Halloween about 27 years ago (I’m now 31) and I’m perfectly fine with no unhealthy fear of gorillas (or of my dad).
Jen says
Love the girl’s hammock moments. That nella is getting sooooo big!
Deedee says
Our family has spent so many winters, springs and summers in Venice, FL, and your blog is bringing back many vivid memories. Thank you for this!
JDaniel4's Mom says
JDaniel would have thought you were funny! He would have loved the mask.
Anne Lightner says
I’m sorry but I had to laugh at the Gorilla mask, that is something I would do and regret as well! The sister’s picture of Lainey and Nella on the hammock actually brought a tear to my eye…just beautiful!
The Manrings says
ummmm hilarious story about the mask. what a morning. hehehe. love the botanical gardens….i went last when i was very very pregnant with kinsley. i bet its beautiful for weddings or a fancy lawn tea party. happy weekend kel! xoxo ps. i have that same scented plug in. my mom got it for me awhile ago and it makes a perfect cozy night light in the kitchen after dinner. pss. the picture of the girls snuggling on the hammock is one to frame….puts a lump in my throat…so sweet and loving!
nicole says
Don’t we all have a gorilla mask episode in our past? This will make you feel better . . . I knew it would scare the pants off my kids! Why is it fun to scare people once in a while?
I never tire of pictures of Nella ~ she’s such a bowl of deliciousness.
And I wasn’t going to say it (here comes the but), but how can you stand to wear socks and shoes when it’s hot out????
Lora says
We’ve definitely all had those “I didn’t think that thru” moments as a parent. Don’t sweat it. π
And alo when the heck did Nella’s hair get so LONG?!?!? She looks like a big kid!
Mary says
I found myself reading this story 3 times over and laughing harder each time.
The pictures of Lainey and Nella on the hammock are beautiful. Way to capture the moment!
Thanks for sharing!
Erica says
The bond between sisters is priceless….I am so fortunate to have a sister and hope to give little Piper one soon.
Erica says
The bond between sisters is priceless….I am so fortunate to have a sister and hope to give little Piper one soon.
Erica says
The bond between sisters is priceless….I am so fortunate to have a sister and hope to give little Piper one soon.
The Stelly's says
Sorry Kelle but I’m laughing so hard right now! haha… Too funny!
Love the pics of the girls in the hammock. π
Catherine G. says
Those hammock pictures are so beautiful! You are so talented and your girls are so lovely (inside and out!).
Christina says
the photo of Nella framed by the orange flowering bushes: divine. She is such a beautiful, beautiful girl!
Melody says
The third picture of Nella wedged between two bushes of flowers is my absolute favorite! She looks beautiful, and I love her hair growing out. The pictures of the sisterly bond make me nostalgic for my childhood with my sister. Now we talk on the phone as married women and live 500 miles away from each other, but the bond is still there- and we still finish each other’s sentences and know how to make the other laugh…
Hilary says
Your pictures make me want to grab my own sis & cozy up with her in a hammock – a gazillion thumbs up for sisters!! π
LMPhotography says
When i was a child, my father had a demon mask. He would creep out from the basement at all hours- didn’t matter, and chase and scare us. Sometimes so bad, my little brother would break into tears but that didn’t stop him. He would just keep doing it. I usually would lock myself in my room so that i was safe there and not come out until my mother swore he stopped. didn’t matter that i knew it was my father in the mask. it was just plain scary. What i never understood was- it terrified us so badly- and they all knew it- why wouldn’t they stop? We never got the condolences you gave lainey after that brief moment- we just got repeated demon scares throughout our young lives until we were finally old enough to ignore him.
fricka...leader of the nerd herd says
As long as I can remember, my grandparents have had this terrifying gorilla mask. A lifetime of family members digging that God forsaken thing out and popping out of dark corners has damaged me and most of my cousins. lol. When we moved my grandparents from the farm to town, my biggest fear was that I would be the one to stumble across the mask. Thankfully I did not.
Christine says
Nella’s hair is getting so long. She looks beautiful! I love the pictures of the girls in the hammock. π
Noan says
Such a lovely post. Really and truly.
mandie lane says
Okay, you can’t end this post without a picture of this mask. Come on! Show us! We won’t judge.
aprilanecdotes says
She will get over the mask scare and delight in wearing it herself…. love the picture of Nella on the bench and the girls in the hammock. susan
Heather says
I know all too well what a gorilla mask does to children. Picture a room full of 2-year-olds, one eager bus driver/assistant, and the gorilla mask he happened to find. CHAOS.
Meagan Kenney says
Ah…to be back reading your blog… Was on vacation at my in-laws and they had dial-up and it took about 20 minutes to load a page…so I had to take an unfortunate hiatus from “Enjoying the Small Things.” π Looks like you had some awesome give aways while I was watching that hour glass spin around and around for 20 minutes! LOL! LOOOVE the pic of Nella sitting on the ground with the orange flowers. She is such a beauty! And Lainey too of course!
Jeanie says
Oh, Kelle, don’t beat yourself up over the gorilla mask. I absolutely would have done that when my kids were small. Maybe I did; I don’t remember that far back. I definitely would do it now when they’re in their 40s. π Love the photo of Lainey taking Nella’s picture with your phone.
Melissa says
That picture of Nella sitting on the ground with the orange flowers in the picture is seriously breathtakingly gorgeous! It is my favorite photo of her I have seen to date π
jenrobburton says
Adore the sister pics. They will look back on those fondly when they’re older, as I’m sure you will.
Your kids are lucky … the boys have each other as do the girls, but they all get to experience having brothers and sisters.
I always thought it would be cool to have one of each.
Stef says
I showed this post to my 5 and 2 1/2 year old girls and my 5 year old said “I love the picture of Lainey and Nella together, smiling at each other. Someday, when they’re OLD ladies, with sagging skin π Nella will say ‘remember when we were little girls and you loved me that way? its why we’re still best friends.’ “
-just a reminder, our kids pay close attention to these fun, every day moments.
Twinkletoes says
I am sorry she was so scared. Live and learn. We all go through that.
The photo of Nella, with the orange flower – looking right at the camera should be framed. Stunning!
Crystal @ Ordinary Days says
You are such a breath of fresh air. Seriously. And you make me want to live where I can take a drive and change my mind 3 times about which of the 3 GLORIOUS things I could choose to do. π
Heidi says
Argh – how can you leave us hanging? What is the story of Brett scaring you? And did it work? We definitely need a picture of the mask. I agree with the others that these pictures of the girls – especially Nella in the flowers – are some of the most beautiful yet.
Maddydog says
Love, love, love the third picture from the top of Nella.
Amy says
The pictures of the girls on the hammock brought tears to my eyes! Beautiful! I’m just 7 weeks away from welcoming our second son (our first, Will, has Ds), and though I’d hoped for a little girl this time around, I’m jumping at the thought of Will having a little brother look up to him and be best friends with him, as I know that will be important for them both. I hope with all my heart they share the same connection as Lainey and Nella. Those are two very lucky little girls…and you are one lucky mama to have that too.
Kristen says
The love shred between your girls is such a treat to see! They are both so beautiful!
genderist says
Fantastic shots. Good choice for the drive.
Ashley says
Hysterically laughed at your gorilla mask story! That is so something I would do! Love your sister pictures of your adorable girls.
Thanks for a good laugh!
ginabad says
It’s bad, but that cracked me up…and reminded me of the DUMB THING I did in Disney. I brought my 8yo onto Tower of Terror. She likes rides! She’s a thrill seeker! But NOT in the pitch dark. I know I scarred her for life.
Looks like you had a great day after that, the kids don’t look scarred at all. And LOVE those shoes!
alphabet momma says
I love the pictures of your babies in the hammock!! Your pictures are always amazing but these are breathtaking! They will be forever etched in my memory when I think of sisterly love!
homeiswhatyoumakeit says
LOVE all the photos.
The 3rd one, the one of Nella, melts my heart.
She is BEAUTIFUL.
Amy says
bahahaha… I so would have done that – thought it was funny, without thinking it all the way through!!
Ah well, she was fine in the end, right?!
Mama Mel says
My little one cries each time I blow my nose. Her dad can blow his and it’s no big deal, but if I whip out a tissue- she melts down. Once, I closed the bathroom door so she wouldn’t hear it as clearly and at first it worked. But when I opened the bathroom door she burst into tears. She’s almost one and has been doing this since she was a newborn.
I both laughed out loud and cried while reading this post. I think you can put this one in your top ten!
greys779 says
I just got a Sharp Dressed Man of my own, WONDERFUL!!!
Olivia : I am still learning says
It happens π I remember one time I let my small cousin wear a gorilla mask at Halloween and led him to the mirror to see himself. Needless to say he cried… lol.
Change of subject, I love LOVE the photos of the girls in the hammock. You should frame them π
Liv
I am still learning
http://jojfamily.blogspot.com/
Olivia : I am still learning says
It happens π I remember one time I let my small cousin wear a gorilla mask at Halloween and led him to the mirror to see himself. Needless to say he cried… lol.
Change of subject, I love LOVE the photos of the girls in the hammock. You should frame them π
Liv
I am still learning
http://jojfamily.blogspot.com/
Olivia : I am still learning says
It happens π I remember one time I let my small cousin wear a gorilla mask at Halloween and led him to the mirror to see himself. Needless to say he cried… lol.
Change of subject, I love LOVE the photos of the girls in the hammock. You should frame them π
Liv
I am still learning
http://jojfamily.blogspot.com/
Jennifer says
I am IN LOVE with that first picture of Nella! OMG! I want to print it and frame it! Awesome! And the both of them in the hammock! Precious!
OMG Gorilla mask story had me in stitches! Sorry, but it was worth it just for that memory alone! She will laugh later! HA HA!
Marie Rose says
OH my goodness…Nella is a going to be a heartbreaker! She’s so stinking beautiful. I love her little face and I love how you can capture the sisterhood your girls share. I hope to experience myself one day. You are a rockstar!
Linda MG in Soquel, CA says
Love the sister pics. And especially the hammock!
Adriel (The Mommyhood Memos) says
Pregnancy hormones or not… these hammock photos of your girls are making me tear up and ache for my baby to be born. I can’t wait to see our boys loving each other like your girls do. *sigh* Thanks for a little sneak peak into what my heart is yearning for. (Twelve more weeks to go – whoop!)
Katherines Corner says
A visit to your blog is like a cool breeze in summer or a warm afghan in winter… pure delight and absolute comfort. Hugs!
TRB Holt says
xoxo,
Bug & Ruby’s Gram
Crystal says
Third picture from the top. Nella sitting between bushes of yellow flowers. Oh, my goodness gracious that is a stunning shot!
The Murfitt's says
This post really made me laugh…from the title…to the thought of the Gorilla mask induced hysteria. But, I am glad you have learned to forgive yourself because as a Mommies we need a lot of forgiveness for what makes us flawed yet somehow beautiful. Great reading!
Phyl says
I come to your blog to relax, unwind, regroup. It’s a little piece of sanity in a crazy world. Your photos remind me of the beauty all around. Thanks.
The Sanchez Family says
That first picture of Nella is breathtaking…literally took my breath away…
And I’m laughing at the tooth fairy story…and yes the gorilla mask…I know it wasn’t funny at the time but someday you will both laugh about it!
Lucy says
I love reading your blog. Love it. It makes me cry and encourages me to be a better mom and to see things in a different light while raising my 2 little ones. I know that I am one of many many readers but I just wanted to let you know. Thank you for your blog, you are helping me everytime you post.
My Secret Rooms says
Adorable and wonderful photos! Love them π
Well, we all make mistakes like the gorilla thing…
As long as it’s not worse or unnoticed, I guess it’s OK.
I wish you a lovely week!
ADE ACE Mom says
Oh my gosh Kelle!!! The third picture down on this post with Nella sitting in the path is breathtaking. The look of innocence on her sweet little face is perfect!
aaflood says
Just wanted to say thanks for leading by example. If it wasn’t for you, I would’ve cancelled our trip to Houston this weekend. (Friday we spent 10+ hours at the hospital with my 8 year old having his broken arm reset & recasted. The appt was supposed to take 45 minutes.)But he felt great after it was all said & done (8 yr old boys are amazing)& I kept hearing you say “suck the marrow”! So we piled in the minivan @6pm & headed for Houston. And had an amazing weekend. Thanks for teaching me how it’s done!
Moosefan says
Okay-I will see your Gorillia and raise you New Mommy from Jail-
We take the interstate to get to the big city. On the way, we pass the State Women’s correctional facility sign. One day, the kids were fighting and I said-Alright gang, today we are going shopping for a new Mommy. See that sign? It says Womens Correctional facility! That is where all the kids that argue get their correct Mommy. Well, unknown to me, I thought we were driving past the exit, but our gas light was blinking and we had to get off to go get gas. We laugh about it now, but when we pulled into the gas station, you would have thought that there was red hot pokers being pressed into skin as the kids start screaming “Wait! Don’t Go! We love you! Don’t leave us! We don’t want a correct mommy, we want YOU”.
kendra says
this is completely off-topic, but i’m wondering if you’ve seen http://www.dearphotograph.com.. a very sweet and sentimental photo blog that i think you’d appreciate! thanks for the photos… and for the constant inspiration to look forward to mama-hood!
OhanaMama says
Dude-
It’s so impossible to see the world through our kids’ eyes ALL the time and anticipate their needs and reactions all the time…but I get it.
Gosh, I could feel your stomach drop, that must have been a crappy moment.
I’m glad y’all made nice and had some fun! π
110211009635234008542 says
So adorable!
It’s so great the way the your two girls just love each other. No worries. No thought of down syndrome. They just live life.
Don’t you wish more people in the world lived liked those two little girls!
Thanks for another great post Kelle.
————–
-Rick (Noah’s Dad
Be sure to check our our daily one minute videos about our son who was born with down syndrome.
Wendy says
i can’t even imagine how your heart swells to see your girls together like that. it made mine swell and made me smile, even though i’ve never met them.
i know the gorilla feeling. my little one went on a “pipe” slide for the first time last week. her face was one of pure terror until i caught her at the bottom, i wanted to cry for her. but luckily the fun of it outweighed the fear and back on it she went!
The Hartsfield Family says
The new pictures of the girls together are so precious! Despite being preoccupied with “fishies” digging in your bag, you still managed to snap the most amazing photos of them together! I loved the one of Lainey taking photos of Nella on your phone. Too cute!
And the gorilla mask? Well, I laughed…if it makes you feel better. π I know Lainey probably had the jelly beans scared out of her, but know, kids forget most things like this. And someday, yes someday…you will put it on and she will laugh. Infectiously. And she’ll call you the silly mommy that you are. It’s a trait she’ll grow to love about you, and possibly even inherit. π
Hope you had a great weekend!
~ Katie
Shel says
I love love love the together pics of the girls. I love the adoration that my Chloe has for Ian too, and his ability to make her laugh like nobody else can. Now that they are getting older, they sit together and make podcasts on the computer together and I eavesdrop from the other room, so amused at how much they love each other!
Sam says
I adore your pictures. You can see the love between the cutest sisters! I love when my boys have those moments!
Tisha says
remember how we used to “put josh to sleep”. he still sleeps in the fetal position. lol.
Missus Style says
NEW POST!!!
Laine says
I cannot tell you how happy I was today to hear music playing again. Probably a litte too happy, but hey, my life is boring. I could never get the mixpod to work and I was soooo sad. Glad the old Playlist is back!
rebecca says
“Brett, unscathed, scooped Nella another bite of food, flashed me a look and calmly asked, “And you were thinking that would be hilarious?”
,,,i giggled not so much at the gorilla mask story BUT at hubby’s response!,,,(smile)
Jade says
I couldn’t help but laugh at the gorilla mask. I could see the whole thing playing out as I was reading.
I absolutely LOVE the pictures of Lainey and Nella together. Sisterhood is a magical bond and these girls definitely have it. They are so sweet together! I especially love the picture of the Lainey taking a picture of Nella with your phone. ADORABLE!
Jade says
I just had to leave another comment to tell you I just read your making memories post about the orange grove and I love it so. I left comment love there also.
Jess says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jess says
You have a beautiful family!
Dani says
That gorilla story will seriously be a good one to re-play for Lainey some day. You’re gonna laugh about it promise!
Renee says
I truly love reading about your beautiful family and seeing the sister bond that your girls have. So precious! π
Danielle says
Love your blog and playlist. So glad to see your old playlist back. We keep your blog up a few times a week so we can listen to the music.
Thanks for sharing!!!!! π
The Bean says
I loved your story.
I had a very similar experience with my young son when he was about 6-7 months old. For some unknown reason I thought it would be a good idea to sneak up to his crib and scare him while he was playing…
Needless to say, my result was very similar to yours…not good.
You live and you learn π
CoyGirl says
This comment has been removed by the author.
bobbiebrownphotography.com says
I have laughed out LOUD reading this post! Loved it! I am sitting outside reading this while my girls play, and my 2-year-old actually came over and said “Momma, let me see..” (wanting to know what I was lol at!) Your pictures – as always – are wonderful!!
~KC: says
Smiling! LOVE Lainey and Nella’s magical sisterhood and your “When I Grow Up” post! :)))
Self-reflection…the inner dialogues with our soul…are powerful tools that help us understand our complexities…illuminating our personal journeys…
Xox. Lots of love~
“…I believe it is nothing other than the boundless, no longer limitable resolve of a human being to reach his purest inner potential.” ~Rainer Maria Rilke
Bikini By 30 says
I want to be an actress when I grow up. I want to spend time on the stage and screen and have delicious times off to grow a family and bake and sew and garden.
Day job cubible, your days are numbered.
Larissa says
seriously?! the picture of lainey taking a picture of nella is probably the sweetest picture i have ever seen on your blog. as are every single one of the hammock ones. and the one of nella all pouty and cute faced on the mini picnic bench. SUPER cute. π
Kristen says
Okay, I will admit that I laughed at your gorilla gone bad story, as sad as it was and as much as I could imagine Lainey’s horrified look at discovering a gorilla in her kitchen! But the reason I couldn’t help laughing is because I went through a VERY similar situation when I was about 4 years old. It was Halloween and my favorite neighbors across the street had told us to come by and trick-or-treat as they had special stuff for us. So I’m excited and we head on over. The door opens and out jumps a GORILLA! Well, girl – I screamed then cried the entire way across the street back to my house and my mommy. I have never forgotten that moment! π But don’t worry – eventually she will look back and laugh about it too.
Trish says
I really enjoy reading your blog, so full of poignant, charming moments. Today my daughter is at sleep away soccer camp. I won’t see her for three nights, four days. She is 10. Reading your stories and hearing how your daughters are growing, changing and bonding really touch a deep part of me. As our kids grow up and become more independant, these moments seem to slip away and they become few and far between. Today, I experienced watching my daughter gain a level of maturity that made my heart ache. All summer, she has eagerly anticpated soccer camp. Throughout the week, she has picked over her clothes and packed her bags. She worries whether she will get along with her roommate. When we arrive at the camp, she lingers at my side, anxious about losing her room key and setting her alarm clock. As parents begin leaving orientation, Katie furtively looks for me in the crowd and smiles reassured. She hugs me when I leave for the car. Later when I’m driving home, I happen to drive by her practice field. She’s sees me and as I’m rolling my window down, she shakes her head and looks away. I beep my horn and wave anyway. My little girl is growing up.