So, let’s see–it’s T-minus-six-days, and if there was some sort of meter to measure my enthusiasm for it all right now, it would read something like: “blissfully hanging from chandelier, with Christmas martini.“
Rimmed in crushed peppermint, of course. And I’m wearing cute Christmas shoes. And, for the hell of it, let’s throw in the fact that this imaginary chandelier-hugging version of me is also singing “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas”–the swingy swanky version–and I sound just like Ella Fitzgerald.
But really, I’m sitting in the office, eating stir-fry from a paper plate and obsessively clicking between three Christmas Pandora stations because the Little Drummer Boy song keeps popping up, and I can’t bear to hear “Pa-rum-pa-pum-pum” one more time. We get it. Your drum makes a noise.
*****
My girl had a recital this weekend. I stood back and beheld the wonder that the froggy-legged baby in the strawberry jammies who smells like cookies and purses her lips just like a baby bird–the one with a dusting of peach fuzz hair and deep blue eyes that, who knows, might change to a chocolate brown someday–well, she’s big now. She’s tall and confident and yet still a bit shy too.
She dances on stage while I huddle in a small sea of parents, snapping photos, smiling, wondering how in the world that little newborn transformed into this girl so quickly.
Eight little girls dressed in homemade fur muffs and snowball shoes, danced to “Baby’, it’s Cold Outside.” And our cheeks ached from smiles of praise, adoration, contentment.
Our celebration had its encore at a greasy bar where we gathered with friends after the recital.
Post-recital drive–the sky was showing off.
Our waiter came over, handed us some menus and asked, “Can I start you guys with some drinks?” Swear to Kris Kringle, Nella flung her head around, smiled and enthusiastically shouted, “YEAH!”
Because Sister was thirsty.
*****
I’m feeling content this holiday, balancing the duties of right now with the anticipation of a bit later pretty comfortably. The house is in holiday shambles, but I look forward to cleaning it tomorrow and beginning to prepare for a special weekend.
Other than a small project I made Brett promise me he’ll finish, we’re done with crafting. My last project was an easy magnet board for Nella. I spray painted an old 16 x 20 frame and filled it with sheet metal (primed and painted). We’ll hang it low in her room for play/learning.
Felt magnet letters, Etsy.
And now it’s time to party. I’m stoked for some excitement later this week–a house holiday concert from Mikey Wax. Check him out. He’s making quite a name for himself (toured with Howie Day, Landon Pigg…), and he’s touring the country performing free house concerts. And now I’m realizing, we don’t have a chandelier on which to hang from…bum.
*****
Lainey has proclaimed that these are her “reading glasses.”
She’s wearing Nella’s shoes.
She shares with her sister, too.
Let’s knock an F.A.Q. out while we’re at it: Nella had a second opinion and two follow-up eye appts. since her infamous Professor glasses, and she doesn’t need them anymore. I do miss them a bit.
*****
And finally, in an attempt to make purposeful efforts every day this week for really good (interpret as you may) leading up to Christmas, we began by letting our toes kiss the sand.
I wanted to take the girls sledding on the beach. It would have been perfect–pulling them in a sled right along the shore until the sun set. Try finding a place that sells sleds in Southwest Florida. We settled for sitting in the sand.
It was, likewise, lovely.
More good stuff planned for the rest of the week.
*****
Sponsor Katrina Roldan for Sticks and Stones is joining us this week, bringing the original alphabet photography of Sticks and Stones (recognized on Oprah and Rachel Ray)–which is personalized and handcrafted upon order (never mass produced!)
Use Coupon Code IBGIKL at checkout for 10% off your entire order, and if you buy one item, you get 50% off your second item.
*****
F.A.Q. post coming Wednesday.
My girls, the bed, the sheets, the holiday movie calls.
Sarah says
Yea “Drummer Boy” gets old after awhile! Oh, a winter recital…be still my heart, too precious! LOVE the beach pics, they make me so jealous of your temperate locale! It is chilly up here! Also, LOVE the chalk board frame, what a great idea…might have to steal it!
Shannon says
Ditto to the “Drummer Boy”…I am so tired of it. LOL! Loving Lainey’s little recital. Sweet! Have a beautiful week! XOXO
our clan says
Your girls look so adorable!!! I just loved Nella’s face with he ice cream!!
Southern Gal says
I switch between four Pandora stations for the same reason. Only it’s not just Drummer Boy. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas back to back to back by different artists is still the same song!
The beach sounds lovely right about now.
SMM says
Love love love love Nella’s “oh” face!!!
Happy Holidays!!!
Kacy says
Try a trash can lid as a sled! Have a Merry Christmas!
Kacy says
Try a trash can lid as a sled! Have a Merry Christmas!
dig this chick says
You love seeing my kids under the afghan you made them? I LOVE seeing your kids in stuff I made them.
happiest holidays, friend.
x
Amy says
I’m new to your blog…I’m going to enjoy following your journey from now on! I just read Nella’s birth story. Excuse me while I wipe off the keyboard. What an amazing story. I’ve grown up being around special needs children…from Down’s Syndrome to Autism to totally non-vocal children. But it’s still quite the challenge every time.
I agree with you on Little Drummer Boy. I played that for our church’s christmas program, and after weeks nad months of practicing, I’m totally sick of it. ๐
Love the pictures!!
Summit of Glory says
Lovin it all, Kelle. Happy chandelier hangin! Get a picture. xo
Maggie May says
I am SO with you on the Christmas cheer meter!
I have four kids and even though we are MOVING this month ( I know…)
and my husband and I are stressed to the. max., I keep vacillating posts between OMGSTRESSHEADDESK and YAYCHRISTMASISTHEBEST!!!
Jen says
We use a cardboard box with a slick outer coating in the backyard for kicks and giggles ๐
Katy Walker says
I love the first pic of Nella in the glasses. and also love that the “O” face is back.
Can’t wait for the FAQ post.
Megan says
The only way I get through the drummer boy is to mock it. Is that wrong?? ๐ And I’m so jealous of the beach pictures.
Janita says
Love the return of Nella’s “Oh” face…and that shot of her sitting on the picnic table in those adorable jeans with her little toes dangling down? Melting.
Speaking of Drummer Boy, you MUST check this out! A 16-year old boy from Winnipeg, Manitoba (a shout out to home, baby!) recently recorded this version. It’s absolutely amazing! The really cool part? He sang and recorded the entire thing himself (his sister helped out with a few specific shots) Anyways, it’ll have you pa-rum-pa-pum-pumming again in no time (my apologies in advance)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNcD34KFhM
Kristy says
I’ve been reading for months but have not commented until now. Why? Who knows. Those pictures of Nella in the glasses had me giggling like a crazy person! My excitement meter is off the charts! If I hear “Little Drummer Boy” or “Do You Hear What I Hear?” one more time this year I might lose it! Thanks for keeping it real. Merry Christmas!
Tina says
I spy an OH face!!! Adorable!
And I also spy what I think might be some freckles on Lainey’s sweet little face. Love, love, love!
And finally, oh.em.gee the picture of Nella sporting the “reading glasses” just about made me fall off my chair. Hilariously cute.
The Shepard Girls says
Ok, first of all, thanks for the Mikey Wax recommendation. Loving it. Secondly, I didn’t know Nella could melt my heart any more, but those glasses pictures just slayed me.
Averyl Minori says
So many beautiful photos!!
My family will be together this holiday season, wasn’t sure it would happen this year. Blissful happiness!
Happy Christmas!!
Mom Fashion World says
Your pictures made me smile!
…. full of happiness!
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
v.jack says
This is the first time I’ve commented but i just have to say that your girls are just adorable and your family is beautiful! And, personally, I get such a kick out of the pictures of Nella — she is SO full of expressions; she’s hilarious!
Thank you for sharing your story so honestly and beautifully! You are an inspiration (who takes wonderful pictures!) and your children are beyond blessed to have you in their lives!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! And all the best for the New Year!
This is the day! says
What an adorable little dancer! I love her costume, just precious! I am longing to dig my toes in the sand, I was meant to be a Florida girl!
Victoria says
wonderful,wonderful,wonderful!!
i am always blown away by your words, inspiration, beautiful girls, amazing photos and love of life.
thank you for continuing to share!
kudos to lainey on her recital! and i want to eat nella up in those photos of her wearing the glasses!! or when she is making her always popular “oh” face ๐
happy almost christmas!
Cooking for My Kids says
As always, I loved this post. I read them and think that you and I simply must be kindred spirits. Merry, merry Christmas!
{andthisiswhatshesaid} says
Too adorable, I love this!!! Love the pics of recital.
The Stevens Family says
We used an inflatable pool lounger as a sled in the snow during an unexpected snow storm in the PNW. Tie a rope to it and drag the kids along ๐ we also used cafeteria trays as sleds in college
lynxymama says
are you kidding me with the baby it’s cold outside outfits?? ahhhhhh! SO CUTE!!! and the glasses pics are so wonderful. happy holidays to you all from all of us!
Beautiful Mess says
As always your girls are too precious! Jealous of the beach as well. You take such amazing pictures, I wish mine came out half as good.
I lol’d at you saying “Swear to Kris Kringle” totally cute.
Hope you have an amazing rest of the week.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Laura says
I love that second last pic of Nella (the feet one) arrggghhhh, it kills me with cute.
Also.. I love that you said “bum” haha, i literally GUFFAWED at work!
Laura says
Oh and how is it possible that you’re in the northern hemisphere and have beach weather and I’m in AUSTRALIA and sitting here wrapped in a cardigan?! Last week we had so much rain some shops flooded =o
Peeper says
I generally consider myself an equal opportunity Christmas carol lover but I will admit it here: Little Drummer Boy has always been my least favorite. There is a version with David Bowie that I find sort of tolerable. That’s only because David Bowie is so awesome that I would fall over from heart palpitations if I ever saw him in real life. Still I’d rather listen to Ashes to Ashes or China Girl rather than ‘pa-rum-pa-pum’. Ugh.
Love the picture of Nella’s sweet feet dangling from the picnic bench. Goodness, she’s nearly two!!
Life with Kaishon says
That drumming annoyed the heck out of me today!
LOVE your sandy beach : ) Perfect.
Dylan'sMommy316 says
Hard to believe they don’t sell sleds in Florida. What are they thinking? ๐
Lainey is a pretty girl! They grow up too quick. ๐
Love Nella’s infamous “O” face. Is it making a comeback?
B's Mommy says
Lainey dances into our hearts… and Nella “Oh” how we adore! Maybe your Santa baby will bring you a chandelier! You are on the Nice list!!
Emily Peck says
You make my day. Being in the dark and cold of Seattle I feel just a little lighter seeing sun and sand, even if it’s through the computer screen. Sigh… ๐
erniebufflo says
So glad someone else shares my distaste for the rum-pa-pum-pums. If, in April when my twin girls are born someone shows up with a drum and starts banging it, they’re gonna get an earful.
I also have to say, I’ve been reading along ever since I think Don Miller linked to you, and as I got a scary diagnosis (spina bifida) for one of my not yet born babies. I thought of your beautiful family and your ability to see the beauty in every bit of life, and it helped me. So, thank you.
Claire @ Scissors Paper Rock says
My almost 4yr old also had her ballet concert this weekend, so I can totally relate to the amazing emotions that come with sitting in the audience & watching this little Soul of yours being so ‘grown up’! I cried the whole performance….one proud Mumma here ๐
I love Nella’s magnet board prezzie….very cool ๐
I’m feeling your Christmas Joy Kelle ๐ I too, don’t have a chandelier to hang from, but a gum tree here in Australia decorated with sparkly lights & balls will do ๐
Keep swinging ๐
xx
Hazel says
So much to love in these photos Kelle, what a treat.
Lainey looks so ethereal in those photos at her ballet recital, she is quite stunning, what a proud mama you must be.
Then those jokers with the glasses on, they crack me up.
Finally the beach shots, your are blessed you know, not only do you live in a wonderful place (not Michigan I know) you appreciate and bathe in the beauty of where you are geographically and in this stage of your life. As everyone says; a daily inspiration for us all to get off our whiny butts and look for the good in our lives and loved ones.
Thank you, sincerely, again.
Marietje Pieters says
Love the photos! Nella with her cute feet!!
Team Lando says
Dear Kelle,
I would love this blog. I really would. The girls are beautiful, I am SO in love with the beach… and ballet…
BUT. You got Little Drummer Boy stuck in my head, so now, I am tempted sing you something even worse, but I can’t think of anything, because all I can think is “pa rum pa pum pum.”
Aside from my anger though, I love this and your chandelier hanging self!
Love, Megan
My Secret Rooms says
Oh, that looks so lovely, so fab!!!
Over here it’s so cold, now, it bites your cheeks and my boy looks out waiting for snow. But there’s little of that…
We’re way up north but too far south, in this northern country, to get much snow, I guess!
The poor boy!!
Sounds like great times for you!
Cat says
For the FAQ post please – any updates on how the amber necklace is going? Would you recommend it? Thanks!!
Amy Cappelli says
We had a pair of 3D black framed glasses lying around our house, too. They were a favorite among my kids( they especially enjoyed putting them on their infant sister). In fact, my mother made a photo book of every family member (we have many) wearing them two Christmases ago.
Can you make a snow man out of beach sand? He’d be a sand man then, but still it would be so cute to see a roly poly sandman with a winter scarf and hat.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
cathy says
supreme contentment!
xoxo
cathy
Christie says
Hi Kelle! I’ve got a photography FAQ for you – awhile ago you said you use your 50mm lens for most of your pictures. What is your favorite lens right now? I dabble in photography and I’m always in awe of the gorgeous pictures you take!
I’ve never commented before but I just want you to know that I’ve been a loyal reader for quite some time and I’m always amazed by your talent for writing and taking pictures. Your girls are adorable and your love for them constantly inspires me. Your blog has become a regular part of my day and I thank you for letting all of us share your life with you.
Merry Christmas!
Beth says
the pics are awesome. my favs are Lainey in her ballet outfit. so cute!! & Nella doing her “oh oh” face & the shot of her sitting at the picnic table with her little feet. so cute. awwww!! by the way can we see you hanging from the chandelier… now that would be a really cute pic or video would be nice. funny!! (:
TRB Holt says
:)!!!!
xo, Bug & Ruby’s Gram….HO HO HO!
Amandaxo says
Lainey looks so sweet in her little ballerine costume <3
Sledding in the sand sounds perfect… here’s to hoping you can get your hands on one before the “wibter” is over ๐
xo
Farmgirl Paints says
Love the way you view your world through that lens girlie. My big chick just auditioned for her first play. Thought I was going to die from nerves, but she got up there and sang in front of a room full of people. Sounded like an angel. I know that feeling of wanting to jump out of your skin with pride. Merry Christmas friend.
Kathleen says
Oooh that picture of Nella’s toesies on the picnic table – that’s a blow up and frame kinda shot.
Jessica says
Boogie boards look a lot like sleds – or modern sleds often look a lot like boogie boards.. but really, it would have lasted just long enough for the photo shoot. Pulling anything through sand is a huge bummer. LOVE the magnet board!! Thanks for getting drummer boy playing endlessly in my head, this morning. Thanks a lot.
Annie says
Love the ‘o’, haven’t seen it in a while.
Isn’t there a chandelier in Lainey’s room? Smaller, but you could give it a go…
Arnebya says
The elusive Nella “o” returns! I LOVE it, I really do. It makes me smile so.
Erin says
I especially love the pictures of the girls with the silly glasses. Nothing like a simple object to provide endless entertainment ๐
Looking forward to the FAQ post!
http://missbmrsm.blogspot.com/
GiGi Reed says
SOOO cute. I just LOVE following your blog. Happy Christmas week! ๐
http://www.glamorsham.blogspot.com
Shannon says
Grrrreat pics! I’m super excited myself..counting down the days. Not so excited about the constant “can we open a present” that my four kids give me every day!
Chifuru says
It is so weird to see the pictures of Lainey and Nella at the beach, then look outside the window and it snows and snows and snows…. ๐
Loved the pics from the recital, Lainey looked so beautiful! Your heart must have leaped from joy and happiness!
KK says
Kelle – we’ve been using laundry baskets as “inside” sleds at our house, and they’re working great…maybe that would work for your awesome beach trips?!! ๐
heather says
You can order plastic “SAFE” child sleds at buy buy baby. I saw some this morning on their website. http://www.buybuybaby.com
Merry christmas ๐
Bethany says
Ok. New fav photo is Nella sitting with her legs crossed. Just beautiful!
Hailey @ Me and My Boys says
I spy a cute little “OH”!! ๐
Bryce and Britt says
I think you jinks-ed my Pandora station…Little Drummer Boy came on just as I started reading your post. How weird is that?!
Rach says
Love the very last photo of Nella’s legs crossed. Sweet.
Sherri Mitchell says
Magic. Plain and Simple. Nella sitting in the sand with the sand falling gently from her fingertips? My favorite shot. Perhaps of all time. Hurray for sweet girl on her recital! Happy Christmas!
Stef says
um… the recital pictures? SO freaking cute. She’s growing up way too fast. Slow that down please and then teach me how to do it to my kids.
Also, the fram with the magnetic board… love it!
You might just turn me into a crafty girl ๐
jacin {lovely little details} says
haha i can’t stand the drummer boy either!!! love this post ๐
Renee says
I love it all!! I’m SOOO excited for Christmas, I too am hanging from the chandelire inside. ๐
Alie says
Love this post, as all of them! My faves are the reading glasses photos—hilarious:). Merry Christmas!!
Meg says
I’m right there with ya on holiday cheer. I wrote on my blog something like – forget the matches. I’m lighting candles with my holiday cheer.
Rebecca Bany says
My kids actually asked me the other day to please stop playing Christmas music. LOL.
I love your blog, super cute!
http://www.rebeccabany.com
Maggie says
Nella’s crossed ankles on the picnic bench… Awesome photo!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
http://www.theruralroost.com
Debbie says
Wow! So many great photos, as per usual. I love the recital photos of Lainey. My girl is 19 months and I cannot wait until I get her into a class. ๐ The first photo of Nella with the glasses on…I really did laugh out loud. I love it. You are so talented Kelle. Wishing you a beautiful Christmas full of joy and children’s laughter.
PS Still no snow in Michigan…
Debbie
Rebekah says
Favorite photo.. Nella and her glasses. Soooooo cute. Enjoy your week of fun! I am finally having some time to relax, and oh yeah, I turn 18 tomorrow! Last day of being a kid ๐
thesenyardpress says
Oh!.. While you’re answering FAQ’s.. Will you tell us why you do not take more trips to Michigan?? ๐ one of my fave posts is the one where you go home to visit your family. You seem SO much more like a pea-coat and scarf wearing, snow boot wearing , big heavy quilt laying under kinda girl!.. I wish that we could experience you digging up your roots more often! Any plans to go back home soon!?!
Xoxo
Rik says
Tell me more about your father…he seems to be such a kind, humble and interesting man…oh wait, that’s me. The bliss of growing older is seeing your children begin again–in their children. So many expressions and responses in your littles take me back to the days when you were MY little. Make magic these moments for them, and they will be cast in the mortar of memories. There is no reason to be ordinary when you can be extraordinary. You create their moods and surround them with their sensory circus. And you seem to be doing it well. Serendipity. Let life surprise you. Feel the season. I love you.
–Poppa
barronfamilyus says
Love Nella’s face holding up the glasses ๐ She’s such a doll.
Molly says
Seriously. You crack me up with all your holiday cheer and excitement. How can I not smile when I read your blog? I mean, it’s just not possible.
Noah's Dad says
I really like the alphabet board! We need to make one for Noah! It looks like it could be a great learning toy! (any chance I could talk you into making me on, and I’ll pay you for your time and effort!:)
And how awesome is it for little sis to show how proud she is of big sis after her performance! ๐ So adorable.
-Rick
(Noah’s Dad)
Cathy says
That first photo is sooo sweet! And Nella with her head all tipped up to keep the glasses on her tiny nose… awesomeness.
Michelle says
OMG the glasses pictures are priceless! Love them!!!
mary ann says
I literally just laughed out loud at Nella’s “yeah!”
also, that picture of the seagull is just amazing.
Amy says
I just wanted to stop by and say that I’ve been by your blog a few times and it is just so inspiring and beautiful. Your pictures of your gorgeous girls are just too fun to look at. And your birth story definitely brought me to tears (guess work wasn’t exactly the best place to read it). Thank you for sharing your story. It makes me realize just how much beauty there is in the world, if we just take the time to look.
Claire says
Your blog always makes me do a happy sigh of glee. Hurrah for the Christmas build up!
Cxx
Shannon says
Fiona has learened to say “yeah” when she hears the inflection in someone’s voice when they ask a question. It kills us ๐ I love love love.the pic of nellas butt on the picnic bench and those sweet feet tucked and dangling
Cathy says
OOOOh my goodness, I LOVE the pic of Nella’s feet hanging from the picnic bench!!
LeeAnne says
I will bring you a sled from Ohio if we can borrow a sand pail and shovel for our beach visit next week since I cannot find any in Ohio ๐
Mama Quail says
Yes! The pic of Nella with her feet dangling below the picnic table bench is gorgeous! love it!
Sweet Lainey at her recital, precious. Thank you for sharing your joy, it brightens my world! Merry Christmas. I am settling in to make S’more boxes for gifts. And tomorrow the button tree! Thanks for the fun ideas.
Car T says
My boys still want to hear “Dem Bones” from Halloween. Eek!
I bet you could buy a sled online and have it shipped fairly inexpensively, especially if you find a free shipping deal! I pull my boys around on the sled in the summer and winter. Neighbors think I’m crazy.
Love the pic of Nella at the picnic table. Adorable!
Gabby says
ballet teacher = jennifer garner!!
Laura says
Bahahahaha @ gabby, yup, I totally see it now!
sarah says
Nella’s “O” face!!!! Yay! I feared it had disappeared forever. Sweet precious girls! Merry Christmas!
And I bet if Brett reads this post, he will be getting you a chandelier for Christmas. And a christmas teddy. And some crushed peppermint. Just sayin…
mamasurfs says
Kelly…sled Hawaiian style in the sand! All you need is an old body/boogie board and some rope ๐
idiosyncraticeye says
Tea trays! Love the glasses photos. ๐
Nancy says
love it..i am with you about little drummer boy..most overplayed song…love the magnetic board
Ashley says
http://www.sendacallfromsanta.com/
DO THIS FOR YOUR GIRLS! It’s awesome. Who wouldn’t want a call from Santa!
Melina says
Kelle Kelle! Alright, just so you know, we are sisters in the Christmas madness. I’ve been nuts for the season (it’s more than a holiday…it’s a season) ever since I was tiny. Maybe it was self defense against those long, bitter VT winters. Either way…my family has long called me “The Christmas (not so nice term here….let’s just say an extreme, fascist dictator)”. I pour over your festive posts…and ever since you held that party I haven’t been able to get the term ‘snow chilled milk’ out of my head.
Can’t wait for more!
xo
Melina
Sarah RDH says
I hope you have a beautiful, amazing holiday Kelle!! How could you not with those beautiful kids of yours?!?! Merry Christmas!
Liz says
Your children are such beautiful, silly little souls! Merry Christmas!!!
GraceesMommy says
Every. single. thing. about this post made me smile. love. ♥
BLT Edmundson says
Laughed RIGHT OUT LOUD at “she’s wearing Nella’s shoes”.. HA love it! HAAAAAAAAA The pics of the girls in the glasses are so so so so cute! Love them! Merry Christmas to a girl who makes the holidays so BRIGHT… I am so thankful for you.
Lexie Loo, Lily Boo, and Dylan Too! says
As usual, your pictures are stunning!
valentina.lamorgese says
This is my first time on this blog and I already love it!
Your work is really amazing, Kelle, and above all, it expresses perfectly your love for what you do and people around you.
Well done!
Best wishes from Italy ๐
Valentina
Bruce and Mitzi says
I found your blog from my sister’s, and I’ve been reading it here and there for awhile now. Can I just tell you that reading your words and seeing your amazing photos makes me want to be a better mom to my children. It makes me want to take the time to make memories, and enjoy them and love them all the more, so thank you.
And by the way…your girls are adorable!
Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says
Just found your blog and I love it. Wonderful writing and beautiful photography. Such a precious family. I love Nella, and she reminds me of my own little sweetie who just turned 18. Here’s some photos of my girls (one of which has DS.)
http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/p/family-photos.html
Have a very blessed Christmas.
cakeandgreenbeans says
Not gonna lie, the first thing that popped in my head when I read the title of this was “Get Low.” Haha.
Call me Sunshine says
Lainey looks SO grown up! And yet still so very precious. I adore your girls ๐
Laurenjolynn says
Kelle! if you want to “sled” on the beach, find a local bakery or restaurant and see if you can buy an old full sheet pan! they make great sleds!! drill two holes add a rope you are in business!!! ๐
Christa says
I love the soft take on the magnet alphabet!
Also, I so want to send you guys a sled next year for December at the beach. You have leaves in the fall, why not sledding in the winter–the Florida version. We live in Montana & sometimes we have winter months with sparse snow, but my kids still use them on long grass. . . mud occasionally. I think they’d be great on sand! ๐
anislandlife says
I think the picture of Nella on the picnic table bench may be the most perfect photo I have ever seen. Your girls are so blessed to have you as a mama!! Merry Christmas! Jessica
Marianne says
The picture of Nella’s sweet hiney on that picnic bench is priceless!
Jill says
I am in love with the pictures on this post! Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Melissa says
Beautiful photos! Oh, and laundry baskets with a rope make fabulous sleds for little ones. After a big early snow one day here in VA, we had to improvise. : )
Cara says
How on earth did you cut your sheet metal to size?? I have the frame, but none of our local hardware stores will cut the metal, and I tried myself and it ended in a sheet metal massacre.
Help!