While I am anxious to return to writing, this break from the computer has been refreshing. My phone hardly works up here, the Internet is spotty, but the environment has delivered without fail.
Tonight is our last night at this cottage, and while I am excited about returning home, it’s a little bittersweet leaving this place where we’ve made so many memories.
This weekend, every bed was filled with siblings, nieces and cousins, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It was lively and celebratory, characterized by decisions to stay up later, make another pot of coffee, throw another log on the fire, take the boat out one more time, step out for one more walk before bed.
With little words and mostly photos, the last of this fabulous week:
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Dig This Chick $50 shop winner is Comment #213, Penny:
I live in a small Louisiana town right on the banks of the Mississippi River. I love the river, Mississippi right across it where the antebellum houses are~ providing gorgeous backdrops for an amateur photographer’s pictures. 🙂 Most of all~ I love that most of my extended family is in this area. I was raised on the Mississippi side with both sets of grandparents on either side of us. Sweet hometown memories. 🙂
Congratulations, Penny! Please send your contact information with the subject line DIG GIVEAWAY WINNER to kellehamptonblog@comcast.net to redeem your gift code.
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And when siblings are together, we make music videos. That’s normal, right? Our crazy music video, as promised on Instagram.
My favorites: how hard we are obviously working to not smile and the part where Brett pretends to casually drive the boat when really we were just parked in still water.
Road Trip Part II to commence.
Glad you had a wonderful time with your family! Beautiful photos!
Was playing a song while reading this. It went so perfectly! Enjoy your last night XOX
love it.
and i’m in the midst of my vacation … with the 13 hour road trip leaving behind my best friend (and her 2 littles AND her baby belly) destined for friday. boohoo.
but home. will be SO good too.
xoxo.
Funny video! Hope the road trip 2.0 goes well!
Beautiful pics of your wonderful vacation- I now think I need to get in summer mode!
The best part of your trip is the great family time you have shared. Your girls will grow up talking about this trip for years to come. Safe travels home.
I love it! I am so jealous of this awesome weekend. I have been following your blog for a while now, but just got around to buying your book. Slow I know! But I am loving every single second of it! I could easily be done by now, but I am purposefully dragging it!
Just love the music video, nice to know adults can have fun and be silly too :0)
Enjoyed your holiday nearly as much as you did !! Drive safely home.
You have a loving peaceful look on your face, that I love. It must be amazing to create such wonderful memories with your babies, where you grew up. And that picture of your dad with Bret and Nella is so sweet. You can really see the love you all feel for one another. I’m so glad you’ve been able to have such a great family trip to your homeland. I swear your girls have grown up a little more during the trip. They look older all of a sudden. Enjoy every little moment!! 🙂
I’m seriously jealous! How much fun are your siblings. I am part of of family of four, but we aren’t nearly as cool.
Beautiful pictures! Can’t wait to hear more about roadtrip 2.0. 😉
–Megan
http://www.immeganjune.com
This is so cool, it actually seems like a lot of fun and it’s nothing more than you and your family deserve Kelle, it really isn’t, you’re all wonderful.
That first photo deserves a frame!
Oh that video is GOLD! Love it!
The end of holiday has even me sad, as I’m just LURVING seeing the adventures you’re getting up to & the memories you’re making!
Safe travels back Kelle. I’m looking fwd to seeing where you go & what you do on the way home 🙂
x
http://blog.scissorspaperrockdesigns.com.au/
These pictures are so SO beautiful! Your girls are darling. You have such a gorgeous family!
Love the picture of Nella leaving her poor baby behind in the dust!!! So true to life. 🙂
Just bought and read your book. I forced myself to stretch it over two days even though what I really wanted to do was stay up until 4 AM reading it.
I have already sung its praises to anyone and everyone who will take a book suggestion from me. I warned my mom about how moving it was. She seemed to think I was just being pregnant and hormonal (which I totally am), but she told me today that she was crying and laughing at the same parts I was.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful book. I knew it was going to be the kind of book I had to go out and buy in a hardcover so that I can read it many times over: when I need a good cry, a good laugh, or a pep talk. You really are a blessed woman, and the best part is that you know it. And truly appreciate it.
I’ve missed your posts, but so glad you are enjoying a glorious and well-deserved vacation and time with family. Thanks to Brett for posing for a photo with the fabulous Dr. Pepper shirt. love it.
It all looks like a dream vacation. It sounds like just what you needed. Can’t wait to go watch that music video!
My kids make silly music videos now…I hope when they grow up they make them then too!! What a great trip, wonderful memories. My parents are from Michigan (Lincoln Park) and I know how wonderful summer memories in Michigan are, because I have so many myself!! I miss Michigan! Hope you have a safe trip back home to sunny Florida… I lived in Coral Springs for 2 years and am UF Alum! Go Gators! I miss Florida too!!
After your many “business” trips, I bet it feels wonderful to have a relaxed family vacation!
Loved the video…bet it is crazy fun when the Cryderman’s all get together!
Jill B (Overland Park, KS)
Laughing because I just watched the whole video…and then sad because I want to go back! I told J it was a perfect time. Kara is wishing she could have come — I told her next time!!! These pix made me feel so happy! 🙂
Nella looks like she has grown since you’ve been away. Safe journey home x
The video was awesome. I love the part with you and Brett walking slowly up to the camera. Please comment and tell me what video camera you have. We need a new one.
By the way, here’s a link to the post I did about attending the Bloom signing at Wiegands. It was great meeting you!! I finished the book…it was great!
http://wolfsonsafari.blogspot.com/2012/06/look-for-good.html
Hilare, I was smiling at my desk. I was laughing at the bottle of wine in the back, and the fun you guys were having, loving Brett. Damn you guys are all gorgeous.
But then my absolute favourite part.
Your brothers German Shepherd just made my day.
I know you know my obsession with our two girls. But his dog’s look is a classic GSD look. “You think you’re being funny?” “You are crazy I tell you” “I do not approve of this behaviour!”
I have seen that same look oh so many times from our two girls.
This summer is shaping up to be just as you promised!
Ummm Kardashian who? Your vacation video kicks their vacation video to the curb! Your all so good looking!! 🙂
super fun video!! loving it and all the wonderful photos that scream out loud “me loving some good ‘ol family time!!” Kelle, I’m so happy for you to be creating memories with your girls where your childhood heart bloomed!!
Happy travels…many more warm smiles, deep tummy laughters and sweet memory making…
Cheers!
Monique
lmao i dont often comment on your blog, because i feel like it’ll just totally get lost amongst them all..but OMG…you and your sweet friends have made me laugh today…first i see your head on a stick being fed what looks like calamari, and now i see you in a homemade music video…lol…i pissed myself laughing…oh…one day I may take the 26 hour flight to Naples and stalk you…:-) xoxo in a non “call the police” kinda way
I see a record deal in your future for sure. You are all a bunch of hotties! Love it:)
Haha, Love, love the video! Love that you guys can let loose!
Crack a sister up, I am busting a gut over here. Hi-larious! You are one smoking hot bunch! Safe travels tomorrow!
Fun, fun stuff!
So glad you have been able to “check out” for a few…you, Brett, the girls and the rest of your family look happy and rested.
Love, love, love the video!
haha the video looked like fun.
I must also say a quick thanks for the many shirtless pics of your brother from this roadtrip, he is quite easy on the eye ;o)
No! That video is so perfect and I was pretty much crying, mostly because my best friends and I made a music video today, and also because boating is my favorite and I wish I could’ve been hanging out with you guys.
LOVE your video! How fun are you guys?! So glad you had a great time on your trip. Family is the best!
That’s the best kind of holiday, when leaving is bittersweet. Safe travels. 🙂
I started reading your book last night and I literally balled my eyes through the first chapter, where you shared your birth story. Thank you for being so transparent. You made me want to hug my babies a little tighter today and try and be a better momma to them. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the book….
Happy road tripping!
Oh my goodness… I LOVE the pic of Nella hugging you! The look on her face is priceless! Pure joy, contentment, love and adoration!
Thank you for shearing your stories. Would love to visit this part of the states some time. I am from Norway:)
I just found the birth-story of Nelly. I have been reading and crying my self through the story. It is such a strong and honest one. Thank you so much.
Ellen
wow..your dad has the most beautiful deep eyes…
Great pictures, awesome video, safe trip back.
i love your photography. always have. what takes the cake this time is Lainey in her face mask … i’m in giggles. so cute!! i love the eyeing of one another. too cute!! (:
Glad your Michigan adventure was so wonderful. About the music video…it’s hilarious! I love your sisters haircut. Hope you stop in Nashville on your way back!
Thank you for brightening my day with the warmth, love and joy shared through your wonderful photos. What a blessing your lovely family is and it looks like it was a wonderful vacation spot!
Beautiful pics ~ cute video. You and Brett both look so relaxed. I’m glad you both were able to get away and unwind.
Safe travels home xo
thank you for your pictures….5 great minutes during the day!!
p.s.= I’m in love with the one with you and Nella…just perfect !!
Lens&anythingElse
You have such a gift with candids. It really is a gift I’m telling you. I find it next to impossible to catch good pics of my girls when they’re not posing. Loved every second of these sweet trip memories.
I’d forgotten about this book until I read the part of your post where you said that your trip could be charachterized by “one more.” I don’t remember it well, and I’m now on a mission to find my copy to read to all of my babies :-), but I think you and the girls would enjoy the children’s book “Always Room for One More.” I don’t know the author, but I bet it could be googled! Looks like you have had a pretty enchanting time, and I hope you have a safe trip home!
Mmmmmm nothing like going home! I visit just a couple of blogs daily and yours is the one I visit the most. Why? Because your posts are filled with love and laughter….
I think my favorite part of the video was the dog chillin’ in sunglasses!
totally brightened up my morning… this post, these pictures… that video!!! 🙂
p.s. thank you… need it this morning.
I can’t help but think every time I look at your husband what a sweet soul he seems to have. Just so full of love for his family. You have such a beautiful family, thank you for sharing!
Kelle, I am so glad you got to rejuvenate while reconnecting with your loved ones. Nella looks so grown up in a lot of your photos. Time flies.
Oh my! Awesome video. Sure made me smile and laugh and smile some more this morning 😉 Plan for the next vacay to MI with family and it will give you lots to look forward to and the goodbyes not so hard… yah, who am I foolin’ 😉 Godspeed~
Love the video, but I’m not going to lie – when you said there was a music video, I was hoping it was the Cryderman take on “Call Me Maybe”!!
Oh how I needed to see that video… I’m starting my week over today with it’s spirit in mind! My favorites, the dog and Bubby’s sunburned shoulders! Thanks for sharing Kelle, travel safely.
Great pictures in this one. Looks like some wonderful memories were made. Thanks for sharing. xoxo
Seriously LOVE the video. Looks like you guys had an amazing time together. I also love the sunglasses on the dog! 🙂
You guys are nutty and I love it. 🙂 Safe travels, I look forward to hearing about the fun you’ll find.
My gosh….when I see this, I only hope that my (very far in the future) kids can have experiences and family like this. How lovely and wonderful this is!
Christine
My gosh….when I see this, I only hope that my (very far in the future) kids can have experiences and family like this. How lovely and wonderful this is!
Christine
I can tell you are having a wonderful time! Loved the video.
The video is priceless. Can Poppa please be in the next one? Y’all have so much fun, and I can totally see Nella leading future dance music videos.
The video just made my day. Love the pics of the dog with sunglasses and the great one of Brett with his huge smile. So much fun!
That video was hilarious and so much fun! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
I LOVED THE MUSIC VIDEO!!! Such fun with you family! Blessings for a safe ride home!
love love LOVE Lainey’s poka dot swim suit! So stinking cute. Love your posts…as always.
I have loved all the Michigan posts. I am originally from Michigan and relocated to Tennessee in 93. Looking at all the pics have made me reminiscent for childhood family vacations up in Traverse City or Grayling. Glad you had a great vacation. I hope the waters of Lake Michigan were still icy!
Gorgeous photos! Best Music Video Ever! 🙂
Haha! LOVE your music video 🙂
Alright. So I watched the music video. It’s hilarious and you look like a fun bunch… And I still miss Michigan. Also, is that your sister with the short hair? I LOVE her hair cut. I could never pull off something like that [I have curly hair], but I’m seriously envious. Fabulous.
This makes me so freakin’ excited to head to the beach house for our annual vaca in August. LOVE the video! 🙂
… fantastic!
3 weeks until my holiday home to Wisco! I’m pumped up… two weeks of doing nothing and eating good local food. i love your dad’s cottage… idyllic or what?! xx
i am so happy to have discovered your blog about a year ago. i am just so so happy.
Dear Kelle,
The photos and the feeling behind your words never fails to disappoint. The music video is so, so funny and pretty awesome too.
Thanks for the Nella and Lainey fix and for sharing the beauty of your world with us once again.
Love,
Loyal Reader in NE
P.S. I am half-way through Bloom and you deff have something to be proud of Author-dear. 🙂
I have to say, my favorite part was the awkward hugging at the end where nobody knows who to hug. Totally reminded me of church when the Pastor says to turn and shake someone’s hand I and swear on my life everyone always turns away and there’s nobody to shake hands with!
Ohhhh my gosh! I loved the video. The dog and the sunglasses? Epic.
shi-day.blogspot.com
Fantastic photos!
Was that your sister with the short hair? The cut and color is fabulous, wish I could pull it off!
-Courtney
I love summer getaways! Wishing you a happy, and safe trip home!
I love Nella’s whale jammies!!
Oh my gosh. Nella grew up over night! You have two very beautiful girls. I love how you’re always “dressed up.” You inspire me to dress up more often.
Have you ever read the book “The Relatives Came” by Cynthia Rylant? I was thinking that it would be a good bedtime story for you and your girls when you get home.
Love the photos. They make me very excited for my family vacation coming up.
Thank you for sharing this article… I like it a lot and Hope others might like it as well. It’s really helpful for me which I have ever seen.., Thank you so much!!!
The Unforgiven II
I have so many memories like this from cabins & campgrounds in Tahoe. Next month we are taking our littles to Tahoe for the first time, with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and GREAT aunts and uncles. And I just quit my job so I expect many more memories to follow! Now I just wish I had your photography skills!
When I saw you were in Northern Michigan and seeing some of the places I was at a couple of weeks ago with my family –Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes — my instant reaction was to think, oh bummer we just missed each other. Just like I would do with a close friend. I guess after following your journey for a while that is exactly what happened, I developed a one-sided friendship with you. To a point that if I saw you on the streets of downtown Traverse City I would hug you and say “so good to see you Kelle!”.
I am a big fan.
Oh my goodness, that video is hilarious! So. Much. Fun.
Hoping you have a fun and safe trip back to Naples 🙂
XOXO,
Angie from Ohio/angiepics
I read every word you write – and pore over every photo you post…….and often don’t leave a comment, because like others, I think “it’ll just be buried anyway – and it’s not like I have anything profound to share!”
Today – even though I don’t have anything profound to share – I’m going to leave a little note to say how much I l.o.v.e. the time you spend with us out here in Blogland!
Your little Miss Nella – she slays me! I love the shot of her with her sun glasses in one hand – striding up the road, like she has places to go – and people to see………..which I’m sure is exactly the way it is!
I love the sweet ‘sisters’ relationship that is so obvious in the interactions of Nella & Lainey………and which you capture and portray so beautifully!
Thank-you!………….Rosemary
That video is GOLD!!!
Ahh, such a lot of fun – I love following your blog, and your photos, it’s so inspiring! These photos ooze happiness, and makes me even more excited our upcoming summer holiday!
There is definitely no shame in being recharged by other people. I wish almost daily that I was more like that. I’m a minister’s wife, so it can be really draining for me! I have to make sure to lay down the law every once in a while and get some me-time!
That video was freaking HILARIOUS! My favorite parts-Brett “driving” the boat and the dog wearing the shades. That cracked me up for some reason.
I have less than 3 weeks until the Vineyard. You stories and shots are getting me all geared up for the unbridled fun of a simpler place.
Seriously, I cannot wait for spotty phone reception.
-Jennifer
Beautiful pics of your wonderful vacation- I now think I need to get in summer mode!sample compare and contrast essay
Love you !
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