Saturday night, we smoothed the edges of our blanket against a flat plane of sand at Lowdermilk Beach and burrowed holes in brown sugar to anchor our plastic wine glasses.
Far out in the gulf, a curtain of storm clouds and thick sheets of rain contrasted brilliantly with neighboring blue skies and cotton clouds, and we watched and cautiously waited for the former to overpower the latter, a cue to pack up and move out.
But they dwelled in safe harmony, at least long enough for us to enjoy the luxuries of a beach sunset for a little while.
We cheered and pointed when the sleek backs of dolphins emerged in shallow waters not far from shore, and we ran along the edge of the tide, following their path.
Nana Kate scooped up my girls in grandmotherly fashion while I volleyed my wonder between the exhilerated faces of my happy beach babies and the effortless beauty and grace of a woman I adore.
Lainey thinks her granddaugter, Katie Claire, is some sort of Hannah Montana. If Katie says it, it’s true; if Katie wears it, it’s cool; if Katie gives you something, it’s your favorite. These are the rules, and we abide by them.
Finally, the gulf storm got bored and started showing off with flashy lightning and intimidating thunder, and so we packed it and headed out. Just as we were leaving and I balanced a dangling Nella with my overflowing bag of beach toys, I turned back to see the sun, its pink haze highlighted by lightning that periodically zig-zagged across the horizon. And right there I felt that realization of I am small and the World is big. The experience of watching the sun set is humbling and such an appropriate representation of my beliefs on faith, or at least what it should be. It’s big. Available to everyone. Perceived and practiced differently by diverse groups of people and rightly so. Grounding, comforting, uniting, intriguing and beautiful all in one. No walls to constrain it, no book to govern it. There, on that beach, that sunset was mine.
*****
The weekend delivered.
We were entertained by a whole lot of nothing.
I had to smile last night as I passed the entrance of our garage and spotted a small rainbow and abandoned chalk. She’s asked me to help her draw them so many times– following my instructions for another bow of color, and then another–but she’s never been able to draw one unassisted. But there, chalked symmetrically onto cement was her rainbow. And I am happy. I want to teach my girls to draw rainbows on their own, to independently choose colors and find places to make their mark. She did it…all by herself.
And then I went inside and, scribbled in red lipstick on my bathroom mirror, was a unicorn. Just kidding. But seriously, how cool would that have been?
Weekends are good for long, leisurely swims. And little sisters who watch big sisters from the sidelines.
Weekends are good for frozen grapes…
…and walk practice…
…and scaredy cats.
But really, there’s not much weekends aren’t good for.
Later this week, I’ll be in San Diego for BlogHer. I’m excited to learn new things and meet some incredible new people. If you’ll be there and want to pow-wow, find me on Facebook and let me know! Big world, Baby.
*****
Your weekend dream descriptions were fun to read. The fabulous Popina swimsuit dream came true for Comment #805, Meg: your weekends sound like ours. Two cups of coffee mornings and last minute gatherings with friends. Love it. Your time without your husband sound the same as well. Badassness like there is something to prove. Love it too.
Congratulations, Meg. Please send your contact info to kellehamptonblog@comcast.net and start shopping for some retro fabulousness.
And don’t forget, the coupon code ends soon for Net Nanny. Monitor your kids’ computer use and safety with 25% off Net Nanny software. Coupon Code HAMPTON for 25% off.
*****
Hope your week kicks off with a great Monday.
Every time I read your posts, I feel like that call ‘life is beautiful, go live it & then come back and remember it all’. It’s a ray of sunshine.
Looks like a fantastic weekend! I love Lainey’s rainbow… and the abandoned chalk. Happy Monday to you!
Looks like a sweet, relaxing weekend. It’s incredible how big the girls are getting!
Love when my Google Reader pops up a new unread item and it is from one of my favorite blogs on the net. I also love when my little boy is sleeping cozy in his crib while it POURS outside. Who ever heard of so much rain in desert Utah? Bizarre for sure.
My weekend was filled with the first farmers market of the season (yippee! I heavy bag of cherries and spicy tamales that needed to be consumed then and there, no worries that is was ten am), a stroll up the mountains, and brunch out to celebrate our five year wedding anniversary. Not a bad weekend.
Totally jealous of your sunsets. We stayed on Marco Island for a family vacation about seven years ago, and oh my, those sunsets are AMAZING!
Have a happy Monday.
Jessica and sleeping James
Their swimsuits are so cute!!
Kate has been walking for a couple months now and it still makes me so happy every time I see her walk and how when she falls she continues to get right back up, no frustration-just determination, she is so over crawling. So yeah for Nella, her and your world is about to change!
,,,has she found her thumb?,,,she’s so stinkin’ cute!,,,
Kelle! Let’s go out when u get back from SD. I need another car concert. ;o) xo
I want to come to San Diego with you to BlogHer!!!
XO
Enjoy! Post some tips:).
that nana kate sure gives aging a good name!!! i think she is my new new aging is beautiful superhero. 🙂
I adore reading your posts. It always gives me a boost of I-need-to-be-the-best-mama-possible. Thanks for that. Those pictures of Nella in the water are amazing! And I love the last one of Lainey. We have our own Hannah Montana too. If Hannah Montana were a boy. My best friends oldest son is like that for my 3 year old. Adorable. Have fun at BlogHer. I wanted to go SO badly.
I wasn’t at all sad about missing Blogher because of my daughter’s second birthday, saturday, until I found out you were going!!!
Love the pic of the sunset. It is absolutely breathtaking. Have fun in San Diego!
Finding beauty in the storm…isn’t that the challenge? Some look at lightning and tremble. Others reach for their camera and cuddle in a safe place to share the wonder. I love Florida’s summer storms. I love the wow of them. I am glad you didn’t pack up early and leave–that would be like those who left the game while trailing in the 7th inning, only to miss the drama of the 9th inning rally and win! Note to Nella…Poppa’s gonna pull those wild, wandering feet together and you’re gonna walk…soon! The energy, strength and ability is there–your feet just need to use the same GPS. Love you!
That sunset is to die for……..we get terrific ones in the flat farmland of Illinois too. But not quite the same as by water. You are so very lucky!
Nana Kate, you are just on beauty overload. You look incredible…and are just as beautiful in good and character as you are in glamour and contour!
You are right. The world is so big!! Have a great week!
I just love Lainey’s swim suit from the beach! Where did you get it??
I love your blog and I am excited to read that you will be in my neck of the woods soon…San Diego!
Good Lord, I loved this post! I am at work, bored to tears, wishing I was at home doing what I love (photography), and I got to smile when I saw these pictures! Your beautiful girls, and that beautiful sunset!!!!!!!! What????? The colors are amazing!!!! You made my Monday a little better!
I”m so grateful to live on the west coast of Florida and your pics remind me of what a gift our sunsets are. they never fail to get me to marvel in their unique beauty! As I write this, I’m awaiting the birth of my fifth grandchild in 5 years (due date today). Her twin brother and sister are 17 months and very excited to meet their new baby. My daughter and I both LOVE your blog. Yes . . . life is sweet!!
Looks like a great weekend! Lovely post as always 🙂
Love the smiles.
Urgh, maybe next year I’ll get to go to BlogHer. This year, we’re trying to go on vacation, but a B&B we called this morning told us “no infants.” Jerks.
Anyway, LOVE Lainey’s swimsuit! And Nella’s walk practice. And the sunset. And I really want to go to the beach, as I always do when I see your weekend posts 🙂
Have a great week and a fantastic time at BlogHer. Share any cool stuff you learn please!
Loving your little Picasso’s chalky art! And although I love Tennessee, It never fails that your photos make me long to live on the beach.
http://ramblingsfromtheanimalfarm.blogspot.com/
Lainey’s swimsuit is precious, that sunset is amazing, and I hope I look half as good as Nana Kate when I’m a grandma. She is like Princess Grace – beautiful, classy, timeless.
What??!!!
I’m new to blogging, so that is one of the main reasons I skipped out on going to Blogher this year, but as another excuse to myself I said, “it’s not like Kelle Hampton is gonna be there!” and alas, YOU WILL BE!!! Have fun in my city, and be sure to say “Stay classy, San Diego” just because you can!! 🙂
-Kate
Awesome pics at the beach… you made me want to plan a late trip to see the sunset.
Love all the pictures…my mother keeps telling me how good frozen grapes are–I guess I’ll have to freeze some and give it a try. Have fun at the BlogHer conference!
Love the little chalk drawing. So sweet! 🙂 I love finding those little surprises from my kiddos. Like the Lego Cowboy I found in the shower this morning! 🙂 Ha!
Have fun at BlogHer.
I love the goggle marks on Lainey in that last photo – that screams summer to me. And I can’t wait for the day that Everleigh grasps my fingers and walks assisted. So much to look forward to. Hope you have a great week!
-Amanda
I was hoping you’d be at the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in San Antonio! Have fun at BlogHer! Looking forward to meeting you someday!! Glad you had a great weekend!
Beautiful Sunset <3
Lainey actually looks younger in some of these pictures in this post!! Where did you get her suit that she is wearing at the beach – the blue w. white polka dots one – TOO CUTE!!!
You know what’s so cool? Lainey and I have the EXACT SAME swimsuit. Lands End, right?
Awesomeness.
Sounds like the perfect weekend. Thanks for sharing!
This blog is like a slice of a beautiful life. Thank you for sharing every bit of it Kelle.
Our weekend was fun too with a trip to the beach Friday night ending with a bit of rai. A ride, on the carousal and ice-cream:) Perfect summer night in my book!!
I have read your blog for awhile and I am constantly inspired by your words and the life you lead with your family. I feel less than adequate and not sure of this motherhood thing but you make me want to be better and more present for my kids. I know that this is not your intent for writing about your family but I’m thankful for your words.
Rebecca
The picture of you and nella laying in the yard has to be the sweetest thing ever.. I love it 🙂
Love all the pictures and the suncet..beautiful:)
Weekend & Cowboy Boots… Perfect!!
Love Lainey’s bathing suit! 🙂
I have to say, I love the top you’re wearing with jeans when you’re walking with Nella! 🙂
This comment has been removed by the author.
I am 23- I use to write. Then I just got lost.
You make me want to write and write and write for hours again. how do you do it?
so swiftly your fingers make words that flow perfectly.
I feel as if all my free time is gone- not wasted. maybe I sleep too much.
I only hope one day – I can as inspirational as you are, to people of all ages.
thank you.
I know i’ve asked before, so please don’t mind me asking again, where is Lainey’s blue suit from? It’s uber adorable! And did I catch a glipse of an ironing board in the background of one of the pics? Good for you sista, I just wear wrinkly clothes!
I love your posts Kelle! they really make my day 🙂 such beautiful photography coupled with eloquent words that just gives me peace in my soul! really! Hope your monday has been great!
Your blog is beautiful. Whenever you update, I can’t click on the post link fast enough. Hopefully, someday soon, I’ll find a beach and a sunset and feel the enormous wonder of how small I am…
Lainey’s rainbow- so beautiful- it’s like a state of mind, a way of being. Cheerful, sweet, simple happiness.
Nella looks like she is making great strides in her walking practice. In no time, you’re going to need to strap on some roller blades to keep up with her as she runs, runs, runs.
Have a GREAT time at BlogHer. and enjoy San Diego. I want to move there. Like, NOW.
Love the pic of you laying down on the grass with Nella on top of you-when my baby lays on me I tell myself remember her length, feel her weight, memorize this feeling and her chubby legs wrapped around you i dont want to ever forget what she felt like in my arms- they get big so fast. That is so cool that Lainey did her own rainbow…my dad’s bday is Friday and my husband and I will be in Key West that day (tropical storm permitting) so we have already bought presents and made cards and my 3 yr old, for the first time, wrote his name without anything to look at just me saying f-r-a-n (he is francis but they call him frandaddy (like grandaddy-ha) but i thought fran was enough to write) I was just as excited to see it as you were to see laineys rainbow- smart girls! finally, a shout out to the last pic of lainey with the goggle rings around her eyes- so funny!
Scaredy cats! Cute pic.
LOVE. FROZEN. GRAPES.
My mom and I used to fight over them. : )
Enjoy your week!
Nella has the sweetest smiles!!! And that scaredy cat made me laugh 🙂 Happy Monday!
Love the picture through the screen that keeps Nella away from the pool. Dolphins are cool.
i love living on the beach vicariously through you! that unicorn comment made me snort. you are a hoot…girlie:)
Absolutely beautiful! We enjoyed our weekend oh so much as well!
Brooke
http://www.TheAnnessaFamily.blogspot.com
Man! I’m really sorry I’m going to miss meeting you at BlogHer. This year was the one (ONE!) year that it could fit into my schedule and before I knew it, all of the student rates were sold out 🙁 (I be a po’ medical student, so student rates are my friend!) Have a blast!
Man, no matter what I do, I can’t get my photos to have such great natural lighting/color as yours have. I don’t know how you do it, but congrats for getting it figured out. Wonderful stuff!
That picture of Nella watching Lainey in the pool could be in my camera right now. I have a 16 month old little girl who thinks the sun rises and sets around her big brothers.
So happy your weekend delivered!
I can’t believe I’ll miss you at BlogHer. I’m not going this year- we will be hiding out off the grid and OFFLINE in a cabin in the woods in Michigan! Have the best time!
Steph
San Diego is where I am! Have fun at The BlogHer Conference! 🙂
I love your blog!! Your talents are amazing!!! Have fun in SD!!
You make me want to come to Florida, it looks heavenly. And hahahah, you HAVE inadvertently stolen a cat, scaredy cat photo made me laugh out loud 🙂
Thank you for bringing a smile to my face this spring morning in Sydney.
“We were entertained by a whole lot of nothing”. That statement is gold, I love it! We can so easily get caught up in being busy…often it is nice to be reminded that the simplest of things can entertain and fulfill us the most. Thank you…for reminding me today. xxx
You’ll be leaving as I’ll be returning home crossing paths only in the sky!! It seems as though our jet setting lifestyles may keep us from meeting once again!! We’ll eventually be in the same state at the same time with some good weather!! BlogHer does sound wonderful in sunny SD! Can’t wait to read all about it!!
And I can’t wait to take in another Gulf Coast sunset! Three weeks was too long to be away!
~Beth
Have fun in San Diego! One of my favorite places!! Love the storm cloud pics. . .
It looks like such an amazing weekend. I always LOVE seeing your pictures.
And I live in San Diego!!
Question: Did the picture of Nella turn on blurry and then you fixed it? The side by side photo? Just curious if that is possible?
That sunset on the beach was stunning! So glad you turned around to witness it and that you captured it on film for all of us to see 🙂
Happy Monday!
Awwww, I wish I was going to BlogHer. I want to meet you and Paper Mama 🙂 Your pictures are fabulous, as always.
I love frozen grapes!
Nella’s hair is getting so long – love it!
Love everything about that little doll of yours – and your big doll Lainey too!
Nella is soooo close to walking! 🙂
I read this with my 5 yr old next to me, he asked where all the beach pcitures were and I told him Florida. Then he saw the cat and said ‘awwww cute cat!’. I think he misses our cat a lot. (Ours was hit by a car last summer.) He has dreams about him still, and still talks about the fun times they had. 🙁
As always – such beautiful photos!
This comment has been removed by the author.
My daughter has been living in cowGIRL boots for the past 2 months despite the heat. She has also manage to find long crazy socks to wear with them.
love that nana kate. i want one just like her.
and that sunset? fantastic!
You take such amazing photos. Love’em!!
Hope you have a wonderful time in San Diego!! 🙂
Beautiful! Where did you get that amazing black and white swimsuit that Lainey is wearing?
Your Nana Kate is so elegant. Very Audrey Hepburn-ish. I always think that when you post photos of her.
Love Lainey’s solo rainbow. Can’t wait to see Nella solo with walking!
Much Love.
Why does Lainey look like a teenager?? My goodness! She is growing up so fast 🙂
You have two of the most beautiful daughters I have ever seen!
Love your outlook on life. Whenever I need a pick-me-up I read your blog, and I automatically snap out of my funk and “enjoy the small things”! Thank you!!
PS. Those sleeping pictures on your previous post? Most precious pictures I have ever seen!!
Wow, I was just looking at the Agenda for BlogHer & it looks amazing! I didn’t know something like that even existed!
I just started blogging a couple months ago & am really enjoying it, it’s been a really fun way to be creative & share my passions.
I’m so glad my friend sent me your blog – you inspire me so much! Thanks for sharing your life with all of us! 🙂
-Katelyn
Gorgeousness.
Great post! I love that your back patio looks like a living room/playroom. I also love your bangs. Seriously. I have been eyeing them for sometime now, but I am going to have my hair dresser cut them next time! Although I am not sure I can rock them the way you do, but I am sure gonna try 🙂
New here. Obsessed with your photography. AMAZING! Thanks for sharing your life!
LOVE Nella’s face splashing in the waves!
Love the sunset photo. So glorious. Nella walking along is just too cute!
It will be fun knowing you are just 5 miles from my house. Wont be there myself but I will think of you. Sorry, the weather is suppose to be hot hot hot this weekend! have fun! xo
I almost cried when I saw that sweet chalk rainbow.
I absolutely love this blog, I confess that I check every morning.I love starting my day with your “glass is half full” attitude 🙂
I’m going to be a turkey here and mention that red is always on the outside of a rainbow, being of the longest wavelength, and violet is on the inside – unless you have a double rainbow, where the inner colors are reversed. Still, pretty good for 4. 🙂
“And then I went inside and, scribbled in red lipstick on my bathroom mirror, was a unicorn. Just kidding. But seriously, how cool would that have been?”
You crack me up. Wish I lived in San Diego. I’m close (Pasadena), but not that close.
🙂 Joanna
I love the sunset – so beautiful!
What a fun weekend you had – we have been coloring with chalk to – my daughter actually noticed the picture with the chalk and told me she wanted the rainbow – we too draw many rainbows in chalk.
Have a wonderful time at BlogHer !
that photo of you and Nella resting on the grass is perfect, hope you have plenty of moments like that! Thanks for reminding me of the child like wonder of water, sun and cats! Hope you enjoy BlogHer.
That second picture, of the beach, is looking just like an oil painting, it’s really amazing. Love it and the blog itself, as always.
OH MY GOD, Kelle! You just totally and completely made my day! I am headed to BlogHer for the first time and I would really LOVE to meet you. You are a huge inspiration to me, especially with your photography.
So when you see some crazy stranger running up to you to hug you? Yeah, that’s me. I’m the crazy stranger!
Hope to meet you!
I LOVE frozen grapes! I highly recommend a fruit dip called “Lemon Chiffon” by Epicure Selections that goes swimmingly with frozen grapes. You can find it here: http://www.epicureselections.com/en/ They are a Canadian Company and I must say they have THE BEST cheese dip and so many awesome things! I really can’t say enough good things about them. But seriously, try the fruit dip! It’s to die for! Enjoy your week!
i heart you! lol. plain and simple! such a great mama!
I love, love the picture of Nella in the waves, pure joy that is for sure.
Enjoy my state of Cali baby!!!! San Diego is an amazing city one of my husbands favorites. If you like mexican food, Mama Testa’s is AMAZING!!!!!!!
– frozen grapes were a summer staple at my house growing up, don’t know how I forgot about them!
Have you ever told the story of how you got to know Nana Kate? I am always blown away by her beauty. And from what you write, she is much more than a pretty face. I hope to be like her when I grow up. 😉
This comment has been removed by the author.
As I read in your post about your trip to the beach this week, in my mind I felt myself transport back to a time when I was just Lainey’s age and living in Florida, running around the beach with my two younger sisters and watching people out at the sandbar. I remember growing old enough to walk out there and grab sand dollars from the ocean floor with my feet, and bring them to the surface. They were like gold to me; so friggin’ cool. LOL. Have you ever done that? If not –YOU MUST!
And now, in California, I don’t have much to complain about given I still enjoy the beach…just different ones, on a different coast…no sandbars. Still beautiful and never far away. I find it’s the easiest way to escape and recharge.
Enjoy your trip in San Diego! I’m not far from there and I wish I were going to BlogHer so I could meet you and all your fabulousness. 🙂
Thanks for another great post!
Totally going to delurk here. Can I just say– your photographs are a true inspiration! If I need a little pick-me-up, I just head on over here 🙂 I’m VERY much a beginner with a camera, and it’s nice to see people who actually know how to use the dang thing 😉 One of these days I will be able to get a decent camera, but for now I will just continue to dream through your photos.
Your weekend looks like it was amazing! I so wish I lived near a beach to run to. I’m sure you can entertain the girls for a long time there. This weekend was Arya’s 1st birthday party! It was really great and I am so glad that it is done. What a lot of work! But totally worth it. 🙂 We are also working on walking. She did take 2 steps without holding onto anything. I’m sure it will be anytime now. For now though, I love that she still needs to hold onto my hand.
BTW, I LOVE Etta James’ At Last. Nice choice! 🙂 Have a fabulous week. I can’t wait to see what beautiful pictures you have in store for us. 🙂
What a fun weekend, Kelly where is Lainey’s bathingsuit from if you don’t mind me asking?? I love it..
Have a wonderful time in San Diego – my hometown! (SO jealous, haven’t been back in over a year… please soak up America’s Finest City and blog her beauty for me… thanks!) 😛
I love the weekends! They are the best and being at the beach is so relaxing.
Two things. I want to go to BlogHer!!! Are you speaking? I want to dress like Lainey with those fab cowboy boots, socks and all the rest of the outfit. Do you think I can pull it off at 63? susan
Did I spy “I Love You, Stinky Face” in this post? 🙂 we freaking LOVE that book. It’s been my daughter’s favorite book since she was about six months old. And the other day I caught her “reading” it to herself and in her words every page read “I love you.” That’s a fine translation for a 22 month old 🙂
I have gained some inspiration from your Hallmark post and wanted to give you a compliment. I have been reading your blog for over a year now and I can honestly say that you make me a better mom. There are times that I feel like I’m going to lose my patience with my girls and I will think of you and your blog, take a breath, and laugh instead of scolding. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us. You have no idea the impact you have made on mine.
Kim
Looooooove those girls. Every once in awhile Lainey still looks very young and it is so sweet (pool with goggles pic), and Nella- well, I seriously hope that you have given her a hug for me by now (I ask often). The picture of the sunset is stunning, as are the words that go with it. You leave me speechless in awe.
Oh my gosh I went to your facebook page to become your friend, have you seen what it says….. it says “this user has too many friends”. Imagine if we all had caps on new friends! Thanks for all your posts and the insights inside to your life, I find you very inspiring. Debs from NZ
I want to be you in that picture of you stretched out on the grass with that sleeping little Nella stretched out on top of you. I Love that feeling and miss it now that mine are 27,24,22. Thank you for your lovely writings.
Who in the world would send YOU a nastygram? That’s just crazy. It’s not like you even write about controversial topics. You just spread love and other happy things. Bless that person’s heart!
As for the topic, I always tell my son that he can be anything he wants to be in life. Except for mean. I grew up with a disabled aunt, thus our whole family grew up learning compassion. She is the most beautiful soul I know. The world would be a better place if more people were like her!
Isn’t it wonderful when your child learns something new? Good for Lainey – cute rainbow indeed!!
My boy went to England happy as can be! We forgot his suitcase with toys, his portable DVD and his books and yet he spent a week in a car, sightseeing, walking for miles and miles and miles and then more car rides and sights – without complaining. I found it a miracle. To say the least.
I’m so proud of him.
Kids are wonderful little people for sure.
I love your precious post.
Those rare and special women that you adore and learn from in life, they’re gems. Bless them!
/A
This is the first time I have wished I was going to BlogHer. Would love to meet you someday Kelle.
And every day is a good day for a little ruffle-butt 🙂
You and Pioneer women in the same place…awesomeness! 😉