The gulf was wild tonight.
Its waters somersaulting and aimlessly slapping the tide leaving a thin white foam that hissed and fizzed in the pink light of a setting sun.
Heidi and the kids joined us. Because I know Heidi’s just like me. These kinds of things go down best when they are unplanned, when thirty seconds after I have the itch to taste salty air and feel sand beneath my feet, I call her with a “Beach. Now. You in?” and she doesn’t hesitate a second before buckling her kids in the car and burning rubber, heading west.
It was still and calm, and you couldn’t help but be moved by watching our three willowy ones brave the chilly waters, flailing their arms and swinging their legs like interpretive dancers.
Or the cautious curiosity of the littlest one, timidly raking the sand, pulling her knees to her chest to keep her feet from getting wet, cradling her tiny baby doll to keep her safe, a far cry from her usual bullied babysitting techniques. But she was happy. Always happy.
I’ve never been to a sunset yet on this beach where there wasn’t an enthusiastic crowd of seniors gathered to cheer on a bocce game. A different crowd every time but always the same place–hugged along the edge of the boardwalk. Their skin is tanned, their smiles white and handsome, and without fail, someone is wearing a flat cap. Buona Sera!
For once, I didn’t really think tonight. No sunset ponderings. Not even the smacked-in-the-face realization of “I love this moment” which happens a lot for me. It was just still and peaceful and so very carefree. It was good…that thoughtless state of relaxation that must come periodically to recharge our senses.
My friend Julie got me these Hunters for my birthday, and I adore them. I told Julie I liked hers and she went and got me a pair. Note to Self: Tell Julie you like her car.
And I love that when I’m with Heidi, there is no pressure to talk or perform or catch up, even though we do that every morning on the phone. We just exist, happily together, swapping kids, brushing sand, ssshing babies…but completely aware of each other’s presence. Plus, she always remembers to bring snacks for my kids which is more than I can say.
However, I did tell her I’d help take care of her kids if she went to jail for launching this rocket on a public beach.
Thankfully, after getting the kids all excited about it and admonishing beach pedestrians to “step away, step away”, neither one of us knew how to work it and a bottle of vinegar, a box of baking soda and an embarrassing conversation with a guy who tried to help us later, this thing did nothing but leak a bunch of vinegar and stink up the beach. A big fat dud. The bonus of course being Heidi didn’t go to jail.
But the rest? Oh, it was good. It was very good indeed.
Happy to announce…
Poulin’s back. Ready to attack.
Yup, renewing sponsor Mark Poulin‘s got some awesome new stuff in his shop.
His handmade metal and enamel jewelry is fun, quirky and destined to become a conversation piece. He’s an amazing artist, and I’m thrilled to have him on board again. (Check out his city rings!)
That is all tonight.
Sweet Dreams.
wish it was summer in PA
Incredibly sweet photos!! Love the waves and Nella with her baby doll. So precious.
Excellent photos. I love Lainey’s dress! Nella is absolutely adorable with her little baby doll.
Love the pics of the waves and sunset. and love the song selection for tonights post.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the shot of the girls splashing. It’s like they are playing in fairy dust!
Ohhhh…..I just posted about my intense need for some beach therapy…..this has just reinforced that 😉
Moved to Montana from So. Cal a year ago and I’m sort of drooling over my laptop right now for the sun and the beach.
The rain boots on the shore are brilliant!
It is so wild the different places we dwell…made especially different in January. Tanned skin and white teeth, bare shoulders and toes in waves. Oh. I am coming to visit soon.
Can’t stop thinking about our conversation this morning.
xo
Love this post! Love that these pics have me dreaming of summer! How much do you love being able to just spontaneously go to the ocean?! sigh
There is something sacred about the beach. It is like sitting on the front row at church. To think those waves lapping up on the shore have come from…maybe England or some other distant coast. And putting the sun to bed…there is nothing sweeter. It is where sunsets are celebrated. It is where you notice nature and kiss your Mother again. Everyone should just go to the beach. And sit. Silent. Still. And feel…life. I am happy you interupted life with the beach tonight. I am happy my babies are growing up…on the beach.
Love those city rings. I also love this post, as usual! 😉 Looks like everyone had great fun.
Kelle- You are OH so cute :)!
Your beautiful. Your girls are beautiful. Heidi & her children are beautiful. Your pictures, are always, beautiful. Enough, said:) xoxo
I loved reading about your friendship with Heidi in this post 🙂 Girlfriends are the best. and so is the beach. and happy babies.
Sweet dreams!
kelle, omg, i am cracking up over the rocket. laughing my you know what off. yeah, well…i wish i was laughing that off. anyway…love ya and excited for all the beach visits we’ll make this winter!!!
dude, where’s the pic of birds attacking lainey’s cheetohs???
Beautiful! I live in Illinois, but we take a week-long trip to Florida (destin) every year, and seeing these pictures just makes me want to be there even more! FOUR MORE MONTHS! I can’t wait!
Heather @ http://icthroughyou.blogspot.com
I love Nella and her baby, so adorable! I love friendships like yours and Heidi’s. My best friend and I always say how our friendship is not “needy”. We dont need to talk everyday (even though we do). We just always know the other one is there, its a nice feeling 🙂
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos. You guys are so lucky to be able to spontaneously head to the beach – I’m rather jealous at the moment;)
“For once, I didn’t really think tonight. No sunset ponderings. Not even the smacked-in-the-face realization of “I love this moment” which happens a lot for me. It was just still and peaceful and so very carefree. It was good…that thoughtless state of relaxation that must come periodically to recharge our senses.”
I think when you can just sit back and enjoy amazing times in beautiful places with wonderful friends without the whole ‘ohmigod this is such an awesome moment’ it means that you are having a healthy dose of those ‘awesome moments’. They are part of your life, as is unloading the dishwasher and putting kids to bed.
Good job Kelle, you are truly living life to it’s fullest, and setting that example for your girlies. And inspiring me along the way!
I just read such a beautiful blog post about a family who adopted a precious little girl, Harper, from Ukraine with Down Syndrome. Her blond hair a beautiful blue eyes made me think of an older version of Nella. I thought you might like to see the link.
http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/2011/02/redeeming-love.html
I love how Nella is being such a good little mama. And I love her little painted toenails…
I was just in that part of the world-on Sanibel Island. A little north of you. It was beautiful and calm and just what I needed. I want to go back so badly. Love the pics. LOVE your boots. so adorable.
http://www.jennynoonan.blogspot.com
Love the boots at the beach!
Nella is SUPER CUTE holding her baby! (bullied babysitting techniques–cracked me up!!)
As usual-happy to see a new post! THANK YOU!!
OH, the photo of you holding Nella in the cradled position is the sweetest thing ever. Looks like it was a great day at the beach. the sunset was spectacular!Amazing.
Thanks for Cracking me up with your note to self. That just tickled me!! I so cant wait for summer to get here so that I can pack my family up for our picnics at our favorite spot. Love the post and of course the pictures were BEAUTIFUL!!!
I’m pretty sure my sweet sonny bear, Shepherd, has a crush on Nella. Every time I read your blog and he’s nearby he points to her and gets the sweetest smile ever. Then I tell him, “That’s Nella,” and he says, “yyyeah.” 🙂
1. i heart those diva red-delicious little pigs.
2. i heart that you live in the land of the perpetual vacation. it seems ever so fitting, as life ought to be lived like a big, “dancin’ in the streets” (name the movie, go!)vacation.
big love, groovy girl.
Sweet, Beautiful pictures!
I thought I spied a groovy pair of gumboots in an early pic- our block of land gets pretty muddy in winter, so boots are essential footwear to chase after the dogs in. But my plain black ones look awfully dull next to yours!
What a beautiful sunset- thanks for sharing.
So Wish I lived on the beach <3
Nella’s smile absolutely radiates joy and happiness!
Lainey looks like she’s grow up in the last week!
I think my favorite pic’s are the last two with you snuggling Nella…
…sigh…
always inspiring.
sweet dreams…..off to that place myself.
always inspiring.
sweet dreams…..off to that place myself.
34 in Utah today! Wish we were with you and your beautiful family. Adore the pics of Nella and her baby doll. Can’t wait for you to get “a car”. hee! hee! What a wonderful ending to a day. Sweet Dreams…
Nella and her doll make me smile! 🙂 And I agree with the first commenter who they wish it was summer in PA – AGREED!
Oh the sea. It takes my breath away. Wishing I lived near it right now. As always.
What a suprise! Didn’t expect a post tonight, for some reason, and BAM, there it is.
You know what I love about this blog? How you can take a week of events and swirl it together in one post and take a sweet little something from each day AND in another post suck all the marrow out of an hour of your day and give us just as much as that week post. Genius Kelle.
absolutely gorgeous. as always.
your pictures are so inspiring! I love the shots of you and the kids. Adorable
your pictures are so inspiring! I love the shots of you and the kids. Adorable
Happy tears in my eyes when I see the photo of you cuddling adorable Nella. There is no better feeling that holding your little ones! (especially on the beach!!!) Amazing photos! You are one blessed mom!!
Is that Vanderbuilt beach?
I love how you’re wearing rain boots.
Great photos, love the sunset lighting.
what a feel good post! happy!!!
Lovely!!!
One of my favorite pleasures is to read your blog. Such a beautiful family, breath-taking pictures and powerful story…with every single blog post. You are fabulous Kelle:) Thank you for making me smile and tear up with every read…it is wonderful:)
Ahhhh. What an incredibly lovely evening. I’m up in Chicago (or the arctic as I’ve not-so-lovingly been referring to it!) longing for some sunshine and warm weather. Your post is making me think long and hard about moving! Maybe it’s your pictures, maybe it’s the tres chic outfits, but it just looks like a place my heart would be happy!
I absoulutely love, love, love the pictures of you nursing sweet Nella at the beach. That is totally something I would do. My baby is hungry? Wants some “milka”? Then she shall have it. No matter the location. Nurse on =)
Nella with her baby doll is precious! I love that you painted those little toe nails too:0) Enjoy your beach for us and we’ll “try” to enjoy all the snow.
the beach (though i’d call it the shore) is one of my most favorite places. and today is my birthday, and all i can see is snow. thank you for the pictures, they brought joy–and they make me look forward to when i can take my children down again and take some of our pictures. 🙂
Breathtaking pictures. 🙂 Simply wonderful. 🙂
oh, I love the beach!! The sunset pictures you captured are amazing! Also, Nella’s pants… terribly cute!
The beginning of the song on today’s post scared the shit (ooooo swear guilt!) out of me! Both of my children are in bed and I thought one of them had become possessed! Adorable photos as always.
Love the note to Self. POPPA RIK – you are so right. We arent too far from the beach and I feel it is such a blessing, so peaceful and yes, sacred. I love taking the grandkids there, or walking with hubby. This is off-subject, but i think ok to share here. Tho the song’s been out a while, I just discovered “Hello World” by Lady Antebellum. It’s now one of my all-time fave songs. Listen closely to lyrics or search and print out. SO ‘nails’ whats important in Life and how one gets away from that. If you can search and find VIDEO< it will give you goosebumps! Love to all from the Blog Mama ~
The beach is close, but not close enough. Love that you can just pick up and be there in a few minutes notice. Two and a half hours takes a little more…oomph?
I am so sick of cold.. I need a beach 🙂
Laughing out loud at the car thing. Your boots ARE cute. 😉 Nella is looking so ONE!
Ahh, love these beach pics. So light and fresh and just peaceful. It’s made my night. 🙂
I love, love, LOVE these pictures! I especially love the ones with Nella’s doll, and the ones where you’re holding her. So beautiful!
the picture of you cradeling Nella.. are you breastfeeding??
I only ask, because if so, it needs to be published! how ah.mazing!!!
i love seeing women not afraid to breastfeed in public!
you inspire me.
while looking at your pictures of the beach, i close my eyes.. and pretend i’m there!
one day… soon i hope.
this snow is not a part of my ebb and flow process!!!
I came across your blog not too long ago and I am totally hooked. You have such beautiful photos, beautiful kids, beautiful writing, super sweet style. I just love it! I also just had to add that I think we have like the exact same taste in music, it’s kind of weird. We have A LOT of the same songs on our playlists. Feel free to check mine out…maybe there are some songs you would like? http://www.playlist.com/playlist/6425980427
LOVED this post!
I love how it is just pure unconditional love with Heidi and her kids and visa versa.
It is 28 degrees here on the otherside of the gulf in Houston. Brrr rabbit!
I am kinda ready for a beach right now.
thanks for the warm sunset pics, I can feel it radiating up here in N. Fla where we are still chilly! Can’t wait for the heat of summer.
happy days!
I’m always so envious of your warm winter beaches. I am counting down the days until I can go dip my toes in the water blocks from my house without risking hypothermia. I’ve been through alot of turmoil this past week and am finally coming out (i think) on the better side. Now I need a beach and coffee ponder moment. 🙂
I’m just amazed that it’s so beautiful and it’s beachy weather there like all the time.. And we live in Cali and it’s not:) lovely pictures kelle.
C.
http://hellakids.blogspot.com
Oh my goodness. Nella has the sweetest toes I’ve ever seen!
Loving the pics – especially Nella’s cute toes and her baby – love it!
Posts like these make me miss Florida so very much.
Love those moments when all is well, when you don’t have to think too much. Looks like it was a beautiful time.
{Love the Hunters!}
I just stumbled upon your blog and I am so happy because it is beautiful and so inspiring! I love seeing the love you have for your family and for life in general!
xoxo,
colormenana.blogspot.com
Kelle,
we were there, this evening a Clam Pass Beach–I emailed you last night….wondering if I may notice you there….it was sacred & spectacular, all at once….
wish we could have met!!!
still in town tomorrow
cathy
check your email from last night 😉
love love this post. i just love how spontaneous your blogs are and i love the pictures and baby nella’s nail color:-)
Have you seen this video of father and daughter singing Home?
Sooo adorable, I think you’d like it 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L64c5vT3NBw
What a beautiful beach and so lovely to share it with your friends!
xo
Looking at your photos almost makes me forget about the hard crust of snow and ice that covers our yard…almost. ;0)
Fun post! The pic of Nella and her baby…precious.
Seeing these wonderful pics I’m almost painfully reminded of _why_ I always long to go to Miami. It has got to be the paradise of the planet!
Of course you visit the beach – you’d be crazy not too!! 😉
Snow just melted off our beach (and about now, everyone keeps their fingers crossed no new snow will appear….) and I can’t wait for the first spring day when I can take my family (including the dog) for a picnic to the beach.
…won’t be able to wear a cute mini skirt, even at that point though…!
🙂
I would encourage you to “enjoy” but you so clearly do, so I don’t have to.
Your children are so very cute (I have sons so I enjoy seeing those girly doings!) and your entries are always full of real life, love and presence. I said it before but will again: I love your art here. For art it is.
Love, Anna in Sweden
these posts make me so happy!
L O V E L Y
Sitting here watching the snow outside
and dreaming me into your photos!
Beautiful Kelle & Heidi!! Best buds and their littles on an unplanned adventure to the beach…a gift!! Your sunsets are simply breath taking!! And boy am I jealous girlfriend as I freeze my “you know what” off up here in the deep freeze of Canada!!! I would love to visit your sacred places of warmth and beach sunsets!!
Your sweet Nella is so very happy and beautiful…I adore how she loves her baby dolls…”a far cry from her usual bullied babysitting techniques”-that cracks me up!
Lainey is a true beach girl…dancing with the waves!!
Thanks again for sharing…
Sweet dreams to you!
Monique
oh how I love your posts…the spontaneous trips, with precious pics to remember them, the random life moments we all have, the good times, the hard times…i just love how your pictures say something!!
I am soaking up all I can with my precious girls, and am thankful for the life i’ve been given. Recovering still fromy injuries in hildbirth, but loving my girls. And it’s so beautiful to see all the things nella’s doing, balaning on the ball the other day..etc. I always show my hubby, we are so blessed with our happy little Ava! Through all the trials since her birth she has brougt muh joy. And you an your family have blessed mine. You’re an encouragement and inspiration.
I love that you capture all the life moments so well, you guys always have some cute little outfit, clip, hat, the boots this time hehe totally LOL at the liking lindas car!!! 🙂 I just love seeing you all live life to the fullest…and thankyou!! For sharing it with all of us. Thankyou for keeping it real!
I long for the day I can run and play again with my girls…and create more memories, for now I’m content to be healing. And blessed that we have Ava! There is a reason for everything…God bless
Dandy…just checked out that video of father & daughter singing Home..soooo adorable!!! What a little rock star she is and the love between the two of them super sweet and real!!
Check it out people!!
Monique
You are always an inspiration. If I may ask, are there any books that you are reading or have read to help you stay so positive?
Is Nella nursing in those pictures?
Gorgeous photos as always! Can’t wait ’till the next post.
Much love to you all!
Ashley J.
That 1st photos is fantastic! Mother Nature at her best 🙂
My heart just about melted when I saw Nella with her Baby Doll.. Makes me want a girl so badly! x
Hello again! Great start of my day again! Nella and her little doll are beautifull. You are so lucky to have a beach in the neigborhood. Love to be on the beach, but we have other temperatures so the boots never comes off this time of year.
Have to get a little doll like Nellas to my little Julianne. Love it! 🙂 And when I look at your pictures I dream of the norweigan summer and the midnight sun… soon to come…. 🙂 Take care!
this really, REALLY makes me wanna move to FL *sigh* i’m cold…
Love the little red toes on the girls 🙂
I really love your family and your blog!!!
Federica
http://soleilphotography.blogspot.com/
Please, please tell me more about Lainey’s dress. An old tshirt? LOVE.
I know I seldom comment, Kelle, but these photos are such a delight to view! Loved them all! What a fabulous day with your family and friends. It looks like you enjoyed every moment. Thanks for sharing such delight : )
Sharon
Simply gorgeous to look at the sunset at almost 7 am while looking out the window here in the Tidewater area of Virginia and see SNOW! Goodness I’m ready for spring, bring it on!
Being spontaneous. Something that escapes our household so often. Definitely something to work back into our schedule (ha ha ha).
I really like Poulin’s rings. so
cool.
LOVE the boots! I have never seen that color combo..LOVE,LOVE,LOVE! The pic of you and Nella cuddling is precious:) Heidi and her little ones usual awesome:)My daughter thinks Heidi looks like a princess. She tells me when ever we see Heidi in a post:)
Happy Thursday,
Chantelle
Will Heidi be my spontaneous friend too?!
Great, beautiful post Kelle! xo
just lovely.
i so needed this post..i am heading into a serious winter blues funk. sunshine makes me happy even if it is only a picture of sunshine and the picture of nella huggin’ her baby..well how could that not warm up my cold northern winter bones.
i absolutely love seeing pictures of you and heidi. i have a heidi of my very own and we are getting together saturday so that we can just cry on each other’s shoulder and and laugh..well your words are perfect..we do not have to perform. my word for the year was free..and i can be so free around her. she is my anchor when all the critics in the crowd seem to be all i hear..she tells me who i am to her and that is all that matters because sometimes i let those critics get to me…the funny thing is she knows the real true me..the good and the bad and i swear if i let her she would fight those critics with one hand tied behind her back..a soul sister is a true gem in life. ♥
Ok, you may have hooked me. I was definitely one of those “I could never live in Florida” people for lack of changing seasons. But right about now, I’m closing my eyes and almost feeling my toes on that beach sand. A trip to the shore in February… yeah, you win 😉
love nella and her naked little baby! Penelope’s babies are ALWAYS naked too. beautiful pics!
There’s a good chance that about fifty other people have already asked this but…
WHERE did you get Lainey’s Rolling Stones dress?! OH MY! Ridiculously cute!
Great pics of your spontaneous romp on the beach. I’m envious… we’ve been battling frigid temperatures here for weeks and it’s getting really old. I love winter and all, but I could really go without the disgustingly freezing weather we’re having!
You know you have a rock solid relationship when nothing is said at all!!
Your girls rock!!
What a fantastic evening you had!!
I’m cold and want to go to the beach. Thanks for the quick trip.
Your photography takes my breath away! truly! x
Your photography takes my breath away! truly! x
We are currently snowed in. Need I say more. We are loving the snow, but looking forward to getting to the beach. Lovely pictures, as alway:-)
XO
You really need to stop posting pictures of the beach. It is currently -30 below here right now.. my kids had to make a mad dash for the bus so they didn’t freeze to death on the way out.
You really need to stop posting pictures of the beach. It is currently -30 below here right now.. my kids had to make a mad dash for the bus so they didn’t freeze to death on the way out.
This post made me beyond excited for our two-week family vacation in the Outer Banks…the months can’t fly by fast enough so I can see our precious Jackson touch the sand for the first time and feel the salty spray from the waves on his face. Can’t wait!!!
I used to live where you live and your pictures made me miss it so much, especially since it was snowy and 29 degrees when I got up this morning! We used to love going to the beach in the winter! I also used to love all the snow birds and their freshly tanned (burned)faces. I’m glad I got to see Naples through your pictures!:)
waiting here in va for warmer weather , it snowed a little last night , and i woke up to “lov u” on my windshield . …….but still wish for warmth.
reading your blog is warmth to my soul.
love and blessings
the doughtys
I love that my niece stopped by to look at where the music was coming from. I had to sneak a peek at your blog while she is suppose to be getting into her snow suit!
Your photos inspire my courage to get through six more weeks of winter, up here in Ottawa, Canada!
Can I say that I love Lainey’s Rolling Stones dress! And how cute is Miss Nella loving up her baby doll?
I can’t wait for sand ‘n surf!
i love last minute trips to the beach with good friends!! and I LOVE your boots…. I want them!
Kelle, Your beautiful photo of the sunset is my desktop background today!
Wishing we were in sunny Florida!
thanks for the break from winter. what a wonderful day…sweet pics of you with nella. love how you love your girls. super cute boots. i’ve been wanting a pair.
jealous! it’s 20 degrees below zero this morning where i live. but the sun is shining and warming our hearts. 🙂
gorgeous photos!
so so jealous!! we just got snow here this morning, blah! i am ready for the sun and stroller walks around the neighborhood, anything warm pretty much!!
Ok, how cute is Nella with her dolly?!
LOVE Lainey’s dress!
The pictures of you with your girls and the sunset pictures are so beautiful :))). xox
“Empowered to turn negativity into a resource, I found flowering in me an unconditional cheerfulness and patience that is indestructible, because it is not based on the rejection of obstacles… I learned how to crack my habits open and discover the luminous, enlightened energy frozen within them -energy which became available for creative work and joy… ” ~Stephen T. Butterfield
While I can not even to begin to imagine the loveliness winter on the beach brings, I could never leave my personal wonderland here is the pacific northwest. It is so great you are able to share something so great with your kids and friends.
Thank you for sharing.
I lave the FL was picture. Churnriffic!
low maintenance friends are the best!
Love, love, love. Love the beach, love the cute kiddos, love the sweet older generation and their bocce ball but the best part has to be having a best friend to share it all with, someone who really gets ya 🙂 Love it! Thanks for sharing it with us 🙂
Happy Thursday, sweet friend.
XOXO,
Angie from Ohio
Absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Nella’s little painted toes!! And the love she has for her “baby” is truly precious!!! So nice that you can get out and enjoy the beautiful beach! We are stilled buried under a TON of snow here in the Northeast, but someday, we will bask in the sun as well!!
Always sweet. What store did the rubbers come from? I am trying to find a good pair for spring. Enjoy more sunsets.
Ha Ha! I thought I saw my mom and dad in that Bocce picture! Looks exactly like them and their friends.
Thanks for the laugh,
Marilena
Beach and ocean photos make me so happy. So calming, so beautiful! In less than a week, I too will be on a beach. You’re a lucky woman to be so close to the ocean, and a warm one at that! As always..great pics.
Adore your pictures as always. Love my Hunters as well! So cute and sassy!
This comment has been removed by the author.
This makes me heart ache for Florida – I can’t tell you how lovely it is to look at these pictures when here in Southern England it’s pouring with rain. This friend of yours – she looks like a soulmate to you – which is also very nice to see. Lou x
Oooh…love your Hunters!!! I am addicted to mine right now, which is especially nice when you live in Seattle, like me:) I have black ones, but I am branching out next time. Maybe violet??!!! Or I am liking your turquoise ones!
Awesome! I wish I could run to the beach when we needed a mental day. We’ll I can, but it’s only 30 out today! 😉
Smitten with ZNella holding her doll! So perfect.
xoxo,
Bug & Ruby’s Gram
Lovely post…I am sitting here looking outside my office window and snow. Mountain and mountains of snow. I am sure you could find the beauty in it, but I cannot!
By the Way, your friend Heidi looks like she could be your sister.
xo
Nella with her babydoll, awwww!
I cracked up at “Note to Self: Tell Julie you like her car.”
Love your wellies though, thinking about getting a pair for myself 🙂
Heading to Naples the end of March….can’t wait for the beach! I might hang out at Target the rest of the time hoping to “bump” into you 🙂
While I love the snow, I am ready for the beach! This below 0 nonsense has got to stop!
Nella and her relationship with her doll is super cute. Wish I could pull off Lainey’s dress, love it!
Dude, while reading your blog I’m sitting here in Norway watching the snow falling down outside my window, freezing my but off and dreaming about florida. Oh, how I wish I could come to florida…
Just wanted to tell you, once again,how much joy your blog brings me. Kelle, you are my role model! You seem like a such a cool, sweet and caring woman. I really admire your outlook on life.
And, oh my god, both of your girls are SO adorable!
Although the chance of meeting you is very, very, very slim I still hope to one day tell you face to face how much your blog means to me. I’ve dreamt about visiting America since I was 8-years old, I’m now 17 and still haven’t had the chance.
Hope you and your family is doing good 🙂
Hugs from Norway
(I apologize for any misspelling)
Nella is getting so big! Both of your girls are precious… and your photos, as always, are amazing!
without a doubt one of my favorite things to do in San Diego w/ my 2 kids. last minute trips to the beach!
The Rolling Stones shirt is actually a 12 months size dress of Nella’s–a birthday present from my cousin, and I believe it’s from H & M.
And all of you snowed in…I look at snow pictures right now and crave the adventures of sledding and how beautiful it looks from the window and how cozy it feels to be inside. Funny how the grass is always greener on the other side…but we’re still loving our beach!
I just love reading your blog; your strength and unconditional love is out of this world. The photos of your little ones make my heart smile daily and often bring tears of joy and happiness to my eyes. Thank you for being you and keeping an amazing blog for myself and others to enjoy. Enjoy the small things indeed! <3
Nella’s face while you swoop her into the water – agh she gets me every time! Treasured.
If anyone reading this feels like following another blog that is entertaining and following humbly in Kelle’s big-shoes-to-follow (huge, stupendously big shoes, really), then stop in at little feet in my house…
I got me some sweet faces with little feet attached to ’em, too. 🙂
Love and blessings to all those faces soaking up the salt and sun in Florida – here in beautiful British Columbia we are ecstatic and energetic when the sun comes out – and itching for summer days like those… !
Love Nella and her baby.
Love Lainey & friends & their water dance.
Love that you have such a friend as Heidi.
Love starting my day with you!
Love, Kelly 🙂
ooops… lauraluyt.blogspot.com
“little feet in my house”
I have big plans for Canada for something similar to your ONEder fund… my little guy turns one in May… hoping to rock something out…
come and see!
That beach looks glorious…. I am desperately trying to hold on to the love of all things winter; glistening snow, hot chocolate while cuddled up under a quilt, sliding around corners with the help of the e-brake… the sun making snow dogs up in the sky, letting me know sunshine is just around the bend… but I still gotta say; that beach looks glorious. 🙂
Nella makes me want to cry…I’m a foster mom, and I had a little girl for twenty months, I loved her so much, but she finally went to live with a grandmother and aunt when she was 26 months old. She was special needs, but in a different way from Nella. The picture of Nella and the baby doll looks so much like her, it makes me teary…
The beach is calling me Kelle but Im stuck in knee deep snow, although lovely I’m ready for the sun
and so needing a friend like you have in Heidi.. if only I could find her
Each one of your posts makes me ache for warmer weather, frilly skirts and flip flops.
Come on SPRING!!!
Your posts always bring me so many smiles. Your pictures and words are incredible and your love for your family and friends is beautiful.
What a wonderful expedition : )
Julie is the best friend. I love her kind eyes : ) and her kids are too adorable. Last minute trips are my favorite kind!
The last time I launched one of those rockets, it fell over right before launching. The business end of the rocket was of course, pointing directly at me. I wound up covered in vinegar while my lovely male children rolled around in the grass laughing hysterically.
That was a fun day…
looked perfect. one day we will be joining you all on an early evening beach trip.
beautiful pics, they made me cry! x
Not a swear word in the post…yeah, you!
My husband and I are starting foster care soon and everytime I read your blog I am encouraged by the peace and chaos that exists with children and look forward to my own spontaneous moments with them!
Love your boots!
I’m in love with Nella’s smile!!
Gosh, watching that water, I’m thinking, “It’s cold”!…Those kids are brave.
Um…are those Nella’s toes painted red?…Cuteness factor!
Love those spontaneous moments that happen in life! ‘Wanna go to the beach right now?’ ‘Sure’!
Awesome.
Jealous of the warm sunshine!
I LOVE Nella’s little painted toes!
I love thiS!!!!!
Oh the picS are amazing..
So much love in your girlS eyeS!!!:)
LOVE NELLA’S PIGGY TOES!
that sunset is amazing!!!
Ahhhhhhhhh…What a special, cool bond you two have. LOVE it.
the painted baby toes nails just about killed me. SO cute.
What you said about Heidi really touched me. “And I love that when I’m with Heidi, there is no pressure to talk or perform or catch up, even though we do that every morning on the phone. We just exist, happily together, swapping kids, brushing sand, ssshing babies…but completely aware of each other’s presence.”
That’s how I feel about my dear, dear friend and it’s such a wonderful thing. Dreaming of the day when we can return to our beach in Maine! Only 5 more months!!!
Well I have no idea why, but this post brought tears of joy to my eyes…maybe because Nella holding that doll is just so loving and poignant. Maybe because I am sick of the cold bitterness of winter and desperately long for our summers on the Texas coast at my dad’s. Maybe because your photos just so heartily evoke emotion.
And, can I just add – I am buying one of those rings – they freaking rock! Especially the blue one – makes me think of sea glass!
What a blessing to have a friend like Heidi. Especially love the photos of you and Nella. Love that Nella!
Kelle. I so enjoy reading your blog. You and your family are beautiful. Your life shouts ‘goodness’ and I like that 🙂
I just heard the song Something In the Water by Brooke Fraser for the first time…it made me think of you (and seems appropriate for a post about the beach!). Enjoy!
kelly
i juSt found thiS SWeet lady her huSband juSt paSSed aWay from cancer…
She needS prayerS!!
http://www.beinthemomentphoto.com/blog/
I absolutely adore the pictures you share with us. What a great time to be had!
http://oklahomahomemaker.blogspot.com
Love, love, love those rings!
Sweet pictures, beautiful families.
We visited Naples for the 1st time this past summer- this beach looks like the beach where we spent a lot of time. Is the Ritz near by? We loved that beach if it is the same one!
That looked like tonnes of fun!
I just love your blog Kelle! I have been following the blog for about a year now and I look forward to each one. Thank you for sharing so much of your beautiful life and inspiring me to live more to the fullest with my two girls.
Love the Boots!!!
Gets me in the mood for Florida, 3 weeks and counting!
Love those boots! And you make me want to move to Florida…
Wow those shots are amazing. love the one of Nella with her baby doll! Wishing it were warmer here in DC…the beach trip to the Outer Banks seems so far away!
The beach is my very favorite place to be. I love that you hit the sand at a moment’s notice. Enjoy those babies! xo
That’s a great post!! Awww… I never went to the beach when I lived in Florida…. missing it now!
I adore Nella’s smile!! Always brings a smile to my face!!!
Wow! You are amazing! I really love this blog. You give me so much inspiration, especially when it comes to how i want to be as a mum. You’re two little girls are just adoreable.
I realy wish it was summer here in Norway to, I would die to be able to go to the beach like you guys. But I’m stuck in 50cm of snow!
How random, you an I wore the exact same belt today! Gotta love target and beach sunsets 🙂
If I lives near you, you could call me anytime to head to the beach. I was checking out real estate in Boca online a few nights ago, and my husband asked me why I would want to move to Boca when the weather is so awesome here (NW Ohio- blizzard, anyone?) and the only reason I could give him (bc I’ve actually never been to florida!) was “Bc it looked cool on Marley & Me.” (we watch that frequently!)
And I stand by that as a viable reason.
You are so fortunate to live in the same town as your “bestie.” I have some AWESOME girlfriends I’ve known my whole life, but we all live apart from one another 🙁 Yes, we all have new friends in the towns we’ve settled in with our families, but there is something about those friends who’ve known you for a long time through different seasons of life – those who it’s just easy with. I feel lucky and blessed to have these women in my life at all, but man, I’d give anything to call one of them right now and say “meet me here in 15 minutes!” I’m glad for you and Heidi 🙂
Life is always good with your BF around whether it’s the beach, river or Starbucks. Looks like you had a great evening. susan
Adoring those pics of Nella and her baby doll. How simply precious.
We live an hr away from the beach. We should go more often. You inspire me to go more often. Thanks for that.
Here is an article on another blog that you will just have to check out. It is a blog about a family that knowingly adopted two sweet girls that have DS, but that isn’t all of the story. You will have to check it our for yourself.
http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/2011/02/redeeming-love.html
You said the grass is always greener on the other side – right now I’m definitely going with the grass is greener on your side because, well, simply the grass is visible on your side!!
This post has me longing for it to be March 9 (aka – Naples here I come!!)! First on the list of things to do – sunset on wiggins beach 🙂 I love your part of the world!!
OH, NICOLE,you are going to start foster care..Bless you. We need so many more people to be foster parents~
I am insanely jealous of close to vicinity to the beach!
I am literally sitting here laughing out loud right now at your rocket story! SO FUNNY!!!!!! Love the pictures and your words as always 🙂
I am literally sitting here laughing out loud right now at your rocket story! SO FUNNY!!!!!! Love the pictures and your words as always 🙂
Linda – it’s good to see you back here! I’ve missed your comments (or I’ve simply ‘overlooked’ them!) Got to wondering if everyting was okay!
We got a 6 week old baby at the daycare that is in foster care. At 6 weeks old she has 7 broken bones (both femurs, one tibia, two ribs, and her collar bone) as well as a compressed trachea and countless other ‘already healed’ breaks. Every time I hold that little girl my heart breaks for her. I can’t help but tear up and choke back tears countless times a day – thinking what this poor baby has already endured, survived and, I know by how her eyes light up and how a smile takes over her face the littlest dimples dotting her tiny cheeks that she’s overcome it all and that she’s a fighter. I have already thanked her foster parents 100 times for taking her from her… the right word eludes me – home? parents?
Nicole – the world needs more people like you!! Thank you!!!! Already!!
Sweet dreams right back at ‘ya!
xoxo…
i am longing for the beach just about now.
i am also loving Nella’s little painted piggy’s.
The weekend is just about here. Enjoy
My beach doesn’t look like that right now. My beach looks snowy. I think I am going to go get out the Hawaiian tropic and give it a sniff. I miss summer.
I think you live in the one of the most beautiful places!
Nella is starting to look like Lainey, and I LOVE her little, soft, squishy foots!
Now your daddy should be proud! I don’t think a single cuss word was typed on that post! It was lovely, and I love how delightful Nella is and I really love Lainey’s Stones dress! And I also love you and Heidi’s friendship and love when we readers get tidbits of that. 🙂 I don’t know where I’d be without my bff…oh wait, yes I do…I’d still be dressing like a frump meister and tryin’ to brave this world without a girlfriend to walk with me in it all!
My favorites
1. The boots!!!
2. Rolling Stones rockstar
3. Dud rocket (that would totally happen to me!)
4. Spontaneous friends.
5. Nella and her baby doll
xo.
I don’t know Kelle, your beautiful posts always convey so much emotion and imagery but this one seems to take it to a whole new level. It’s colourful, textured, alive, and invites me right in. Wish I was there. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for allowing all of us to catch small glimpses into your world. You have an absolutely beautiful family, but I must say, I’m partial to Nella. 10 months ago I returned from Afghanistan to witness the birth of my daughter. Abigail, my princess, was born on May 22, 2010 with down syndrome. My wife and I experienced many of the same emotions you described going through, but now I have a much different outlook. I love Abigail for who she is; her almond eyes, her sandle toes, her stubby little pinky fingers, and the way her face lights up when she smiles! she is my princess and I am blessed to be her dad.
I just wanted to share a bit of my life with you, as you have so selflessly done on your blog. Thank you and ALWAYS enjoy the little things, for you never know when they may be gone!
Beautiful photos. Gosh, but you make everything in life look so beautiful, just as it is. God bless you 🙂
you make me wanna move to Florida, away from the long, ice-cold Norwegian winter…
Love your Hunters, love your pictures!
Ummm….In a dream world I could attend a clothing swap with you and your pals. You just have such an adorable style. You are the chic hot mom we all hope we can be, even on your yoga pants days.
I loved this blog. It was good hearted and definately got me excited for the summer months. Your children are beautiful as always and you definately know how to make your words tell amazing stories. Thank you for brightening my day!
relaxing.simple.pretty.
So I have to share this with you! Last night…I had your blog open…I stepped away from the computer for a few minutes and when I came back…one of the boys that was near by…not sure if it was my 5 year old or my 3 year old…but one of them changed the background photo on my computer to the two photos of you and Nella where she has on the polka dot dress and you have on the lace shirt. So…until I can figure out how to change it back to the photo of my kiddos…we are enjoying looking at Nella’s smiling face! Hugs to you all!
Two beautiful daughters, lovely weather, good friends and nice pictures. I know you feel blest :)Have a beautiful day!
Student teacher with Down Syndrome, had to show you this!!
http://www.wltx.com/news/article/121995/2/Teacher-Born-With-Down-Syndrome-Breaks-Sterotypes
Gotta love the no thinking, just basking in the goodness days. That weather seems like an oasis right now… in Chi-town we are celebrating because we are above 20 degrees right now. How sad is that!?! We head to Naples to visit my inlaws next week (and they may very well have been in that sweet group you saw!)
And, those pics of you holding your girls in the water are screaming to be framed!
Kathleen in Chicago
1. Love love love the photos of your giggling little ones being swung over the waves… precious!
2. Somebody else has probably already sent you this link, but just in case…
http://www.wltx.com/news/article/121995/2/Teacher-Born-With-Down-Syndrome-Breaks-Sterotypes
Wow, what a fun trip. Love reading your blog.
Nella holding her baby doll on the beach was beautiful. Those shots made me want to go wake up my kids & give them a hug.
Oh the photos! I was able to escape the cold for just a few minutes and share the joy that I saw in the faces.
God bless you, Kelle!
Keep these posts coming. They’re sunshine. 🙂
Miss Kelle, your photos rock. My big kids finish school at the table while I see if you have a new post, and then they crowd over my shoulders to love and thoroughly discuss any and all new Nella pictures. Which one is best? Which one looks just like our George? Which one makes mama smile biggest? Thank you, thank you.
OH, Beth (Feas—)-Good to see you and thanks for your words! I have been here, but may have missed commenting a couple of times. I SO agree about Nicole, as I wrote- we DO need more like her. ANd YOU- working in the daycare and oh, you have such a heart. Oh, that breaks MY heart, reading about such a tiny baby who had already been so abused. May God/Spirit bless all those who come to the aid of these kids or care for them or give their hearts. I have always spent much time with kids, having helped raise up my much younger half-brothers, grew up our two kids (with my hubby); running my home daycare center while my own kids were young…and now, caring for my two grandbabies part-time while mommy works. they keep me hopping, but i wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Did I get confused here, or arent YOU moving to FL soon? Sorry if I got mixed up here. Love from the blgo mama ~
k
I miss the beach! I love the pictures of Nella and her baby doll!
,,,the clementine was so sour she puckered her lips, so sweet lil nella is,,,
I love where you live…everyone on the beach looks so relaxed and friendly!
Your photography is stunning. I love all the pictures, as usual, but I especially love that first one of the foamy white water… gorgeous!
Just have to say I LOVE your blog! I started looking at your pictures and became so inspired! You have such an eye for the beauty in this world, and you capture it effortlessly. I have such an aspiration to be a photographer some day when I’m able to invest in it. Until then, I will continue to admire and be inspired. I love the fact that you are self-taught because it gives me hope. I also love the concept of “enjoying the small things” in life because it is far too short, and in so many ways we forget our purpose here: to appreciate. Thank you for sharing your life with so many, and thank you for giving us a window in which we not only look but appreciate what all life has to offer.
Love the pics. og the waves and suncet:-)
Love your blog.:-)
I am in the process of searching for the perfect pair of Hunters! I love yours, but am totally jonesing for some green ones!
Your posts always make me smile and love life!
Nella with her baby doll was just way too precious!
Ohhhh, how I am swimming in jealousy right now! What I would give to be able to afford a trip to the beach! My daughter will be 3 next month and I have dreamed all of her life about tiny sand covered toes! Oh how lucky you are to be so near the beauty of sand and crashing waves!! Your girls are beautiful…you.are.blessed!
I’d love to hear how you and your husband met–can I find it somewhere in the “archives” or could you tell your story please? My friends all claim that if we lived nearer, that you and I would be best buddies…alas, I’m in Iowa!