Okay…the intro to this song is the best ever. Listen to it for one second….
And moving on.
Bringin’ it today…
Enjoyin’…
Ballet Conquered.
Word is, when Brett took her last week while I was gone, she had a 9/10 ratio of huddling-in-her-daddy’s-lap/participating-in-class. So, this week called for much jubilation when she walked in, smiled and enthusiastically took part. And by jubilation, I mean I could not contain this half-hour combination of spontaneously combusting in weird bursts of nervous laughter and this pool of tears that was welling uncontrollably.
And this heel-tapping thing kills me…
And I’m wondering if it will wear off by like, the tenth class, or if I’m always going to be cry-laughing outside the glass wondow watchin’ my girl from the mama chairs.
Therapy.
It isn’t ideal and it is, in the beginning, a bit overwhelming. But somewhere along the line, it becomes a new normal. And it is what it is, so we make the best of it.
Physical therapy comes to our house once a week, and we’ve been outsourcing some speech therapy now for almost a month and are lucky that it’s only a few minutes from our home. Nella’s rock-starrin’ her way through it, and I use it as another opportunity to do what I do in the mama chairs outside ballet…I beam.
Creativity Combusts.
It’s happening…this new tide of creativity that is unearthing itself after a bit of a creative drought. If I’m not creating something or at least thinking of something to create, I starve. So it is…this soul-feeding satisfaction of doing something creative.
Even if it’s cupcakes with the best buttercream frosting recipe this side of the Mason Dixon line. And by best buttercream frosting, I mean I baked ’em, frosted ’em, ate two of ’em with a glass of milk and then sat on a stool against my counter spooning the bowl remains cursing my friend Dede for passing the recipe. I finally had to squeeze dish soap in the bowl so I would stop. Buying storebought frosting after being introduced to this mutha would be blasphemy. And it’s easy: 3 c. powdered sugar, 1/3 c. butter, 1 tsp. vanilla and 1-2 tbsp. half & half. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
…and creativity continues with something little for my house. It’s been a while since I added character to our spaces, and these new shelves make me happy.
And my $15 Ebay vintage camera find. Love, love, love this baby.
And what is it about the littlest new treasure for your home that makes you want to clean it? That, I love.
…and finally, creative brain went to bed happy last night after major fun photo shoot. I’ve taken a professional break from photography because I can’t keep up with it right now with everything else going on…mainly spending the time I want with the girls. But, I still have this pulsing need to fulfil this love of taking pictures. And a little-turned-big love in my life gave me another opportunity to do so last night. My friend Laura’s beautiful girl Kaity is off to Savannah College of Art and Design later this month…and we commemorated her bon voyage with a living room make-over session and a post-rain trip to the park for these pics…
Love her necklace! Lisa Leonard Designs.
Before and After Editing: We completely faked Fall with dialing the green hues to yellower ones in Lightroom…a bit unnatural, but I wanted the effect. I’m from Michigan and my pre-fall withdrawl is beginning to haunt me. We added fill light. Dropped the clarity and added it back to specific areas with adjustment brush. Added contrast with adjustment brush as well. Oversaturated the blue suitcase. Reduced Noise. And Voila.
And Kaity’s an amazing photographer already.
Her heart and soulful charisma are just as beautiful as her outward freestyle beauty…she’s goin’ places. xoxo, Kaitybug.
Nella’s First Bike Ride.
It was a drizzly, sticky afternoon and we had every good reason to stay inside, but my pretty pink Schwinn was calling. We answered, buckling up little bodies in the bike buggy and pedaling into the heavy, wet air. Five minutes into it, I forgot all about the humidity because every time I turned around there were two little grins and the quiet reassurance that this is what they needed…and so did I.
Impromptu Catamaran Cruise.
You know, when your friend calls and says, “Hey, you guys want to join us for a catamaran cruise tomorrow?” and you make her repeat it because you’re pretty sure she just said “join us for a catamaran cruise tomorrow” and catamaran cruises aren’t exactly something you do every day and surely you misunderstood her. But you didn’t. And you’re really glad when you agree to go.
Turns out The Sweet Liberty catamaran is only twenty minutes away, makes cruises every day and costs less than going out to dinner. And is totally freaking worth the thirty bucks. Because really, we’re not catamaran people. We’re like the prop-dinghy people that get paid to scrape the barnacles off the catamaran.
I felt so fabulous and lucky and movie-starrish to be stretched out on a catamaran under billowy clouds shielding prismatic sun rays on a plain-old week day that I called my dad from the starboard deck just to say, “Hey, Guess where I am right now? No, really…guess. I’m on a catamaran. In the ocean. On a Tuesday.” And I’m just wondering how many times I can say catamaran in this post. Catamaran, catamaran, catamaran.
I’m pretty sure there are no cars in heaven. Just catamarans.
My girl was delighted. And that triples my delight.
And I can’t believe I just found out about this. Because next time we spend money on a date, I’m totally picking a catamaran cruise over dinner. Locals…it’s worth it. You can pack your own cooler, drinks, food…and there’s a perfect little nook for babies to stretch out and catch shut-eye in the sun.
What’s up, Cash?
Oh, I love my salty sea-kissed town.
And, being that it is now September, I will shamelessly bring on Autumn, scattering the northern delights of my Michigan into my sunny, palm-fenced pad.
But, for now, there’s a giveaway winner. A Willowbean petal-knot dress custom-made to your liking will be given to…
Commenter #988!
M Monkey: Your blog is a constant reminder for me to take more pictures with friends! Thank you. Congratulations, M Monkey! E-mail your info please to kellehamptonblog@comcast.net.
Catamaran, Catamaran, Catamaran!
what was the name of the song on your blog before the current some…lyrics something like “fall away”??
i am so moving to naples!!!
I always want to leave a comment, but am always for a loss of words… your pictures are BEAUTIFUL!! What I usually do is text all my friends, and ask if they have read the new Enjoying the small things post?? ha ha Thanks for being you!! You.are.AMAZING!
I am so jealous of the catamaran. Beautiful photos again!
I’ve never commented before but wanted to give a quick shout-out about the frosting. Milk will work just fine, instead of the half-and–half.
Also, dump in some coco and you’ve got yourself some chocolate frosting. YUM.
Oh Kel I love it. I love Nella sleeping on the boat. Priceless. I love that you get so emotional at ballet. I often cry (I am emotional…it is my cross to bare:)) watching my boy grow up so fast, he is only 15 months but holy cow it goes by too fast! I am constantly thinking about Nella and praying for her and her therapy. What a lucky lady she is to have parents invest so much into her. Love you and the girls! Come to Seattle! You would LOVE fall in Seattle! And you would have a place to stay!
Oh how I wish I were a local! That catamaran is amazing!!!!
Such beautiful pics as always!
PS
Love that it seems there is always a new chair at your workspace 😉
Tara
Can i ask what kind of camera you use? your photos are amazing!!
And…I love your art – you are inspirational!
1. Thanks for sharing that icing recipe…my ass just expanded and splayed over my chair while reading the list of ingredients.
2. Kaity is one gorgeous gal! And her dress is amazing….not to mention your photography skills. You lost me at dialing the green hues, but holy crap, very cool effects.
3. For the record, the last photo is priceless! That’s called catamaran bliss…..pure and simple.
Loved everything about this post.
Congrats to the winner
Every time I read your blog, those jealous feelings pop in! Such a beautiful life you live! Enjoy your many blessings!
As for the ballet class – there’s your “We made it!” I told you about in the comment I left after her first ballet class!! Period of adjustment – over… I love the little tap too! Her hands all out to keep her balance and such concentration!! Just adorable!
I love your salty sea-kissed town as well! I’ll be relocating down there to be a nanny comes mid-october (I’m technically supposed to be there now but a woman was let go at the daycare I work at and the owners begged me to stay a little longer until they replace her and I). Naples is truly a wonderful place. And being from the northeast I do worry a little about missing the changing of the season but I think the ever present palm trees and gulf coast sunsets will soon take the place of colorful leaves and crisp autumn nights.
Nella is getting so big already! I’m glad she’s doing well with her PT =)
As for the catamaran it looks truly amazing… Maybe while I’m still a Naples Newbie I’ll have to check it out!! And as for cars in heaven – I hope there are mustangs and vets to go cruisin around in… Boats are great but there’s just something about the open road that gets me!!
Ah 🙂 how beautiful, relaxing and refreshing.
Your posts always make me smile.
(Previously Poppa)
I also hope there are cars in heaven, I want to drive a Mini Cooper like they did in Italian Job for about the first ten thousand years in heaven, and then a Bentley for the next! I am so going to do the Catamaran when I come down there next week…maybe you can be the Julie on my Loveboat! I want my babies as deck hands! I think I will also be bringing a razor for Brett…I think I had to give him one in Key West as well…LOL! It is the serendipitous moments that are the making of memories–the interuptions that become the main events. Julie–you looked smokin’ in those photos! And Kaity, you belong on the runway, you rocked it! G’nite all!
Kelle-
I have been reading your blog since Nella’s beautiful story and you have been a daily inspiration to me. You have made me a better mama by reminding me to be patient and giving me a whole new vocabulary about life. I have started a photography business specializing in hospital pictures documenting babies first few moments because after reading Nella’s story I thought it was crazy that more people don’t have pictures like that. You are a daily part of my life-
Thanks for the photo rundown-I now have lightroom-but need to spend more time learning what it can do.
I’m dripping with jealousy, seriously it’s pouring out all over.the.place! Ahh, looks like a piece of heaven-pie! 🙂
Go Shannon! LOVE it! What a great niche!
Ha! Dish soap in the icing!! I thought I was the only one who did things like that!
Love your blog!
how do you do it? you have two little girls and you still look fab. seriously you need to fill us in on your “i’m the girl you hate because i look effortlessly flawless” style. pretty please?
mine is milk on french fries when the kids walk away from the half eaten happy meal!!!! LOVE IT! I may just make frosting to go with my coffee tomorrow morning!! You are the best! Glad you got to have an extra special Tuesdays with the littles and their daddy!!!
Oh this post hits home for me today. My son, who has down syndrome, was born three months ago. I’m also a photographer and balancing therapy appointments, snuggle time, and editing is getting tough. Before he was born I couldn’t imagine slowing down in my business, but now…. not so hard!
Beautiful post!
That looks like the MOST FUN TUESDAY EVER!
Poppa – does “Rik” mean you’ll be getting a blog of your own soon? I sure hope so! I look forward to your comments on Kelle’s posts just as much as I look forward to the posts themselves!! I’ve never seen the Italian Job… but I just watched the trailer on youtube and I’m gonna have to watch it now!! It does look like they had some crazy good times driving that Mini Cooper like they stole it!! Maybe I’ll follow you around in my 06 Mustang I long to own now but will be just as happy driving around in heaven! Sounds good to me 🙂
Those pics are gorgeous, with or without editing!
I love that idea Shannon. We had an unplanned home birth with our son and my biggest regret is not yelling at my hubby to get the camera. Needless to say, things were a little hairy and the camera was the last thing on our minds.
Kelle, I’ve been wanting a new camera but I think photo quality has more to do with editing. Maybe I should learn that and THEN go for the camera.
This post is full of fab photos.
First of all, thanks for the buttercream frosting recipe…I already love it.
Second, go Kaitey, I hope she loves Savannah and enjoys the school there, I hear it is awesome!
Third, adding a catamaran cruise to my bucket list.
Fourth, the girls are just to die for adorable in every pic and I’m loving the silver swim suit for you!
My hats off to September, I baked Pumpkin bread today and my house smells divine!
I appreciated the before and after pic commentary for Lightroom of Kaity’s “Fall” shoot…I am aspiring to learn these little tricks to enhance my own photos! I live in California along the Coast, and we don’t really get seasons out here either…
Such a cute post, as always. Love clicking to your blog to find a new one…
~Erin
Totally jealous! Beautiful pictures as always!
I’m so jealous of your catamaran ride!!! It looks beautiful and so amazing! One of my favorite pictures: the girls in the bike cart. Those faces…
you can tell how much you love your little girls just by looking in there eyes:) and that makes the world a better place:)
tiffany
Kelle–to the left of your new shelves are all your photos… I feel like you’ve said it before, but how do you have those hung up? They aren’t frames are they? I love the “frameless” look the collage of photos has on the wall.
Thanks for sharing some of your editing with us. I love when you do that!
Nella in the clouds…delicious!
Thanks for the wonderful photos and inspiration. I just need to say even though I never met your or your beautiful kids, I feel your love for them, yourself, your husband and your world oozing out in everything you post here. Thanks…not too many people put themselves out there. You are an inspiration!
It’s September 1st Kelle Hampton!!! I knew there’d be some trace of fakin’ fall in here, lol!! Oh, and um, could you look any more ridiculously 40’s glam-hot laying on a boat with babies all over you??!! You are stupid-fabulous, seriously.
my hips will NOT be thanking you for blabbing that recipe… but my mouth and tummy will. I’m going to have a glorious baking day next week, when we get our rain storm and I’m purposely picking things to bake that will NEED your frosting on them. Otherwise I’ll feel too guilty and won’t use it.
Loved this post. Okay, fine… I love all your posts.
How did you know that I was secretly wishing for a Kelle post for my birthday?!?
As always, the girls are breathtaking!
LOVED this post … LOVE your blog! Your photos are amazing … your girls (adorable!), Kaity (gorgeous, model-material), Cash (my gawd those eyes).
You are a beautiful woman … thank you for inspiring so many of us mamas.
i miss florida
The pictures from the boat trip are beautiful! So many great colors. and that sky. oh the sky!
kat
I do love our change of seasons here, but it would be wonderful to be closer to the ocean. We’re about 3 hours away so it’s hard to make the trip. It looks beautiful.
Kelle,
There is always too much to comment on after reading a post like this one, but the first thing that struck me when I was reading was your mention of therapy, and I just HAD to share…so, Mylie started receiving therapies at 4 months and now she will be 8 years next month. This summer she “graduated” from PT! After spending almost EVERY week since she was brand new with her most treasured Mrs. Kris for PT you have to know that I BAULED MY EYES OUT! I couldn’t bear to give up Mrs. Kris for my own personal reasons. She became my therapist more than Mylie’s and I wasn’t sure that I was ready to let her go! Mrs. Kris is now just family since she can’t be our therapist anymore and we are ok with that. We are big girls. I hope and pray that you have a Mrs. Kris in your life, whom you come to realize you wouldn’t have come to know as a dear, dear friend if it were not for your little Nella. We have many such people in our lives and thankfully once we are connected they don’t just disappear when we no longer need them because we are growing up. (And if you don’t feel a connection with one of your therapists…find a new one. There are so many talented people out there…don’t waste your time on any of the duds.) Just had to share in honor of our Mrs. Kris. 🙂
I adore your blog.. your music choice and pics.. and your sweet girls! mom of 5(4 girls) I love those girls:0 And therapy..you have to find the gift in it everyday!
Your friend who has a daughter starting at Savannah..caught my eye! Our amazing baby sitter is there, Jenna Paulette, she is going to be a super star singer one day! Anyway, I have never heard of that school until Jenna, and now your friend!!! Hope she loves it.. and if she ever meets Jenna, she will be surely blesesd!
WOW-
that’s all i seem to say when commenting on your posts…
but WOW seems to be all im left with!
TO AUTUMN – I think that is “Free Fallin” by Tom Petty. If you scroll all the way down to the VERY bottoms of page, there is a Playlist with title and artists on it. To SHANNON – oh, what a marvelous idea and I am sure so many parents would love those photos. Hey to Poppa/”rik”.. KELLE, oh you always seem to have so much fun with your family and I LOVE your home. Thanks for sharing it all with us. And LOVE the neclace..and cupcakes and recipe, love it all. The catamaran! OOH, I bought my first Autumn scented candles and I cant wait. Autumn here in CA is not like the east coast or midwest but i still love it! and CONGRATS to the winner of that cute dress! Again, it is just so wonderful that you have these giveaways! Thanks for reminding me to enjoy the small things, the simple things, make each moment, each day count..And to find joy and beauty in the everyday. Love you..
Love the picture of Nella and the clouds, too perfect!
Keep Blogging!
This comment has been removed by the author.
How decadent!! And I am sure that Nella is doing marvelously with her therapy…yum yum to the cupcakes!!
P.S. Hey! I’m in the top 50 today!! Getting closer to my goal…
Your pictures are just stunning! Love reading your blog.
Gosh I love your pictures.
I’m kind of newish to your (fabulous!) blog … and maybe I missed it, but I’d love to know how you (MI girl) met your husband and wound up in FL.
Love your perspective on life!
Just wanted to say that your pictures are beautiful! I was wondering where in Michigan you are from? My whole family is from there; my grandmother still lives in Traverse City, and we just bought a summer home in Elk Rapids. I understand what you mean about missing the fall, it is so awesomely beautiful up there!
Hi Kelle,
Loved the photos of your sun-baked day on the catamaran. Nella looks so sweet bathing in the sun! xo
honestly. i hate to break it to you … but i still have that teary eyed sappiness whenever stella does something new and exciting. and she’s six. gah.
and the recital … oh.my. you are totally in for it.
wish i could be your family’s personal SLP. that nella is delighful.
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…” ~Ralph Waldo Emmerson
I thought of that quote when I saw your catamaran pictures. The one of Nella sleeping in the sun is priceless.
Thanks for another beautiful post!
Catamaran, catamaran, catamaran. You’re right, that is fun!
I love your blog. I love your blog more combined with the infectious sounds of Mika. Nice work.
ahhh, the one of Nella sleeping in the sun kills me… KILLS ME. love her.
your photos make my heart ache, in such a good way…
thank you.
my boys and I make cupcakes about once a week (shameful but true). usually we eat them naked (no, we aren’t naked, the cupcakes are- we eat them without frosting) because the store bought kind is yuck and I have yet to find a frosting recipe that isn’t too crazy sweet. so, this week we will give your recipe a whirl! i have a feeling i too will be eating out of the bowl. but, shhhh, don’t tell my boys. they may want some too…..
Love it! I love the little buns in Lainey’s hair in the catamaran, catamaran, catamaran pictures too. My daughter used to love those and would call them “honey pots”. 🙂
Ahhh, catamaran. Looks amazing. Very, very jealous!
Great pics today
Rach x
HI!!!
I have only been on A Catamaran ONCE in Hawaii and that was a LONG long Time ago!!So the next time I am in Florida which will be in Oct. I am so looking for a Catamaran!!
I also have a Passion for Photography!!I am actually venturing out to start an onsight business here in MY town!!I went with the VINTAGE POLAROID, just cause I want to shake it like a POLAROID!!Some fun shoots to come with it for sure!!!
Love your blog!!
Inspires me everyday!!
hugs,
mimi
My first time on a catamaran was when I was 10. I went with my dad’s friend and his son out to our lake here and THERE WAS NO WIND! We got out to the middle of the lake and we two kids had to paddle back to shore! :o/
Loved Kaities photo shoot.
I am ready for fall too here in Texas. I usually do it Labor Day weekend. But it’s still too stinkin’ HOT!! Blah! So I have been burning my Harvest Yankee Candle tart. MMMM smells so awesome.
:o)
Love Nella’s catamaran nap…catamanap?
Oh, LETTERS2MYSISTER – “catamanap”? I LOVE it! Oh, Nella in the sun, too stinkin’ cute. And the LAST picture too. Always, what a wonderful family..
You’ve got a ballerina in the making. If you notice, she is the only one doing what the teacher is doing!
Just Beautiful!!! Love the photo of Nella’s toes sticking out from Brett’s arm! And the Kaity—GORGEOUS!!
What a great way to start a Thursday morning, a new blog!! Thanks for the recipe for the frosting. I make my own also but it is my mother in laws recipe and I am not too fond of it. So I will be trying this one next time. You are so blessed to live near an ocean. Florida is our travel destination for our family trip next summer and we are so excited to let the girls see the ocean for the first time. I love all of the pictures. In my opinion I like the photoshopped one better. It just seems warmer. But she was a beautiful subject to photograph.
Thanks again for sharing your life with us.
I feel your pain with a creative drought…I hate that feeling sometimes – thanks for sharing your post-processing work with us!
“I finally had to squeeze dish soap in the bowl so I would stop”
So glad I am not the only one to do this!!!
Oh and Kaity’s photo shoot looks like the cover to the next big albumn.
I am so signing my Elizabeth up for ballet and tap as soon as she is old enough.
I was having a feel-sorry-for-myself-back-to-reality-after-vacation moment until I read this post. And it made me smile. And brought tears to my eyes at the same time. So thanks for sharing your happy moments. The picture of Nella all sprawled out on the catamaran is simply precious. And I love the vintage camera. And the pictures of Kaity are great- love what you did with the fall colors. So basically I just loved the whole post. : ) xoxo
Kelle-I love your blog. You inspire me to take more pictures of my babes, although they never seem to turn out as well as yours:)
A tip-try the frosting recipe with whipping cream instead of half/half. It’s to die for, so light and fluffy, and I always have to make extra so I can give my mom a little bag of “leftovers”.
My goodness, Kaity is gorgeous! Or maybe she is a pretty, healthy, young woman and your pictures turn that into amazing beauty. You really are an extraordinary photographer. I found the before and after with the photo editing notes fascinating, but I will admit I am glad you don’t do that all the time. I like looking at your pictures and thinking the world really looks that way. I suspect it does look that way to you. Thank you for letting us all see it that way too.
Adele
From my experience the smiles and tears will be there for every ballet lesson and then magnify themselves 10 times at least at the first recital.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post. I read it while sipping my morning cup of java and the sun is shining. I smiled while reading it. Today is going to be a good day! Thanks Kelle!
OMG!! This has alwasys been my FAVORITE Mika song, because of the intro. I just love it! It is SOOO perfect!
Beautiful pictures as always. Love the one of you and Nella on the Catamaran. ( it is fun to say!) 🙂 Yay, I have been wanting to find a good vanilla frosting recipe without all the bad stuff that the canned ones have! Thank you! Can’t wait to try it.
Looking forward to your Fall creativity!
xo
Kris
I just love you, Kelle!! I was cracking up half way through your catamaran section of this post, thinking, “hummm.. I think she just really likes saying catamaran. And then you full on just admitted that you were shamelessly repeating the word catamaran just to see how many times you could say catamaran in one post. I LOVE it!
You have the same, bizarre, silly humor that my friends and I have. The kind of humor that makes us sit in Imos Pizza for hours listening to Brad’s new “fart sound app.” And laughing our butts off as everyone looks at us like we have lost our minds because we are a group of 20 – 30 something adults acting like fifteen year olds. Can I just tell you that before we left that Imos Pizza we sure did Rick Roll that juke box followed up by some Ace Of Base on the way out the door.
Anyway, I love this post as I have loved all of your posts! It reminds me to not take life so seriously and also makes me think of my best bestie of all time which makes me smile. She lives five hours away and every few weeks is just not enough to see your favorite girlfriend!
Keep spreading your love, hope and shameless silliness. It bleeds into the hearts of us all and makes the world a little happier.
Oh! and one more thing. Cash and Rocco are adorable!
Love, love, love the pic of your stubbly Brett with Lainey! Thank you for sharing these bits of your life with us, the internets. Your blog is my first stop every day.
Ok Kelle!!! I’m in LOVE with your silver swimsuit! We go to Hawaii this November to celebrate my big 4-0 birthday and I NEED that suit :)! PLEASE tell me where you got it ?!?! 🙂
I have to bury treats in the trash can Miranda Hobbs-style so I stop going back for more. Hahaha.
You’ve put Naples on my list of getaways I want to go on. So charming and lovely!
The world needs to know where Kaity’s awesome dress came from!! LOVE!
Thank you for bringing joy to my rainy Chicago morning!
Could Nella be ANY stinkin’ cuter sprawled out on the catamaran??? I could look at this photo ALL day!
Darn you Kelle! Since I started following your blog you have given me baby fever, fancy camera fever, get my girlie in ballet fever, get my butt to NY fever, make some frosting fever, listen to the music fever, get out and “DO” fever and lastly, be the Best Mom I can fever…thank you, thank you, thank you!
What a perfect post and that song at the start is great!!!! I am so amazed at how well Nella is doing in therapy, go Nella!!!!
Can I come be a butterfly on your window for a day? You inspire me so! And little Nella, you rock my world!
Such fun! LOVE the grey bathing suit on the catamaran…classy. Marissa
Just when I think your pictures can’t get any better…well, they do.
As a speech therapist, I’d love to hear more about Nella’s speech therapy!
And one more request, will you pretty please come decorate my house? I adore your style.
I agree… there are no cars in heaven. I’m pretty sure they have paddle boats and canoes, though. In addition to the Catamaran, of course. Catamaran. Catamaran.
Hey Kelle! I absolutely love your blog. Your words, pictures, and music! A friend of mine even confessed to using your blog playlist when she’s cleaning up her apartment. 🙂 I’m a musical performance and I have a song suggestion. If you don’t know Brooke Fraser, GET. TO. KNOW. HER. She’s amazing. Her Albertine CD is perfection. Now Brooke Fraser is out with a new single I KNOW you’ll love: Something in the Water. Hope to hear it on your playlist soon.
There is only one thing to be said, Catamaran!
I’m loving the picture of the girls in the bike trailer–so cute!
That picture of Nella napping on the catamaran catamaran catamaran is soooo amazing. She is so totally relaxed, the sun the shade, everything completely perfect. I think if you had to choose one picture to capture the feel of that ride it should be that! love it.
do you still have time for color me katie??!! The new improv everywhere skits are hilarious! 🙂
Love the Catamanap picture – I’d love to be so relaxed. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Ah, Kelle.. this post was too cool and close to home for me. When my aunt invited my hubby and I on a yacht for a cruise, I was like “This cant be happening?! This SO isn’t us!” and it ended up being a really cool day with equally cool pictures! And I totally know what you mean about adding those cool simplistic shelves in your house — because it gives you that much more room to put funky stuff (I too buy vintage non-working cameras from Ebay just so that they look good on them as well). And Katy’s dress is to die for! Do you know where she got it? Her photos are absolutely fabulous and really give readers an idea as to what Photoshop and Lightroom can do! And I also use the name Katybug (mainly with my Laborador retriever, but it’s still an addictive nickname!)
CATAMARAN!
does it get any hotter than your husband all scruffed up on the ocean.. holding your sweet baby!!!
no.. it does not 😉
1) I want to curl up with Nella in her little Cat-nook…and
2) again, I need Lainey’s ladybug suit. so cute!
Oh this post makes my heart very, very happy!
From the way Lainey curls her delicious little fingers in concentration while masterfully performing the heel tap, to how very grown up and beautiful Nella is becoming, to yes… The catamaran cruise!
What a liberating little past-time! I love the cooler and cruise idea for date night! Wishing I could steal away a weekend in your sea-salty town and trade you one in a northern state in autumn.
Pennsylvania does autumn with pizazz. Granted, I’ve never had a Michigan autumn before, so I guess I don’t know how they compare… Either way, DEFINITELY getting into fall-gear here 🙂 Now if only it wasn’t 95 degrees with 40% humidity…
oh my gosh, katie’s photos are beautiful, as she is. such a creative soul…like you! amazing!
catamaran pics…gorgeous. you and jules looked so fab…and nella sleeping and those toes…yum.
love you. see ya later gator.
I thought my icing was good until I tried this recipe, perfect for special occasions:
2 sticks of butter room temp (1 cup)
2 cups of brown sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
4-6 cups of confectioner sugar ( i used 4 )
Use a attachment with your mixer and mix the butter alone till its really creamy, then add the brown sugar 1/2 a cup at a time; then add the vanilla; add the confectioners sugar 1/4th of a cup at a time till you get a consistency you like. The girl I received the recipe from said she uses 2-3 cups of confectioner sugar when she is making it for a cake so it will spread better, but she uses more sugar when she uses it on brownies or cupcakes. She even uses it on cookies.
It’s addictive, don’t say I didn’t warn you. I make great icing and this beats anything I’ve ever had!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the picture of Nella sprawled out asleep on the catamaran. Beautiful!
Your sweet, sweet photos of your sweet, sweet girls are just making me crazy to meet mine! One more month until her due date…I can’t wait to celebrate her precious life the way you do with your girls!
Love everything about this post… especially Kaity’s beautiful outfit! Any way we could get details?
Thanks, as always, for reminding us to enjoy every little thing!
Great post as always! The pictures are wonderful. They always make me want to move! My son just started therapy today, so that part hit close to home. He has SID. It is good too hear that it is overwhelming in the beginning, b/c I am definitely that! We are hoping this works for him. I am sure it will be wonderful for Nella too!
I love seeing how you edited those pictures – I love before-and-afters! And catamaran is a really good word!
Kelle – I have that same bike. It’s my pink Roxie by Schwinn, from Target. Got it for mothers day a year back. Hate to exercise, but LOVE my pink bike. I added a basket. And a bell. It’s freakin adorable.
Your posts always warm my heart….and who doesn’t love Tom Petty, bonus!
Have a great weekend!
Catamaran, catamaran, catamaran!!! LOL
So many beautiful pictures..
I was wondering what kind of therapy they do with Nellie? My daughter was born the same day as Nellie was, and I see them doing a lot of the same things in your pictures, even though Claire doesn’t have Down’s S. I didn’t know that such little babies could have therapy, so it’s a new idea to me 🙂
You probably get this a lot, but your blog has really motivated me to get off my butt and do things- I also need to create things to be happy, but I’m more of a sewer than anything. I have been motivated to sew my little girl some cute dresses, slings, and to clean my house up and make it more beautiful for her. Thanks for being a motivating force!
My little Natalie starts dance class next Tuesday. I am so excited for her and hope against hope that she participates. I can only hope I get some photos as darling as yours.
(And Kaity is just gorgeous. The bicycle with the basket and flowers is the perfect prop. Lovely.)
your photography is amazing! i read every post just to look at your photos for inspiration.
I love love love the picture of Nella sleeping in the sun! So peaceful. I think I may just stretch out for a nap now….
So many things to comment about …
Ballet pics, love them. (Ella is a ballerina, too! I never imagined. Vintage camera, so cool. Kaity’s pictures, amazing. (And her outfit? So want it!) Catamaran sailing on a Tuesday? So fun! That last picture of you and the girls, love it! Oh and homemade buttercream frosting, dangerous!!
Happy September, Kelle …
Kelle, I just wrote you an email to the comcast address but it came back to me.
I live in Savannah so wanted to tell you about SCAD and give Kaity my email in case she has questions or wants to make extra money with babysitting 🙂 🙂 🙂 .
my email is elizaphelpsbrooks@yahoo.com if you want to email me. If not no worries. Loved your posts about ballet, therapy and sailing. Can totally relate.
Take Care.
Catamaran Catamaran Catamaran!
I’ve been on one once, and I totally understand 😉
sooo cute… i LOVE that nella sleepy picture! she is a doll!
Awww Katybug is a nickname from one of my favorite people in high school… that was a hundred years ago but it makes me smile whenever I hear it. Thanks for the photo before & after… I am loving getting to know my new camera (a canon 50d yippee!) but have so very much to learn about editing.
Love the catamaran catamaran catamaran adventure – now that would be an amazing date night! A movie & bucket o’ corn just doesn’t compare. 🙂
Can’t wait to try that frosting.
xo
Kate
One of my favorite things about your blog is I get to read a great post, then just keep your site up as I play with my 10 month old daughter. The music is fantastic.
And your little ones touch my heart…thank you for sharing your life!
I love your blog. Period. You make me want to be a better Mamma. Your blog inspires me to look at life a little differently. Your pictures are beautiful. Family is beautiful & you are just plain awesome! Are those canvas prints you have hanging on your wall like a collage? I have been wanting to do something similar but want it to look good. I love the way you did it. Would you mind sending me a quick note in regards to that? k.thurik@gmail.com Thanks!!!
Kelle, you photos are amazing! I teach high school art and yearbook in Lansing, MI and I am going to send my yearbook kids to your site to learn about great photography and editing and writing and being FRICKIN’ AWESOME! I was also gifted with MSU tickets to the game Saturday and I look forward to embracing Fall with fervor this weekend! 🙂
I’m drinking in all the luscious photos! Beautiful, as always. I have been bugging my hubs to make me some shelves – and floating shelves at that – so seeing yours make me so jealous! Then of course the gorgeous portraits alongside… *sigh* The cupcakes are just the icing on top. 🙂
The kiddos look so cute in the bike buggy! I don’t have one of those sweet rides, but when we’re driving in the car I love to look back and see them grinning at me (or each other).
CATAMARAN! You always do the funnest stuff.
What fun! I love your pictures! The photo shoot is awesome. The picture that stands out to me is that second one with her looking over her shoulder. Oh my goodness, so gorgeous! I love everything about that one.
My forever friend Kylie introduced me to your blog…you have a wonderful perspective on this crazy little world of ours…thank you for sharing your creativity…and that BUTTER CREAM FROSTING!!!
I’ve never commented before, but just wanted to say how much I love your blog! Your pictures are so beautiful and every time I read a blogpost it reminds me to stop and “enjoy the small things” in life.
Your photography inspires me. I have just gotten into photography as a hobby over the past year or so. You have such a beautiful family!
Hello Kelle!
Your blog makes me happy 🙂 A friend directed me here recently, and I am so happy that you choose to share your life and your photography with us!
Thanks again for a great post! I love reading about your ‘day to day’ and being inspired to:
-be positive
-have fun
-spend the day at home playing with my girls (even if it is 65 games of candyland!)
-enjoy every minute of it! (and maybe take a few photos too)
You are SO fabulous! It is amazing the difference from the before pic to the after pic.. WOW! you have such an eye for that.. Simply AMAZING! and the Catamaran, AWESOME! That is going into the Bucket List! My goodness baby girls are getting so big! Love Miss Nella in her Green/Gold outfit, Beautiful! Enjoy the weekend! Love to those sweet baby girls..
To: LESLIECROSS..Hi. I have listened to Brooke fraser too and like her. Havent heard the new single though~
I don’t know if you’ll get a chance to read this, given the large number of comments you get on each post, but I am going to say it anyway! 🙂
I was so delighted to see your frosting recipe! My Nana used to have a recipe that was very similar, made with powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and egg. It was SO good and is such a fond childhood memory of mine. But then raw eggs became a no-no. Without the egg my favorite frosting just didn’t taste the same and I’ve never found something similar. I am so excited to try this recipe because I think it might be just what I have been looking for!!
Also, since it’s my first time ever commenting, I will introduce myself. I’m a homeschooling mommy to six amazing kids, with #7 on the way. How easy that my life can be summed up in that little nutshell, lol. 🙂
I’m a long-time reader. I check in almost daily for your updates and beautiful pictures. I am touched by the beauty that you capture with your camera, and by the sweetness of your girls and your family. Thank you for sharing!
Melissa 🙂
http://www.withasmile.wordpress.com
In response to your dance class laughter/tearing up…My oldest daughter is in 3rd grade and I still tear up at Parent-Teacher conferences. I must look like a nut. I’m just so proud!
love the variety post kel!! best part….that sweet liberty is a special tradition for tyler and i. isn’t it great?!! we went when we were first dating and we just went back a couple weeks ago as an end-of-summer date night. we went for sunset and man is it romantic and fun! glad you went…..i LOVE nella sleeping all spread out on the boat. ps. so proud of lainey girl at ballet. xoxo
love love love the last photo of the 3 girls … an amazing shot!
Ahh…I was just saying to my friend today that when I am not flexing my creative muscles I feel like I am shriveling up. It is a curse and a blessing, because yes, it is always surging through our veins! Totally get it!
Love the catamaran! What a great out-of-the-box way to spend a day!
I participate in a weekly “5 question Friday” bloghop. This week one of the q’s was “Who would you want to be reincarnated as?” I said, “One of Kelle Hampton’s kids.” LOL
http://wolfsonsafari.blogspot.com/2010/09/5-question-friday.html
You my dear.. are just my favorite stranger in the whole wide world.. still:)
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ok.. so I will be a family outcast if they knew I was giving away this but if you mix lemon pudding (instant) with heavy whipping creme you will cry tears of joy. It’s a godsend.
random question not related to this particular blog… my best friend just had a baby girl and i so want to get her the leg warmers i always see little nella in… where do you buy them?? they are super cute!
Thank you for telling us what you did in Lightroom for that picture of Kaity! I would like to get a lot better with my photography, and sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all the shooting and editing techniques. It helps a lot to see what someone else did with a beautiful photo! (Incidentally, I love all of your pictures and am always wondering which techniques you may have used…)
Nicole hit the comment on the head – you are stupid-fabulous in that last shot with the girls. The dicotomy of glam with the messed up hair…but the girls are the best accessory of all. Deep Chocolate moments.
So glad that you enjoyed a random, but-no-so-random-in-the-future Cat adventure. It’s all about balance, right? The shots of Kaite are adorable – mature, but still a touch of mystery and youth. I love how you styled her hair with the fishtail braid.
And thanks for the frosting recipe. I make an Italian meringue buttercream recipe that’s so nuts you’ll sell a body part just to lick up the remnants. Of course, it’s a bit temperamental (thus the meringue part) but worth all of the effort. Yum! I wish that I could share some with you over the web!
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend.
And thanks for introducing us to KC. It’s terrific to see the face behind all of the fabulous and insightful quotes.
I have been meaning to ask you.. where did you get those pictures done that are on your wall? The big B&W and color ones? Are they on canvas or something else? Did you order them ofline? I have been wanting to find some like that for our family room, I hate frames right now! 🙂
This post makes me smile. 🙂
Beautiful pictures, as always! And Nella’s eyes are the most amazing blue!
Try the frosting with ALMOND extract instead of vanilla. Even more amazing!!!
Try the frosting with ALMOND extract instead of vanilla. Even more amazing!!!
nella sleeping on the boat- just to die for!
i’m heading to michigan tomorrow- i’ll be sure to let you know how pre-fall it is- although it’s been scorching in chicago still!
For ?’s on this post:
Kaity’s outfit…a hodge podge of Urban Outfitters and a dress she got on a recent trip to Greece.
The wall photos: 16×20 prints framed in glass “frameless” clip frames. They are available at Ikea for $5 each or you can find them for around $15 at Michael’s or Joann’s.
Totally going to look up Brooke Fraser
Hope that helps!
I just love how you put soooo much into each and every post…almost until it’s overflowing:) I have to make a list practically to remember everything I want to comment on:)
Okay so first I love that photoshoot. That girl is beautiful and I want her skirt. The fall effect was perfect.
Love the cupcakes. I would have had to use dishsoap too. That’s always my strategy to stay out of stuff…destroy it before it destroys me:)
And those last few pics. Nella stretched out in the sun and then you with your girlies…oh they made my heart sing. Have a blessed lonnnggg weekend.
hey there! just came accross ur blog! love ur photos and how u express ur words with pics 🙂 i lovedd ur quote in the about me section thus couldnt help myself from posting it on Tumblr and have added ur link to it! 🙂 here’s my tumblr: http://extremementfabuleux.tumblr.comdo check out the post! 🙂 hope its ok with u! glad ur little one is doing good and progressing! 🙂 xxx
ok first… who sings the song with the intro about the perspective on life.. I LOVE IT!!!!!! secondly.. Kaity looks so beautiful.. oh to be off to college.. again.. knowing what I know now.. about men, love, work ethic, and my body image…. Please email me eatmywords40@yahoo.com and let me know who sings that great song… I love the picture of your friends daughter on the stool with the flowers and how you made it look like fall, you are good at what you do. My son got OT at home.. its’ a great feeling to have someone other than yourself advocating and knowing what to do for your child.
enjoy the last few days of summer
I love love love your blog. I’ve never left a comment before but felt as though this was worth a posting. YOU have inspired me, I not only love your writing but your pictures are beautiful too! I have always loved taking pictures, but just yesterday I enrolled in my first photography class. It’s a 6 week course followed by the next level. Each time I feel defeated I go to your site!! Thank you Miss Kelle!!
Nella’s face in her therapy photo is precious. It’s like “mom! mom! are you seeing this mom?”
barnacles barnacles barnacles. cuz thats a fun word too.
Just thought I’d tell you that not only do I come here daily to read your blog and see your pictures….but now I leave it open just to listen to your playlist.
Thanks!
Hello Kelle and all- To TISHA, YES, barnacles, such a fun word, like catamaran! To Nf1andprek—*, check out the PLAYLIST at the very very bottom of all blog posts by Kelle, bottom of page, it lists, starting with MOST RECENT, the songs playing and artists. hope that helps. KELLE, you are so gracious to take the time to answer the myriad of questions we all have, from photo tips to clothing items! Ha..I know you must be very busy, so thank you for that! Have a wonderful LONG holiday wknd, Kelle and family and everyone here, whether you are venturing out or just staying in and being a “house mouse”. From your official blog mama…
Oh, I just love Nella napping on the catamaran! That looks like perfection!
I heard a song today I thought you’d like – Somebody Loved by The Weepies. 🙂
My sister told me about your blog, and ever since I am totally OBSESSED. I love your pics I love your babies, all of it, keep it coming!!
Ok, SO been there with the frosting (sometimes making extra JUST to have leftovers!)…even better than a spoon? scoop some up on a piece of pretzel… heavenly sweet-salty-creamy-crunchy combo…I’m just sayin’, you know, not that I’d ever actually DO that…
Thank you for the proper welcome to my good friend September. Planning a family apple orchard trip now that fall is approaching, but would rather be catamaraning…
The picture of the girls in the bike buggy made me tear up. My wee one is 13 months today and I have been thinking about getting a bike buggy. I just get so nervous about the idea of a driver who might not be paying attention to us riding along.
Oh, and your post makes me homesick for Florida. I lived in Gainesville for 3 years. Even though I am a native Californian (which means I don’t do humidity), I miss the crazy college football time. Go Gators!!
I really, really love your days. Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend! : )
PS LOVE how you faked fall. You are amazing!
I love, love, love to bake. I am a MN girl who enjoyed my grandma and mom’s baked good all growing up. And I know exactly how you feel… I have thrown half of a carrot cake in the garbage (after eating the other half by myself…), gone back into the garbage to get one more bite, and then squirted dish soap over the whole thing. Apparently, being in the garbage just isn’t enough. I am a big fan of the dish soap post-baking 🙂
Just wanted to pop on and say THANK YOU!!! My butt will be 3 feet wider tomorrow thanks to the lovely buttercreme frosting recipe that you posted. Just made French Vanilla cupcakes with that icing and had the biggest mouth “O” on the planet. ha ha.
Oh my goodness….your new profile pic is just too much! Love,love!
Just an fyi to all those frosting lovers…I often make that recipe and when I don’t have half & half, I just use milk and always turns out just as delicious!!
Happy Friday!
Jill B (Overland Park, KS)O
KELLE, btw, I just now noticed your new profile pic and I really like it!
I just wanted to say THANKS for the buttercream frosting recipe! My son is allergic to citric acid which is in everything, including frosting! His second birthday is next month and I have been freaking out about what I am going to frost a cake with….. Can’t wait to try this recipe! Thanks again!
I can’t wait to try the new frosting recipe~this weekend hopefully! Love, love, love the snuggle in daddy’s lap during dance class-My little Lilah is a daddy’s girl too!
I’m in awe once again…your pictures are just amazing! I love how Nella sleeps anywhere…my kids never did that and still don’t, lol! I love the picture of her soaking up the sun and dreaming and also LOVE the pic of the “dream” sign…super creative! You never fail to amaze me!
Wow! You live a very interesting life…seems like fun opportunities always come your way! Such a gorgeous house too! I will live vicariously through you as we cut back expenses and live the poor life for a year or two.
Love the pictures of your girls…they are so beautiful!
I love the before and after pic. It was beautiful once you did some editing. It was cool that you shared the steps for those who are dabbling in editing their pics as well.
Reading this post makes me miss Naples! I have family down there and we ALWAYS go for pizza where you were petting the dog… and eat it on the dock with the kids where you were walking to Sweet Liberty! We have not been on that boat but did go on Double Sunshine, the kids loved it!
And next time we are there I totally want to book a photo session with you on the beach, Vegas is pretty far (where we live) but I usually make it out there once a year.
I love reading your blog, you are a wonderful writer and inspire me to be a better, more relaxed and fun mom! 🙂
Every time I get a chance to escape, I visit here. I wish we were friends (pathetic I know) but I feel a kindred spirit. Your blog gently reminds me to enjoy my small things and for that I am grateful. Thank you, Zena
ooo this was a good one! lots of different stuff going on and all so exciting! lainey’s ballet, nella’s therapy, those cupcakes (so gonna try that frosting), the new shelves and the pics of your friend were great! oh and i take my two littles on bike rides too.. so great…
xoxo thanks for sharing..
oh and the best part – catamaran! HA