Enjoying the Small Things

Enjoying the Small Things

  • ABOUT
    • KELLE HAMPTON + ETST BLOG
    • Our Down Syndrome Journey
    • Down Syndrome: Our Family Today
    • PRESS
  • the book
  • The Blog
    • Make Stuff
    • Family
    • Favorites
    • Parenting
    • Parties
    • Style
    • Travel
  • Once Upon A Summer PDF
  • Printables
  • CONTACT

These are the Things…

March 18, 2008 By Kelle

…they’re going to remember.

Every Sunday we pack up the car. Towels. Umbrellas. Beach Chairs. Swimsuits. Sand toys. Boogie boards. Lifejackets. We drive away. We turn around because we forgot sunscreen. We drive away again. We set up “shop” on the beach. And when it’s all over, there’s four loads of beach laundry to wash, a car caked with sand to vacuum out and a garage full of dirty chairs and lifejackets to boot.
But it’s worth it. Our sun-kissed skin and wind-blown hair to prove it, too. Memories…that’s what they call it, and I’ll be darned if our kids won’t grow up knowing that on Sundays, we celebrate family amidst the greatest sanctuary of all–God’s Green Earth. Blue skies, sandy beaches, pink sunsets. I still believe in church, but the Church of the Holy Beach rates highest on my list for making my heart feel full.
This week, Brett’s sister and her husband and kids joined us as well as Grandma Collen and our friends David & Kelly (and almost-due-Lily) and Dave & Charlotte. There were so many times I looked around at smiling kids, happy baby, stress-free Brett and thought…”this is living.” And, the way the kids are all magnetized to Lainey–kissing on her, playing in the sand with her, making sure she’s happy at every moment–literally makes my heart SWELL.

Filed Under: Uncategorized 8 Comments

← Previous Post Next Post→


Related posts

2024 Stocking Stuffer Guide for Kids, Tweens & Teens

UncategorizedNovember 15, 2024

30 Easter Basket Stuffers for 2024

UncategorizedFebruary 29, 2024

Kid Gift Guide 2023

UncategorizedNovember 30, 2023

Comments

Leave a Comment
  1. Tisha says

    March 18, 2008 at 2:10 pm

    oh man, I want to attend the Church of the Holy Beach. Really, the Bible does say, “where 2 or more are gathered…” then that’s church. Sounds like you definitely had more than 2! The pic of Lainey asleep in her tent wrapped in her wrap is too cute. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Elissa says

    March 18, 2008 at 2:26 pm

    I love when you can see the memories being made through the pictures! She is growing so fast…and so darn cute!!! I would give just about anything to attend that “church” next week!

    Reply
  3. Molly says

    March 18, 2008 at 6:27 pm

    So fun!!! I especially loved the picture of one of the boys (is it Austyn?) holding Lainey’s hands and she is nakie except for her diaper, clogs, and sunglasses.

    Reply
  4. Kelly says

    March 18, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    What a magical day! I’m glad you didn’t choose the picture with D and his middle finger! lol. Thanks for inviting us and creating such great memories!! xoxo
    LL is amazing!!!!!

    Reply
  5. jennygirl says

    March 19, 2008 at 1:44 am

    what a day…please keep inviting me, I promise we will be able to come soon. 🙂 xoxo

    Reply
  6. cjs says

    March 19, 2008 at 2:01 am

    this post gave me chills!

    brett looks insanely happy.

    everyone does!

    definitely beats looking for tights with no holes in them…a familiar sunday morning memory of mine!

    Reply
  7. Joann says

    March 19, 2008 at 12:50 pm

    Magical. Divine. Euphoric, even. You are blessed.

    Reply
  8. bootiful says

    March 19, 2008 at 2:06 pm

    We are so blessed to live where we do, have the friends and family that we have. Life is GOOD! Love the blue building in the background. Such a perfect picture of the family!!! Beautiful!!

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Popular Posts

Shop My Favorites

Keep In Touch

Bucket Lists

ARCHIVES

Archives


“One of the most emotionally stirring books I’ve ever read….a reminder that a mother’s love for her child is a powerful, eternal, unshakable force.”
Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman
  • Home
  • About this Blog
  • BLOG
  • BLOOM
  • Favorites
  • Parties
  • PRESS
  • CONTACT

Copyright © 2026 · Kelle Hampton & Enjoying the Small Things · All Rights Reserved