we went out with a bang today. …as it is the end of our “vacation.” and even though we didn’t technically go anywhere, this has been one of the best vacations ever because we just did nothing but love life, love our home, love each other. and there was no work or e-mails or appointments or photo orders…or anything to scathe the beauty of our languid mornings and cozy evenings. and it seems like it has lasted forever.

but tomorrow it’s back to life as we know it. however, i shall suspend my talk of the return to work as a death sentence. …as the end is also a beginning. a beginning to looking at life as most beautiful. embracing routine as what fuels us. and knowing that when we successfully balance home and family and work and doing what we have to do with what we want to do, we are setting an example for our kids. that it can be done.

and holidays and vacations and grand affairs are fabulous and all…but sometimes, it’s during the in-between that we notice most what makes us happy. it’s during the demanding weeks that i notice just how happy my favorite coffee mug makes me. how much i love hot baths. how baby bear yawns on crusty morning faces make me smile. enjoying the small things rises to the occasion when life is gnitty gritty. and tough and busy and not-always-fun.

and i’m ready for the challenge.

with no further ado, our last big hurrah today before we embrace life as we know it…was a trip to our blessed isle of capri with friends…and family.

that place is my solitude.

i’m ready for tomorrow.

my morning coffee. in my favorite mug.

…and the return of routine.

life really can be a….

…if you make it that way. even when vacation’s over.

…enjoying the vacation’s-over-but-we’re-not things. ~k

…she’s probably going to cry to wear them.

…and if she cries to wear them, she’s going to want to go outside to show them off.

…and if she goes outside, she’s probably going to want the hose turned on.

…and if she wants the hose turned on, she’s going to want her bathing suit on to play in the hose.

…and if you put her bathing suit on, she’s going to want a cute hat to go with it.

…and if she has a cute hat on, her mama’s gunna have to take some pictures.

…and if her mama takes some pictures, she’s going to have to blog about it.

it ain’t no mouse & a cookie…it’s better.
dancing with our shadows in frog boots…in a bathing suit. in january. yup. that’s pretty fabulous.

thank you, aunt amy, for my super cute froggy boots. see what you did? xoxo

…enjoying the playful things. ~k

just like that…she’s big. and wants to do everything by herself.

and i’m learning to let go.

…because i really want to do it for her…when she’s frustrated. when she doesn’t know how. when she’s doing it “wrong.” i want to swoop in and fix it…help her clumsy little fingers pull the straps down on her hot pink tennis shoes when she can’t quite get it. grasp the fork from her hands and aim the misguided heap of eggs into her mouth. save her from the let-down of just not being quite experienced enough for the task at hand.

…but i don’t.

i let my little butterfly free. and i’m finding it doesn’t take long at all before she nails it. figures it all out on her own.

she’s independent. and doesn’t need me quite as much. and i’m okay with that.
little wings have emerged…just like that.

…enjoying the it’s-okay-not-to-be-needed things. ~k