enjoying the beauty around us

celebrating royalty

My youngest baby isn't much of a baby anymore.  Miss Kendi Hope turned 4 years old last weekend!

She is a self-proclaimed princess, which I believe suits her just fine.

She lives big...and loud!! :o)

She loves even bigger . . .

Like many little girls, she is all about Frozen, so she was quite giddy about getting Frozen undies!

The Queen Elsa doll that sings the theme song from Frozen was also a hit.

She only had one birthday request, & that was for an Elsa dress AND an Anna dress, because she couldn't be Elsa without her sister, Anna (which is always played by Kemeri)!!

This was by far the favorite gift, & right after this moment, she promptly handed Kemeri the Anna dress.  Like I said, she loves big.

Reese cupcakes were the requested birthday treat.

My precious Kendi Hope, you are beautiful inside & out.  We love your sweet, sassy spirit with all our hearts & are blessed by your wonderful self!

happy places

There is just something about being outdoors.  Being outdoors with children is even more wonderful.  We have a nice trail nearby that goes through the woods & then empties out onto a grassy field with a paved trail around the perimeter.  We have been intentional about getting outside to enjoy this beautiful fall weather.  It's good for the soul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On another afternoon, I took the two littlest girls back while the others were in school.  They each had a baggie for collecting treasures.  Being in the woods ranks right up there with being near the ocean.  It just feels good.

 

 

 

Thankful for the peaceful moments spent with family.

we can still wing it

Joe reminded me yesterday that sometimes the spontaneous plans can be the most fun, so we took advantage of a beautiful day & headed to the zoo.  It seemed a bit crazy b/c we didn't have much time, but we did it anyway.  I'm ever so glad we did!  The big boys even came along, and we were able to visit the new "Africa" section of the zoo along with a few other favorite things along the walk back to that area.

 

 

 

 

We just happened to arrive just in time to feed the giraffes & see them up close & personal.  So fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You'll note Kaya is M.I.A. in the next picture & looking like an angry photo-bomber in the one after.  You'll have days like that!  It's funny b/c we've learned to embrace those moments (& find the humor when you happen to capture them in a picture).  Add one to the classics!

 

 

 

 

Sweet girl has a special love for her brother.  Fun day, & now we're on to Monday. :o)