Kalamazoo Visit 2018

The fall is glorious in Michigan. 

Especially when I get to see my baby nephews. They all melt my heart. We had a great dinner with Momma and Daddy, Mac and Elise the Friday night I arrived. 

Later that night I had the honor of visiting with some dear friends from Kazoo for a sad but happy reunion. 

Please help support the Go Fund Me page for the precious Melluish family, who live in Baltimore. The world is so small. I never met Billy personally, even though he went to Hackett and St. Monica's with my brother. I met his wonderful wife Kathy a year ago today actually, because she was one of the architects for a new building at MICA, where I work. I played tennis with three of Billy's four sisters. I kept seeing notes on social media from his twin sisters Annie and Sarah who were often visiting in Baltimore during his illness. The mass at the cathedral was so unbelievably beautiful in Baltimore. Billy wanted everyone to know how much God had brought them closer as a family in the last year. The joy that this man shared was a true reflection of God's love. I felt it and I had never even clapped eyes on him. What a legacy. The burial was in Kalamazoo that Friday night when I got in. They had a celebration toast at one of the breweries where everyone got together to tell more stories. It was incredible and I'm so happy I could be there for this amazing family.

Saturday morning brought joyful Soccer Aunting (trademark still pending) at the AYSO fields off of Drake.

My little brother Mac played here when he was this age and to see Baby Nephew II on the field just made my heart burst with pride.

This was the last game of the season and only 4 teammates showed up. It was chilly, but a glorious no cloud in the sky morning.

Elise had chairs and blankies ready for me when I arrived. I love you Lisey!!!

It was squinty sunny out.

When we got home I had a surprise from us at Mac's house. This felt as close to Christmas morning as we are going to get with these guys. I love how excited they got to try it out!!! Mac and Elise were champs and we put it up right away. 

A few years ago we got the boys the Swurfer. This swing is the greatest gift on earth, and I found it from a social media pal @erikampowell. We don't get the guys a lot of presents but save up for the big guns. This was worth every cent. And it was such a hit that we had to add another swing to their big tree called the Web Rider. I didn't think we could top the Swurfer but this swing acts almost like a flat hammock. I think six kids were on it at once in their neighborhood. I also found it on Erika's Instagram page, so yes, I'm now stalking all the swings. Elise says, "my swings bring all the kids to the yard..." which is great for them to be able to watch from the house.

Absolutely blissed out.

Andrew drew this amazing thank you note with both swings on it, including Matthew on the Swurfer, and Andrew on the Web Rider.

It was such a great long weekend. 

Hoping everyone has a great Halloweekend. Life is way too short. Hug your people.

Ten Year Anniversary Trip: Baby Nephews

Ahhh summer. You wonderful beast. It was over a month ago that we took this epic road trip and I want to be back in the car with my Charlie right this moment, now. August is the cruelest month, isn't it? I know some of you hate February. Nope. August. It's slow. It's hot. It's ridden with pollen and summer colds. August bums me out if we don't take our vacation during this month. So I will continue to over post the heck out of this trip and to mark the dog days of summer with fond memories. 

I'd like to be back with Baby Nephew teaching him how to play UNO. It's the best game for 6 year-olds. He and E really got into it. Uncle ChaCha (E, Charlie) is really the greatest uncle. His sense of humor really comes out with the boys. He reminds me so much of his fun and funny mother. These two were cutting it up during our sunset game. 

Pastel sunset two.

I want to be back with Baby Nephew II at the lake. He was on the verge of getting sick while we were with him which sadly cut our visit with them shorter than expected. But man this little guy is just the sweetest. He is going to be the heart breaker of the trio. He thanked me specifically for playing with him. They are seriously well behaved.

I took so few photos when we were all together. This is a great shot of the new house next door. Elise is the most patient and incredible mother. Meeting Ollie for the first time was the best. He is such a happy baby.

I love boys! Wild things. Rumpus starters. 

Coco came for the stay too. We missed my brother. He was traveling for a work trip.

Baby nephews, bug spray and BBQ.

Baby Nephew III was just taking his first steps while we were together.

Daddy brought out smoked ribs and a full BBQ for lunch the day we were with the boys. After lunch, Dad passed out Cuban cigars to Uncle Cha Cha and he an Andrew had another epic Uno battle. I heard E tell Baby Nephew that he plays to win. It was so adorable! Andrew then won and told Charlie, I also play to WIN! UNO!!!

Baby Nephews in Memphis

If anything good came of my Uncle Robert's funeral it was getting to meet Baby Nephew II in person. Matthew was just two and a half weeks old and so tiny when I finally got to clap my eyes on him. It was such a gift to be able to hold him, and love him and see him face to face. I couldn't get enough of him, but didn't get enough of him. Don't babies just have the best smell? It's a miracle I didn't squeeze him to death.

I mean, look at his little hands just put together in prayer. We gave Andrew this little outfit he's wearing in our mirror selfie! 

I also had the best time with Baby Nephew. We took a walk one afternoon and it was so fun seeing him just play and run. Elise took this of us and I think I'll frame it.

                        

My brother really is the best Daddy and Elise is such a good Momma. Ugh, it makes my heart hurt a little bit that we aren't all closer together.

I finally finished this teddy bear that I had been knitting Andrew since BEFORE he was born. One of my goals for the year was to use my hands creatively more often. I totally messed up the arms...they are WAY too long...but who cares. Andrew sleeps with this little bear every night. Mac said I had "Francie" powers. Maybe the best compliment I've ever received in my entire life. Francie was our grandmother who passed away last year. Coming back to Memphis for the first time with her gone was another blow. 

These little munchkins made up for all of the loss we were feeling.

I love you kids!

Christmas Recap 2011

We had the most wonderful Christmas in Michigan. My godmother Mary T. drove with us all 11 hours to and from my mother's house. We stayed at Baby Nephew's house three blocks from Mom. My gorgeous grandmother flew all by herself from Memphis to be with us and of course Dad joined us for the festivities. Andrew looks so grown up in this photo but he is just one year old.

Baby Nephew was baptized at home that weekend. Eric and I are thrilled to be his godparents!

Eric and I are thrilled to be his godparents!

The precious lamb went straight from my mother's diamond cross. He's brilliant, I'm telling you.

My fairy godmother.

This was the first year in all my days that we waited until after 1pm to open our prizes. Saint Andrew needed to take a nap so we enjoyed a leisurely morning with ham and Sister Schubert rolls.

The first photo above was taken with a tripod and timer. I loved this shot I caught of  Daddy, E and Mary Frances staging the shot. I realized later that something was fogging up my lens so Francie looks more angelic than usual. I'm sure my Dad said something hilarious which is par for the course.

Once Baby Nephew arrived, the prizes were opened, the roast beast devoured and I finally got some quiet time with him. We gave him that cute little sweater. My brother wouldn't be caught dead letting him wear a smocked outfit, which breaks my heart, so we prepped him up with a little polo! He is truly the most laid back little guy. We just talked and talked for twenty minutes about trains, cars and my necklace. Elise caught us in this precious moment and I will cherish this photo forever.

Blessings and thanks to my sweet family for their incredible generosity, love for us and to Mac and Elise for asking us to be godparents. We are truly honored.