As our family has grown, I’ve realized just how important time together (outside of dinner time) is to the overall health of our family. Finding time to play together in the midst of busy work schedules, commitments, parties and events - is so crucial to feeling connected on this journey through life.

Every Friday Josh has “off” from work (I put off in “parenthesis” because we still set up for church on Friday afternoons). Outside of Sunday, it’s my favorite day of the week! It’s also a huge reason why we homeschool.

This past Friday we took our family day to a farm called Congaree and Penn. It’s a vineyard that also sells pumpkins during this time of year. We had to make a reservation beforehand, so it wasn’t too crowded, which was nice! Even though I’m a photographer - there are only a few times throughout the year that I bring my big camera along. I mostly use my iPhone these days. But this is my favorite time of year to document! So enjoy a few photos of our day walking around the farm, visiting with the animals, and of course, searching for the “perfect” pumpkin(s). Spoiler alert: I already found four of mine. ;)

Can anyone guess what we plan to carve our two pumpkins above?
Hint: one is going to be green.

I can’t believe you’re ONE. It does not feel like a WHOLE year has passed since you’ve been born! And yet, here I am staring at the calendar… December 4th is here, again.

Getting to know you over this last year has been such a joy! You are the sweetest little baby-girl, with an easygoing personality. I’ve heard third-borns are special like that. People always comment on how “petite” you are. And it’s true, you are a delicate little thing. But great things come in small packages, and I have no worries that you will be catching up to your big brother and sister soon! In fact, I know that you will grow way too fast - so you can stay tiny for as long as you want! ;)

I’m praying for your next year of life to be full of fun and learning. Watching your mind begin to develop into a little person is one of my favorite things! You can now say, “Hi mama!” and “Hi dada!” while waving with your little hand(s). You say “hi” to the Christmas tree every morning when you wake up (it’s the cutest!) and you blow kisses and play peekaboo! You love when we play games and I can make you giggle. And really, I end up laughing the most.

Hannah has called you “Chlo-Chlo” since birth and now we all do! We also refer to you as “cute-cute” a lot. Because saying things twice just emphasizes the point!

Speaking of Hannah, she just adores you! She has become such a little mama to you and you have been so patient to let her. It is going to be so fun to watch your sister relationship grow!

Micah and you have such similar personalities and I adore it! Even though you look a lot like your sister, you remind me more of him as a baby. He loves to make you laugh and any time he can steal some one-on-one time with you is his favorite. And as the third born, you’ll take any one-on-one time you can get too!

I just want you to know, that getting to be your mom is one of the greatest blessings of my life! I am so thankful that God gave me you. Especially when, just a few years ago, I doubted if I’d ever be able to have children. I’m sure no one looks at me now, three kids later, and thinks about that. But I still do. I still remember the pain of waiting for you.

And now, I live with a different type of pain. A pain that is magnified on days like today… watching you grow up.

(Below are photos from a small birthday celebration we had for Chloe over the weekend! Shoutout to my friends, Jackie Marsh, for baking this AMAZING cake and Nick Carter, for taking a few of these pictures for us!)

A couple weeks ago we celebrated our sweet, big girl's 4th birthday! We thought it was only fitting to invite our family and friends to join us at one of our favorite places, Hanna Park (Hannah calls it "her" park for obvious reasons, ha!) Instead of going to our normal spot on the beach, we set up a picnic party near the playground. As the kids get older (and we continue having more), I am finding it takes more intentionality to continue making each year special. Those first couple birthdays are always a HUGE deal. Then, they get older and start giving input about how they want to celebrate! Hannah loves parks and picnics, and thanks to Pinterest this all came together to really sum up her personality! 

We left smelling like fire and covered in dirt, so I'd say it was a huge success!

Hannah Leigh, we are so grateful to have you in our lives. Your spunky personality and bright light shine for all who know you. I pray that you continue to grow each day into the woman God has created you to be. I am grateful to get a front row seat in watching the story of your life unfold. 

Love you always.