lucky

one of my most cherished childhood memories is spending oodles of time with my extended family. we all went to church together and met up for pizza on sunday nights. there was a birthday party monthly and frequent impromptu game nights.  my cousins were like little brothers and sisters to me. we knew each other inside and out. we knew which buttons to push. so we fought a little, but mostly we were close. I prayed that when I grew up and had a family of my own that we would be able to somehow recreate that tight extended family for our own children. we have.  both of kyle's brothers and all of my brothers and sisters (except the one who is college bound) have settled down in the same city.  the allure of living in a new city with more to do is always there.  kyle and I first began our living together in the twin cities and we loved the constant flow of activity.  we quickly realized that when we had a family, we wanted our children to grow up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles...and cousins.

it is happening. the boys are forming a brotherly bond with one another. we fuel that fire. oh, yeah, we do. we plan get-togethers-a-plenty. it's not unusual for one of us to call another and ask what's up for dinner?...on a week night. 

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once in a while we get the privilege of having one of the boys all to ourselves. josiah had his first "sweep over" at our house.

it was like a little glimpse into the future. I can totally see the cousins all lined up in their sleeping bags, giggling instead of falling asleep, and appearing (late) to the breakfast table all tousle-haired the next morning. I can't wait...except I can. they are growing so fast. I'm more than content to go slowly through each stage, soak it in, and make sure we take lots of pictures. I want to remember these days forever and be able to pull out the albums in 20 years and say, "remember when..."

baby callan and his mommy and daddy live just a few blocks from us. it's not unusual for either us or them to stop by during an evening walk to say hello. miles runs all the way to their house. his little feet pound along the black top and then he darts behind a tree and hollers "can you see me daddy?" occasionally, callan hangs out with us while his parents are at work. (insert love of part-time employment here) he's a sweet baby with the bluest eyes.

little brother adores him.

the feet get me everytime.

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uncle brian and auntie blair invited us all over one evening and we were super jazzed when we arrived and found this lovely aquatic paradise on the deck. c'mon, who doesn't love a good pool party? apparently miles. he would appreciate if nobody got him wet.  sorry charlie, it's a proven fact that if you're in the pool you're bound to get splashed.

henry was convinced that he was sitting in an enormous glass of drinking water. eew.

swimsuits optional.

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occasionally our summer fun gets rained on. we just move the party indoors. VOILA! s'mores a la electric cooktop.

delish.

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ranger rides are miles' new fave. uncle clayt is extra cautious for this nervous nellie momma. thanks much! you can hear them giggling over the sound of the roaring engine. priceless.

in the words of the buggy, "I un ride!" [translate: I want a ride!]

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is sacrificing an exciting metropolitan life for the comfort of family worth it? you bet. I wouldn't trade this for anything.