Cake & Ice Cream

Today was my sister, Kari’s, 26th birthday.  It’s so hard to believe that 26 years ago today, I became a big sister for the 1st time.  Kari is the best sister and the most wonderful aunt.  The kids love her to death and we do as well. My little sister is also a Hospice Nurse and a damn good one at that.  It takes a special kind of person to do the job she does and to do it well. We’re so proud of her and that she found something that she is so passionate about.  God knows that I could NEVER do the job that she does.  So, thank you for doing it for the rest of us!

Kari hosted her 1st party at her house today and we made the  1 hour trip to join her and her fiance and their friends.   It was a wonderful time and I hate that we don’t get to do it more often.

Ella always asks me if her dad and I can go on a date night so that “Aunt Klair” can come over and watch them.  So cute!  As you may remember, Aunt Klair spoils them by letting them stay up late and eat lots of junk food.  Mainly sweets, but really anything she can find in the house that they normally wouldn’t be allowed stuff themselves with.

I know that my mom would be very proud of the beautiful women she has become.I’m glad we were able to spend some time with her today and to celebrate her 26th.    It was a fun time!

After the party, we headed to the grandparents house to visit a while.  They have a wonderful house and a big yard that the kids love.  But, today it was muddy from all the rain and we mainly stayed inside.   Andrew discovered the piano and Ella the dog – lucky.

It was a great day and we were able to grab some awesome shots out in their back yard with the “river”(pond), as Ella calls it,  in the background.    Ella didn’t want to leave and was very upset that we couldn’t stay for “breakfast”, even though it was 7:00pm at night.

The day was kinda damp and chilly, a reminder that Fall is here and winter is coming.  I’m sad that pretty soon we’ll be cooped up indoors most days and won’t feel the warmth of a summer breeze for another few seasons.  I need to move somewhere warm.  I miss the ocean and the sand.  I need them and would love to be near there year-round.  One day….one day I’ll pack up my family and move to warmer shores.  But, for now, I’ll make the best of the last warm days of the year and spend time with the ones I love doing the Fall-like “things” we love to do!  Pumpkins, mums, apple pie, Halloween, Thanksgiving…they’re all some of my favorite times of the year and I’m glad to pass on those joys to my children!