Ava starts Kindergarten.

Well It's been over a week now and we are well into the school groove. I've been letting my thoughts simmer as I process this milestone. 

I emailed these sentiments to a friend that seems to capture my thoughts on this time that I want to make sure I don't forget: It seems every milestone holds some pride, joy and sorrow too because we are saying goodbye to other things, I can remember one of my saddest milestones was when Ava got her first tooth and I felt like so this is it - that sweet baby gummy smile is gone - did I appreciate it, cherish it and will I remember it? and I didn't even get to say goodbye to it, that new tooth just showed up. Such a normal milestone but it also represented so much more to me. We survived the baby years which is a celebration but also sad because we will miss those sweet moments  and we might always think of ways we could of been better during that time -more present , more intentional and nothing says your slipping thru my fingers like going to school and and your child having to cultivate their own village and world in a space away from you for the first time. 

but on the flip side...

My new favorite time of day is the time I use to hate, late afternoon, after school she is in such a good mood, she is so excited to tell me about her day, to re-connect with Rhett and is just so joyful. I am loving the time with Rhett and our quiet days together right now. I love finally getting to answer's Rhett question in the affirmative that he has asked me throughout the day "yes it's time now to go get Ava." She's thriving already in this new space with new confidence, new friends and excitement for what lies ahead, while I'm sure some of that will wear off I am soaking it up while I can.

She held a firm grip as we got closer but she also easily let go when it was time for goodbyes and in that way I guess it was all as it should be and everything I want for her...that her roots will also give her wings. 

Kindergarten Eve Yogurt Run

The only first day tears were from Rhett, when he realized he wasn't getting to stay at Kindergarten with her. 

Florida 2015

Hard to believe this week school starts but just a few weeks ago we enjoyed our summer vacation in Florida. We had planed to go earlier in the summer but needed to post-pone, so glad we were able to fit in!

The kids and I did a beach count down on the days leading up to it:

So many sweet little memories to tuck away from this week of fun in the sun,

Like his first plane ride,  how he would excitedly yell "we're going down!" when we would start to descend for landing. 

Our fun get around buggy for the week. 

First live play, Sleeping Beauty - Ava loved it, Rhett was pretty skeptical of the whole deal.

This boy can eat his weight in watermelon.
I don't think watermelon ever tastes better than eating it beach side on a hot summer day.  

First day at the beach, Rhett's first time to the ocean!

30 weeks!

recreating a favorite shot from last trip

 We loved that Rhett called his swim suit his "Swim Soup" all week.

Making her a mermaid tail

building volcanoes

Tiny bodies by the big ocean

all beached out. 

Captain Ava

Rhett's first boat ride.

This girl started the week holding her nose and only putting her face in for a few seconds at a time and ended it with snorkeling and "swimming" down to get things off the bottom of the pool. 

The almost 5 of us. 

This picture is perfect for this season, love these crazy kids.

Ryan snapped this pic one day, our afternoon snuggles after rest time on the best napping couch in the world.

a big wave day

The whole Askew Gang

Thanks again Rosemary for the sweet family memories, till we meet again!

Houston in July!

We traveled down to Houston for the 4th again this year. Besides an Ikea morning out we pretty much hung around the house and had fun playing with cousins and spending time in the pool - which is the only way to do pregnant and Houston in July. 

We got a special treat with the Dolan's being in town our first night there and getting to eat dinner with them and other friends in the area and stayed up way to late talking, laughing and remembering lots of fun times together. 

These two have the best time together, engrossed in an art project here in between "house-maker" play. 

This boy loved the water and loved jumping in. Total trust and total Joy at the same time -  love this! 

Sweet Baby Hudson, won't be the baby of this crew much longer. Two more cousins are on their way! 

Me - Ava do you want me to braid or fix your hair "No Thanks"
Allie - Ava do you want to braid your hair - "Yes!"
I am not quite as cool as cousin Allie but then who is. 

All the crazy cousins besides our Chloe who was out of town.
Rhett will not turn loose of the money mimi gave him for the firework stand. 

She was less scared of the fireworks this year. 

This guy was not sure at all about them this year. 

hiding with punkie from the firecrackers.

Aunt Lori and Cousin Adley. 

More crazy cousins! 

Till next time H-Town!