My girls.

From a very young age I was aware of the value of girlfriends.

I was fortunate to grow up in a household where my mom adored and cherished her girlfriends, and I think the importance of that was instilled in me from the beginning.

Quite simply, girlfriends are the best.

They challenge, they inspire, they support and they encourage. They are there on our best days and our worst days. They tell you when there is something in your teeth and call you out on your crazy idiosyncracies.

They make life full.

I have been so very fortunate throughout my life to be blessed with some pretty incredible, stand-the-test-of-time girlfriends. And while we all do our best to get together frequently, to keep in touch and updated on life...sometimes a weekend away is called for.

 We need more than just a few week night hours or phone calls. We need each other...the beauty that is uninterupted time. No schedules... just wandering around darling island towns, sipping wine, delicious meals, walks on beaches, and cozy talks curled up on crowded couches snuggling together.   Life is busy. There schedules to juggle, work meetings to prepare for, play dates to attend, workouts to squeeze in, big and little decisions to make every day. There are husbands, boyfriends, kiddos, families...but there are also girlfriends.  And I vow to always try my hardest to let them know how adored and cherished they are.

Loving lately.

Surprise, surprise.

I'm behind on my blogging. Again.

I promised myself I wouldn't do this and here we are.

It's just that my evenings are so precious and I often find myself at the end of the night, wondering how you all keep up on your posts so regularly?? Bravo to you!

So in an attempt to catch up, we'll call this post "Loving Lately" on all the things that have been keeping me smiling... **************************************************************************************
Two year old birthday party

We went with a Curious George theme this year for our little monkey and it turned out great! Our special angels must have been watching over us again this year because we lucked out with pretty amazing weather (one of the few sunny afternoons we've had this June...seriously Seattle?!).

\We were so thrilled to share Charlotte's special day with our amazing family and friends.

These two are quite smitten with each other.

***************************************************************************************  Painted tippy toe frolicking She's obsessed with walking on her tippy toes. And I'm pretty obsessed with those little piggies. *************************************************************************************** Sunny Walla Walla weekend Okay, so this one was a while ago...but I'm still loving it. ***************************************************************************************  Father's Day fun She was so excited to give daddy his present this year. And to wear her Mariner's hat while doing it. We spent the afternoon at the zoo at the Zoopalooza concert including child singer sensation Casper Babypants. We're going for the role of "groupie". ***************************************************************************************  And especially....finding out that this little growing one... Is another sweet pea little GIRL!!!!!  Seeing the little one on the ultrasound screen last week filled my heart with such joy and relief. We opted out of doing any genetic testing this time, so we haven't had any ultrasounds since the very first one, and my heart was just feeling so anxious to see the little squish kicking and squirming around.  It is an incredibly humbling, amazing and emotional thing to see a little life growing in your belly...and Nick and I both realize what a true blessing it is. This miracle is never taken for granted and we are so thankful to God that we've once again been entrusted to care for a little one. We are blessed.

My almost two year old.

I can hardly believe that it's been two years since this little love stole our hearts.

  For me, birthdays and celebrations always seem to lend themselves to reflection and a look back at the previous year thinking, "Look how far we've come!"

As we approach the big 2 I am overwhelmed and overjoyed at what a special and wonderful little person our girl is growing into. I know that people say they are the Terrible Two's, and while I admit there are most definitely challenging times and breakdowns (possibly more to occur)...I wholeheartedly LOVE this age!

Everything is new...every day something new to be discovered, and watching her little mind work and learn is such a treasure.

She loves her friends.

I delight in watching them together now because for the first time the kiddos are actually playing together vs. just side-by-side independant play. I hope she continues to delight in her special friendships throughout her life...

PEPS party at our house a few weeks ago.

She is inquisitive and curious...

and she is goofy and silly.

She is completely independant and wants to do everything by herself...

but then quickly realizes she may "nee hep" and isn't afraid to ask for it.

She greets everyone with a smile and a wave and doesn't know a stranger...

But then at times in large group situations, she becomes very shy and sticks close to mama or daddy's side until she's warmed up.

She can be quite particular and she most definitely knows what she wants... and she is our pride and joy. I love you Miss Gracie. I love watching all the different sides of your personality blossom. You make me so very happy. Happy birthday weekend baby.