Adding the Uncle

It's no secret my sister is my best friend.  She's been with me for as long as I can remember...

We've shared birthdays...

And clothes...

And awkward stages of life...

I like her about as much as I've ever liked a person...

She knows me in a way that only someone whose been beside you from the beginning can...

She gets me and in return I get her.  I like her very much...

Did I mention she's a top notch Aunt?  Icing on the cake...

So here's the thing.   When you love someone like I love my sister you obviously want them to be happy.  And not just happy but really happy.  Like happily ever after...life couldn't get any better...real deal happy.  Insert Bryan...

Remember how I was going on and on about wanting my sister to be happy?  Well mission accomplished.  You're the best Bryan.  I mean that from the bottom of my heart.  And just because I'm kind of into tooting my own horn I have to say I totally called this one...

So this week we're all gathering round and making things official.  It's gonna' be one big party and the only thing missing will be my two favorite little people.  I've been torn and a little sad but in the end one thing I've learned as a Mom is that the ideal version of them running around in beautiful flowy dresses on the beach is probably not nearly as accurate as the one where Emme melts down during the vows or they wind up soaking wet with salt water in their eyes.  Still this is a BIG thing for them.  They love Bryan and the idea of adding the "Uncle" to his name is something that puts a smile on their faces.  They are crazy about this guy...

So it did my heart good when Kim suggested getting them all dressed up so they could surprise them with a dessert date (I told them we were "playing princess")...

With hair curled, blush on and lip gloss applied abundantly we headed out front to take a few photos...

Really just my best attempt at stalling but it worked!  The many faces of Emerson...

Stop! Pause! Freeze!!  Don't get any bigger please...

And speaking of getting bigger...Carter.  I can hardly take it...

At this point the gig was almost up and I knew I was about to lose them so as a last ditch effort I told them now they each had to dance with their Prince (that would be me in case it isn't clear :)...

And yes I will happily play Prince Charming if it means not ruining a surprise...

And luckily that bought me just enough time.  I loved the look on Carter's face as Kim and Bryan pulled up and she realized there was more to the story.  Surprises are really fun...

Kim and Bryan you are some of our favorite people.  You make each person in our family so happy and I am thankful everyday that we have you.  Knowing that we get to be a part of your "everyday" lives and that you are a part of ours is one of the things we love most about San Antonio...I mean that.  We are so happy to celebrate with you this week...there is no where else in the world we would rather be.  At the risk of sounding cheesy (one I'm willing to take) y'all have a beautiful love story.  I hope this week is everything you wanted it to be and more.  Welcome to our family Bryan.  You fit like a glove and we are so happy to have you.  Love y'all so much!  XOXO

Lately...

Lately I've been doing more living and little less blogging.  I've realized there are seasons where I have found not only the time but motivation to reflect often and there are others where reflection takes a back seat to the here and now.  Right now I find myself in the latter.  I may not have the time as often but I still love taking a minute to share some of my favorite "lately" moments with some of my favorite peeps...

We're filling our afternoons with Soccer, Ballet, Art and the ever popular tumbling (which now involves both girls hip hip hooray for everyone)...

And while we love our "planned" activities we are also pretty darn happy with our at home life. The sunning...

The jumping...

The errand running...

The life living...

Which occasionally may be hazardous to your health...

Lately I may not have a lot of time to reflect but I do find myself taking note of little moments here an there.  It passes quickly but I'll think to myself, "someday I want to be sure and remember them just like this"...

It's like somewhere deep down this part of me knows that I'll look back on these years one day and wish I could have bottled a little bit of it up.  So in the midst of the chaos I try to remember to take a deep breath and just have fun.  Emerson has reached that age where family outings have become something we can all enjoy.  Last weekend we headed to the rodeo and had a blast...

We are also in full blown wedding prep mode for a certain someone...

Which really just means that I have a good excuse to get my booty in shape...

Mexico is on the agenda which means I'm going to be in a swimsuit about 2 months sooner than usual!  Eeek!  You know what is cool though?  I realized that when I'm on a heath kick it tends to rub off on my favorite little people...

Which is a pretty awesome thing...

I know a couple of girls that can't wait to officially call this guy Uncle...

And it's no secret they are pretty crazy about their Aunt Kim...

I love this little life we are living with all my heart...

And yes, just in case you're wondering, Carter was struggling a little bit with her skating skills so I strapped a pair on to help her out...the things we do for those we love.  :)  What can I say they're my faves.  Especially when I find them doing things like "playing Sea World".  Which stars Carter as Lily the trainer and Emme as Luna the Orca Whale.  It's beyond amazing...

Today I'm thankful to be right where I'm at.  We're raising little people who have endless possibilities for the future in front of them.  Maybe they'll be dancers, or athletes, or artists, or trombone players (you just never know)...

Whatever it is I just know they'll be good ones...

Mom's are intuitive like that.  :)