Ten and a Half

Emmeline: Here we are at a ten and a half. You made me a Mama all those years ago and how we've rejoiced in you ever year of your life!  This year has been full ever so many changes for you and you are quickly blossoming into a young woman before our very eyes.  What a marvelous big sister you are, capable of so many thing- cooking, diaper changing, calming toddlers, doing laundry, gardening....  you are our dreamer, our writer, our reader, our night owl. You do not like to eat meat. You adore ballet and have such grace and skill.  You play piano and cello and read all the time.  In fact I cannot seem to get you to stop reading. (There are only a few moments in a day when I really must get you to stop). You love the outdoors and bike riding, you love quiet alone time and tea with your sisters.  You are also an artist who spends months creating paper dolls for your sister's birthday.  You wear my clothes and have the same shoe size as I do.  You are more patient than anyone I know.  You are strong and tender.  We continue to thank God for you at this half year mark (albeit a bit late) and we cannot wait to see the adventures he has in store for you.  

 

Our little man

Our little man is growing at a fast pace and here are a few weekly photos to document these precious days with Levi.  

Wild Summer Days

Wild Summer days have begun and with them a need for more structure and new routines After a family meeting, we carved out new rhythms for chores, activities and fun things to do because boredom doesn't live in our house.  We've created a handicrafts table and designated days of the week for scavenger hunts, nature journaling, painting, art, puzzles, music and reading. It's amazing how much there is to do as a child when you remember that you love exploring your world.  The girls have been good helpers in the garden, earning extra money by weeding and tending their own fairy and mud kitchen gardens.  We're bird watching a little nest of wrens this year and Wendell, the cat, thinks they are quite interesting.  The big girls have chosen one day a week to cook and this is a fun expansion of their growing up.  (It is also stretching Mama to let go of extra mess that may or may not come). Phoebe is starting her piano lessons and working on lower case letters this summer and Emmie and Lena are writing books.  Levi is three months old and is moving beyond ceiling fans and is laughing at cat tails and watching faces.  He is trying ever so hard to get his thumb in his mouth.  We are so thankful to have visits with dear friends, romps outside and time together. We're blessed and exhausted and growing in grace.