Growing like weeds.  We had a rather chilly, summer day today so I bundled up and took a couple shots.  I get motivated by cooler weather and it felt good to take pictures, as I have not felt like doing much lately.

Swim lessons may have come to a close, but I know this certainly won’t be the last time the boys take lessons.  They really loved it and Andrew worked through a ton of his fear, I was so proud of him and got to see him in all his glory today for their last lesson.  Bittersweet?  Only for a momma who is watching her little man grow up.

This is my Nana and my Aunt Lillian.  Are they not the cutest?  I’m so proud of my Finnish heritage, even if I don’t like pickled stuff.

Oh man, my cousin was SO gracious to let me play with her girly so much over our vacation! This is my littlest cousin and she is such a good sport.

We are now back home, adjusting to life as “normal” if that means anything. We miss my family and the boys ask for Mimi and Papa, but they are also happy to be home in their home, with all their familiar toys and things. They are also excited to see their other grandparents, Ree and Papa and their cousins here too. I love having such a wonderful family on both sides!

My nephew turned 4 a few days ago, such a big boy. I totally remember the day he was born. I was actually out of town when I got the call, but could not wait to return home to see my first nephew. He is such a joy for our family and a wonderful friends for my boys.

We love you Soli!

We spent some time downloading a few kiddo aps for the boys, the Bug Squash is among the favorite at the Bauers home.

Part of the Christmas magic for me is getting to capture memories with my camera until the next Christmas. I just love taking snapshots throughout the day, documenting the festivities. Although it was blowing snow and freezing outside, inside was warm and fuzzy.

Here is a quick peek into life at the Bauers’ home on Christmas morn. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

Oh boy… if ever there were a shot that reminded of me when I was little, this is it! I was notorious for wanting to grab attention and in this picture, Nathaniel was just waiting for me to watch before he took off on the slide. A glimpse into my childhood for sure!

Mimi and Papa sent the boys special ornaments for the tree and as you can clearly see, they LOOOOVED them! What a hit, thank you guys for blessing them with these super-cute snowmen.

My SIL is truly amazing.  I knew it the moment I saw the first picture of her my brother sent me via email.  They were in helmets, riding a moped through the mountains.  I knew at that moment he had found his soul-mate (I had too.)

She has been an invaluable member of our family over the past several years and I look forward to soooo many more years to come.  I look forward to seeing her and although I love my brother to pieces, I can honestly say that she’s taken root in my heart just as if she were my blood sister.  When Jeremy married her, I truly gained a sister and a friend.

We have so much in common, but I’ve never known anyone quite as artistic as her.  She just oozes it from ever fiber of her being.  

Her latest project made the front page of Etsy.com, check out Harry the Owl bottom left.  Isn’t he darling?  She’s always coming up with the cutest stuff, if only I could run around in her brain for a while.

I love you Erin and can’t wait to see you!