I MISS IT.

It all feels like a fairytale, these photos of us last summer where we used to live.  While change can be a good thing and there have been many advantages to our current situation, it hurts to stretch when we don't want to.  I haven't been adjusting to our new city as well as I would have hoped and the strange desert climate and dry air have really taken a toll.  I've been missing the humid summer days at the beach and the lazy afternoons the boys and I spent, just us- running around in the sunshine and splashing in the warm salty waves. When sunscreen and bug spray could be found in my purse, the car and several spots around the house. When I'd find sand everywhere- even after I swore I had cleaned it all up.  When we never ever wore shoes, or pants, or jackets.  I'll treasure these moments forever, when the boys were this little. And how, even on the days when I thought this two kid thing without a paycheck was too much to manage, life by the beach always made everything better.  We never grew tired of this place and I'm sure we never will.

Graduation Day.

Today was graduation day.  I watched this morning as my husband carried our two little boys down the streets of Charleston and into the church with him.  Avett in one arm, Griff in the other.  We watched and waved as daddy marched proudly with his class.  Chad's parents flew out for the occasion, and how nice it was to have them sitting beside us.  Watching Chad throughout this day, I couldn't help but think of every step that he had taken to get here. Every hard thing we did together.  Every good moment, every miracle that got us through.  I could not hold back tears- there's a shocker.  I am so proud of Chad and how hard he worked when the going got really tough.  When the going sometimes felt impossible.  

When we started this journey over 2 years ago, I had one crawling baby and another growing inside of me.  Today they were both toddlers, waving and looking for daddy during his big ceremony.  I can't quite wrap my head around it yet, that this has all actually happened.  That this phase is ending.  I've grown used to the student way of living, I've adjusted.  Now here comes life wanting to change it all up on me again.  With change comes uncertainty and more bumps in the road, bumps that I admit I'm not ready for yet.

We've lived here in the South long enough that "y'all" has become a part of my daily vocabulary.  It snuck up on me. And now I've embraced the Southern talk because it's much easier than explaining to the locals why I wasn't raised saying things like, "all y'all".  Griff even notices.  He calls me out on it.  "Mama, I not y'all, I just Griff."

We love this city.  We love our beach.  We love our friends.  But it's more than that.  I brought a new born baby home to this apartment.  Here I've struggled.  I've learned how to be a mom to two at once and watched as they have grown into best friends.  Here we have learned how hard it is to be without family or community at arms reach.  Here we have created friendships to last a lifetime.  Here, we have battled sickness and seen healing miracles.  Here, we have found strength in each other.

I am so incredibly blessed to have these guys by my side.  I'm so thankful for the love that continues to flourish in our family.  And, on the days when I feel like I'm not enough- all three of them are there picking me up and giving me purpose.

Chad, I am so proud of you and your sacrifice for our family.  Today of all days, Chad was da-da first and distinguished graduate second.  He never ceases to impress me.

Drama at the Park.

I'm the first to admit, my baby is a bit of a drama queen.  His brother takes his park toy, enter tears.  Brother gives back said park toy, everything is just peachy.  Until 2 minutes later when brother again does something undesirable.  More tears.

We've been spoiled with Chad's parents still in town for his graduation from MUSC.  Today the weather poured rain all morning and into the afternoon and there was nothing left to be done but take a trip to Costco, of course.  Costco is always a good back up plan when all other things fail.  Because, they have samples.  And double carts.  That's right, two seat belts for when things really go south.

The rain finally stopped long enough for us to run around the park for a while before dinner.  Thank goodness these boys got outside today, because it darn near killed us being cooped up due to our crazy thunder storms this week.  Joe and Lana sure are good sports to let us hang out with them, again.  Baseball is always a good time.

Love, us.

Happy Fourth.

What better way to spend the holiday than at the beach with good friends!  Here's a few shots from our day.  Happy Fourth y'all.

The Princess and the Sheriff.

Here we have Princess Sophia and Sheriff Woody.  Heaven forbid the sheriff has to wash his uniform.  That gets interesting.  And I'll cherish these days forever.  When Woody jammies and bubbles were enough to make the world seem absolutely perfect.

*Sheriff Woody jammies appear ℅ Aunt Shelby.  Thanks Shib!  Never has he loved anything more.  Except for maybe the Buzz pair.

A Little Film by my Little Brother.

My brother and his wife have been here visiting this week and boy has it been a blast!  We've been all over Charleston showing them the sights and taking in more beach.  Give me more beach.  Apparently, my brother has a talent with that little Gopro camera of his.  He shot snippets of us all week and I hardly would have imagined this cute film would come together so beautifully.  I love how he put music to it and used Griffin's favorite song of all time.  Thank you so much bud!  We are so glad family could be in town today for Chad's 39th birthday.  Happy birthday to my hubby!!!

Uncle Buddy, Aunt Coco.

A few shots from yesterday's beach.
love, us.