Estes Park in the Fall

Narrowing isn't my strong suit & this maybe should have been a two part post, but Estes Trip 2017 (in 2018)! How gorgeous is all of the color!?! It's so brown right now, that going through these photos now actually served me well. The burst of life and color they have gave me an added dose of joy, to help get through to Spring color. On the other hand, looking through these, I can't believe how fast our babies are growing. Abel has lost TWO teeth since this, and the top two are loose too! Otherwise he mostly keeps his look pretty consistent, which helps my heart, since the girls look older every single time I snap a photo of them! I think it's all the hair. It's got to be. Anyhow, I love this sweet family of mine, and I love Estes Park. I want an apple from Laura's as I write this, and can't wait to get back up there this Spring :)

^^^Watching the Elk across the river

^^^Isla is such a hambone!

^^^Lauraaaaaa's, so good.

^^^Bittiest :)

^^^LOVE.

^^^Why is her face just the sweetest ever!?

^^^Chris and his very first catch EVER!

5 years of Abel!

How is my baby five?! 

I vividly remember my pregnancy with him, my labor & the moment that we held him the first time. All of his baby milestones & the fear in being new parents and not really knowing what you're doing, but also just feeling like you love them so much & think that maybe you're actually doing pretty great & it's not anything like you thought it would be, but in the very best way. It really is so incredibly mind blowing how much your heart grows when you have children, and nothing changes you like your first. I prayed that Abel would be gentle & kind, but I honestly couldn't have imagined a boy so wonderful as him. He is greater than my dreams could envision, and kinder than my heart has ever known, and I am so so blessed by him each and every day. 

I love you Abel Maddox, good + generous, and a life giving breath you are!

Birthday Posts:   FOUR  --  THREE  --  TWO -- ONE

A year and a half!

Isla Jane... I love you so much. 

You are special in a million ways.

You've got lots to say, your own opinions, an easy go with the flow pace with your siblings, but also an independence all your own. Being like Lucy & Abel is your highest priority and hangry is a very real thing with you. You're dramatic and empathetic and public outings aside, you still win all the gold stars. I love your little hands on my face, and your kisses from across the room. I love finding you doing your own thing when everyone else has moved on to something else. I love your tummy, your messy hair, your expressive eyebrows, and the weight of your body sleeping on my chest. 

I love every bit of you bittycakes. Forever.