october arrives and things slow down

sophie took this one and she is so proud!




















i have been reflecting this evening about the life matt and i are building here in minnesota. our days are filled with so many really fulfilling times; kids, work, family. each day the routine grows. we know how each day will progress - everything from alarm clocks to bathroom breaks to rush hour and meal times - it's beginning to feel like clockwork. it's life happening around us and happening to us.


we have so enjoyed the connections that we are finding with family here in minnesota - it's priceless. i do not want to negate the importance of that aspect of our life in any way - but - we cannot help but consider the things we have sacrificed in order to build this life.


family and friends in michigan and illinois - you are the people who have helped define us and without you, our identity is fuzzy. as we move forward in putting down some roots here, i feel like there is a fine line between being successful at building a life while respecting the one we left behind. making new friends feels like cheating on the old ones. i know it's a process, and i will continue to work to put all the pieces together - who knew that this old dog would have such a hard time learning these new tricks.


the beauty of this scenario is that our children have remained relatively immune to the sacrifice they made as well - thank God. they are happy and healthy. sophie is so bright - in every way. i can literally feel when she comes into the room - she exudes energy and influence. ellee is the sweetest counterpart to sophie. i adore hearing and watching as they interact. the other day, while driving in the mini-v, i heard sophie say 'elles?' as if to question if she was still in the car (sophie sits in the thrid row and ellee in the second so they can't really see each other). ellee responded with 'what hatie' (hatie is what ellee calls sophie). sophie then said simply 'hi'. ellee smiled and said 'hi' in return. that's it - but it was so telling of their dependence on each other - even in moments that mean nothing in the big scheme of things. it is burned into my brain and i love it!


casey is getting bigger and bigger each day! he was 19 pounds at his 6 month visit. he has a head full of auburn hair with just a bit of curl. he is sitting up and rolling over - a true athlete. his disposition is so kind and so sweet. he has his dad's personality along with his good looks.


the kids are good - sheltered from this storm by the love of people in sates near and far. blessings abound on this family and we feel it.


i have attached a little video from a dance party we had in the living room the other night - it's proof positive that these little lovies are all heart. if you listen carefully to the lyrics of sophie's song, you will also be privy to the great wisdom of a 3 year old!