summer memories...

We love adventures and *I* love pictures {just ask my husband - ha!} and it just so happens that sometimes when you combine the two magic happens!

A couple of weeks ago we took a little excursion to meet a new photographer for a session and not only did we end up at a fabulous spot at just the right time for gorgeous lighting, but the littles LOVED her!

She captured the littles just as they are at 6 and 4 and that is just priceless to me! 

I can't tell you enough how excited I am to have *real* smiles from this little guy instead of his usual "cheeeeese" anytime I try to snap a pic...

Looove this one!

This one too!

I'm so glad she included this one with all the others - this is them, to a T!!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, Nikki for capturing my littles so beautifully.  I will treasure these images of my sweet Grace and snuggly Hudson during the Summer of 2013 forever!  Can't wait to have another session with you SOON!

And to my littles...yes, I promise we will make the hour drive in the next couple of weeks...with swimsuits this time...so that you can play in the sand and SWIM!

Thank you sweet Jesus for these two precious littles, for my family, for the beauty of this Summer...for your grace.

May the "4th" be with you! {Star Wars Birthday}

Our Lego-loving, Star Wars-obsessed little fella turned F O U R on June 22nd and we celebrated with a fun party at a local jumpy jump place...

He wasn't excited or anything...

Grace put the sweetest sticky note on his bed the day before his birthday...

It read:
Hudson,
I hope your birthday is fantastic.  Your cake you chose is great.  You will have the most spectacular birthday ever.
Love, Grace
XOXOXOXOXOXO

While Hudson and his buddies practiced their skills in the Jedi Training Station...

...I scurried about setting up the Fueling Station for my favorite little guy in the whole wide world! {thank you Noonie, Bridgette, and Amanda for helping me set up!!}

And while I was setting it up, this little stinker was practicing his skills...yep, it's even more fun if you go down the steps!!

These cookies were my absolute favorite treat!  I used a new lady and she was AwESomE!!  They were soooo yummy too!

We had Lightsabers...

And Princess Leia's Buns...

Padawan Pop Rocks...

And of course, who can forget the Federation Space Cake!

I used another new vendor and I LOVED how the cake turned out!! It was a yummy chocolate cake per the Jedi-in-Training's request...

Hudson's pick:  Darth Vader!

The hungry Jedis fueled up with Han Solo's Galactic Pizza...

Some chose the refreshing Jedi Juice...

...while others went for the creamy Yoda Soda!

And soon it was time to sing happy birthday...

This little fella wasn't excited or anything...

I can't believe she's making me wear this hat??! I've never seen hats quite like this in Star Wars...

One quick one with Mama and Daddy...

...and an even quicker attempt at one of the whole Jedi Council!

Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday dear Hudson... Happy Birthday to you!

Make a wish!

After filling up on chocolate cake, the duels were in full force...

The Jedis took a break from all their training exercises...

To watch this brave Knight open presents... while sitting on the royal throne, of course ;)

Grace insisted on picking out a little present for her brother and then drew Hudson as Han Solo for his card...

Sweet sibling moment...

A box full of Star Wars goodies - yippee!

Ready for his next adventure with a Darth Vader backpack and lunchbox!  Thank you Noonie & Papa J!

More Star Wars goodies from Mimi & Pop!   Mimi~ his Star Wars plate and cup have been a constant at our dinner table...he LovES them!! Thank you!!

And then it was time to open a gift from Mama & Daddy....a long awaited gift...

YES!!!!  It's the Gungan Sub he's been talking about nonstop for months!!!!!!!

But in the end, getting to cELebRaTe with family and sweet friends is what this little Jedi loved the most!

Thank you Mimi, Aunt Tammie, Noonie and Papa J, and all of our sweet friends for coming to celebrate with Hudson!

And...

Dear Hudson,
We hope you loved every minute of your special day! 
We love you to the moon and back!
Mama, Daddy & Grace