photo a day - days 9-23

day 9: daily routine - four little mermaids in the tub

day 10: childhood - my family in Colorado circa 1983

day 11: where I sleep - my side of the bed

day 12: (I wish we were) close-up - We saw the Civil Wars at the Ryman, and they invited Taylor Swift on stage to sing their new song for the Hunger Games soundtrack.

day 13: in my bag - nothing anyone older than 3 would be interested in!

day 15: happiness - I took Merit to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D. We were both in heaven.

day 16: morning - my fave mug and fave pj's

day 18: something I bought - I found this little vintage piggy bank at a junk/antique store in its original packaging. 

day 19: sweet - Merit napping on our bed

day 20: someone I love - more than he knows

day 21: reflection - the sunset in my rear view mirror

day 23: something old - My friend Penny and I spent a few hours exploring this old abandoned farmhouse a little over a week ago. On this past Sunday, Penny drove by and discovered that it had since been demolished. So very sad that it couldn't be saved, but I'm so glad we got a chance to "get to know it" before they tore it down.

day 8: my sky

It is cold and cloudy here today. Now that Christmas is over, I would just assume winter be over as well!

day 7: favorite

Today was my favorite mama's birthday!! Happy Birthday, Mama Nina! We love you oh, so much!

In this picture, Merit is wearing a dress that was my mama's when she was little. My Mama Bea made it for her, and it is gorgeous! I love that she still has it. It is one of my favorite family keepsakes!

day 6: makes me smile

Couldn't choose just one today.

The weather was great today, so we actually got to play outside. Merit was on her "stage" on the steps of the shed, singing a song she was making up as she went. It involved "someone special" and "affections". I loved how she was crossing her fingers while she was singing, and my mom reminded me later that my dad does the exact same thing when he performs with his quartet. SMILE!

Since we've been back from Christmas vacation, August has been pretty obsessed with baby "KaiKai". She sleeps with him, carries him around, feeds and hugs him... more smiles.

My brother Matt sent me links to a couple of pages out of my parents' college yearbook. Here are my parents at age 22. They both have always been such good-looking people! Smile. Smile. Smile.

day 5: something I wore

my big ole red shades that I got for 99 cents

pic of the day: 2012 edition

Well, even though I took pictures most days last year, I didn't do so well getting them on the blog. I'm not making any promises this year either, but I'm joining in on this fun little challenge on Instagram that gives a subject for your picture every day. 

My first four days:

day 1 - me, treasure-hunting at the farm in Coleman. This wasn't actually January 1st, but close enough. And this is about as "Me" as it gets - doing something I love to do in a place I love to be with people I love to be with.

day 2 - waffle breakfast with my girls

day 3 - I ADORE these vintage pyrex bowls that my mama gave me.

day 4 - Merit likes to check the mail with me to see if Dolly sent her a book. No book today.

halloweener

Merit: Is it Halloween time yet?

Me: It is getting closer!

Merit: It's just getting Halloweener and Halloweener!

She's pretty excited about her costume this year. Here's a little sneak peek...

drawing daisies in the driveway

We went to the park today, and I let August roam about the big kid park for the first time. She was obsessed with climbing the big slide, which was no surprise. She's a climber! She was so determined to make it to the top every time! Her static-y hair was awesome by the end of it, and her little heart was beating so fast.

Speaking of hair, my super sweet and awesomely rad husband dyed my hair a darker brown for me tonight. It reminded me of how my Grandaddy used to give my Mama Bea "permanents". Thank you, Kev!

before-during-after

after our Sunday lunch with Ava, Audrey, Evie and their families

August's hair can semi-hold a clip now! I know, things are just a little too exciting around here. ;)

so thankful that big sister still takes a nap. at the same time that little sister takes her second nap. bless them both!

Merit can write her name! I love her crazy E's.

Tonight we joined the Harrisons downtown to eat some yummy pizza and watch our favorite Beatles cover band, SixtyFour. They had a fun little photobooth...

August started taking real steps this week. She took her first two in a row on Tuesday and has worked up to her current record of seven. :) Not sure I'm ready for this, but the cute little stinker pot didn't want to wait around for me to be ready.

Way to go, August Rose!

best friends forever

My dear friend Penny made these shirts for me last summer as a baby gift. I wasn't able to get the best picture of the shirts because the girls were too busy, well, being best friends. :)

my babies' daddy and my daddy after church on Father's Day

also today - Merit's first recital! (full post coming soon...)

catching fireflies with PaPa before bed

We went to see Tangled at our little downtown's newly renovated theater. August slept through most of her first movie. :)