Weekly Wrap Up: Week 1

H.E.A.R.T: Ice Breakers

Picture Perfect

Cuddle Bugs

In our pre-kiddos days, when Michael and I would have conversations about the future of our family, though we were never sure about how many littles we'd have, we were always sure about wanting them to be close in age. We both believed there to be a undeniable bond when growing up so close in age to your siblings.  It just so happened that God gave us our little ones a little less than two years apart from each other. (Twenty-two months between Gabriella and Michael and twenty months between Michael and Josiah.) 

Despite always thinking about the special bond between the first child and the second, and the second child and the third, I don't think I've ever spent much time thinking about how special the relationship between the two of whom share the largest age gap would be. 

Watching Gabriella and Josiah interact is really such an endearing testament to the beauty in a relationship of siblings who share larger age gaps. It touches my heart in ways I'm not sure I can explain. She is a little version of myself to him, looking after and helping to take care of him in anyway she possibly can.  

Gabriella's Wind Dance

Gabriella and Michael acquired a piece of cardboard at grandma's and took it outside to play with. They were both the most interested in how much wind they could create with it. Gabriella even preformed a Wind Dance for my enjoyment and oh, how I did enjoy it!

Our August Visits to The Crossing and Flower Making

Camelot Park

Our summer days are going by so much quicker than I remember giving them permission to. Ha! :) Anyhow, we sure are enjoying them.

We planned a little trip to Camelot Park today to play and the kiddos got the chance to show Grandma Cindy around as it was her first visit. Of course, it captured her heart just as our first visit did to all of ours.

Sigh...these three. Oh, how I love them!

Our Own Little Librarian

This painfully adorable event is new to our household...taking turns being the teacher (or librarian in today's case), instructing all others to sit patiently with hands on their laps and requesting that everyone listen respectfully all while promising "treats" as a reward for good behavior. (Note the chair of small stuffed animals next to Gabriella.)

I just love how Gabriella makes such incredible effort to present the material in a fun and exciting way. She tickles me so!  

Lemonade Stand: A Library Outreach

When asking Gabriella and Michael what they'd like to plan to do this summer one of their main requests was to have a lemonade stand for the library. Gabriella also wanted to have a free book stand, so that's what we did! 

Her Thank Yous

She asked that I not look as she prepared a spread of cups and sausers, snacks and desserts. Just her and I, she requested it be then stole me away from dishes and chores for tea.

Her thank yous are so soft and endearing. Just time alone with me is all she asked.

She may not know exactly how to verbalize her appreciation for all I do but as I sat and she served, her thank yous spoke loud and clear.    

 

Hand in Hand

A beautiful evening stroll with Grandma Ella...

 

(Photographs taken by the amazing Gabriella Sanchez.)