So it’s been a week since I arrived home. . . I’ll blame Scotland’s broken collarbone on my negligence in blogging thus far. Not to mention I always find blogging about family events rather awkward, as the main reason I blog is for said family. Alas, for my own remembrance:
I went a week early so I could spend some individual time with my two younger sisters: Adalee and Dantzel. Dantzi had a lot of time of school, and Adee was extremly busy so I spent most of my time with the prior.

I got there in time to see her first orchestra performance. Doesn’t she look gorgeous! (I’ll take credit for her hair) 

I don’t have any pictures, but I also had the chance to take Dantzi to her first symphony. It was fun to experience the music with her. Her abilities on the violin has improved impressively. I loved hearing her practice each morning. She’s a spunky player with great emotion.

I also got to see one of Adee’s track meets. (Notice how much higher she is than the hurdle- that girl can jump!)

As I mentioned, Adalee was really busy while I was there, but we did get the chance to have a long late night conversation one night, which meant a lot to me. I love Adalee. Her sweet, thoughtful, sensitive spirit is inspiring. I love that she is quickly becoming a peer. She has the most gorgeous smile. 

 

 

Scotland and Dantzel really hit it off. Scotland couldn’t get enough of her. He actually cried one time when she left the room. She was always quick to get him up at the slightest whimper from nap or bedtime, and he was always thrilled. He loved her continuous energy and sweet smile. He also adored her little dog Sandy. One day Dantzi had her friend over. Scotland was napping when they arrived home from school. They came in the door and immediately asked: Where is he? As soon as he made the slightest noise they got him up and proceeded to include them in their play for about two hours. My Mom and I peeked in at one point to see him sitting between the two girls, content, head turning from side to side, eyes wide, surrounded by stuffed animals. Another time I peeked in to see him in Dantzel’s arms both laying on the bed singing and rocking. Thanks Dantzi for being the sweetest aunt. 

When the girls were away and my Mom was busy I worked in the garage helping to sort boxes from my parents move. Scotland was thrilled with the endless flow of “new”
 things. 

With Aunt Sabina and cousin Brielle. Sabina taught the two how to throw rocks in the pond in my parents yard.

I love this shot because it really captures the serenity and beauty of my parents’ new property. 

Brielle and Scotland loved walking up and down the private road that leads to the house. Is this property not incredible!

Towards the end of the vacation Scotland and Keiton were interacting a lot. It was so fun to see these two boys together exchanging toys and grunts.

In honor of the stereotypical “girls’ weekend” we did a morning of pedicures. Brecklyn even adorned us all with her toothpick flowers.

And of course no visit to Grandma’s is complete without a ride on the horse.

It was really funny, when we all went out to ride the horse I was taking pictures and Brigette was helping her kids get on the horse. Scotland was watching the whole thing. When Brielle was finishing her turn I went to pick up Scotland, so I could put him on the horse, he pushed me away and walked straight to Brigette. The boy knows how to get what he wants. (The next morning when we were outside taking a group photo he begged Brigette to pick him up again and quickly pointed to the horse.)

Scotter’s first worm. The largest one I’ve ever seen. I’m so proud!

At first I wasn’t sure if Scotland was enjoying riding the horse, as his face was so serious. But when I reached up to take him down from Adalee he pushed my hands away, smiled, and starting bouncing up and down- giddyup!

Dad and his girls

Dantzel, Brecklyn, Adalee

Me, Sabina, Brielle, Dad, Scotland, Brigette

All the girls

I love my sisters. Being together was bittersweet. It made me realize how hard it is to stay close when I live so far away. How grateful I am for such exemplary women in my life. They are my best friends.