merrily by the lake

Because of my long and lazy break, my trigger finger feels a little rusty. I have been trying to practice more lately in preparation for upcoming photo shoots. Since I don't know many (pretty much zero) people in the new town, my girls have to be the subject on which I take aim. I'm sure when they are grown and see all the pictures of themselves they will be thrilled.*

* let me interject on this point. "I am the last of 6 children and upon a recent visit home, it was evident to all seated in my mother's living room, that there are about 2 pictures of me as a child."

Even if the girls don't love these pictures later, I do now, and I will cherish them forever.



They don't always like each other and they may not always play together perfectly (or even nicely at times)...



... but they really love each other. It warms my heart when they stick up for one another. I'm a big softy when they beg on behalf of the other to help get them out of trouble. I even think it's sweet when I hear them playing together hours after I have tucked them into bed.

Because that is sisterhood. Those are the things they will remember.

They will be best friends for life.



Avery, the-wanna-be-boss-and-almost-little-mama. She is growing up and beginning to grasp that she has to treat her younger sisters will care and not dominate because of her age. It's a precious gift to see this change taking place.



Masyn, oh Masyn. She's ten times perkier than any other child I've ever known, and to match her "perk," she is full of "quirk." I love it, she is pure entertainment and love bundled together. Not always the easiest, in many ways the hardest to raise, but also extremely rewarding.



Then Evelyn came along and rocked my whole world...and I couldn't be happier about this tiny surprise! Evelyn has spirit! She is so stubborn at times I feel like I will rip out my hair, one piece at a time. Yet, I have never known a more affectionate child in my whole life. We don't go anywhere without hugs and kisses (at least 2 for everyone), and multiple "I love you up to the sky and back" quotes, which she melts me with entirely. Yes, I need her in my life, she reminds me to tell everyone how much they mean to me and to touch, love, and embrace everything I hold dear. My sweet "Eve-win Bwair" as she calls herself.



These are memories I never want to lose, and I don't want my girls to miss seeing when they are all grown up.



Sisters are definitely something to take delight in!

xo~Amelia

ps. Music musing tonight features Jack Johnson singing "Better Together."