A Home for Memories

What do people do that don't have a blog?

I mean, I know what they do, they watch their Netflix a little more closely than I do a couple times a week (okay, so I occasionally watch Hulu while blogging too).

But really, what do people do with all their photos if they don't post them on a blog?

Facebook works for some, though I don't really like that method for my photos.

I like Instagram a lot, but it doesn't reach a lot of people and I feel like I can't post all the photos I want.

Hence, the blog.

A part of me feels like blogging is dead.

Now that I'm not at a desk all day (or ever, as we don't even own a desk anymore), I don't read blogs like I used to.

Maybe no one even reads this blog except my mom (hi, Mom!), my dad (hi, Dad!), and John's mom (hi, Linda!).

Even without anyone looking at this little piece of the internet, I am glad it exists.

I don't keep a journal and I barely kept a baby book of Orelia's first year.

This blog is where I have a place for the memories.

Memories of Orelia making "sand angels" in the park.

Memories of her riding the "box slide."

Over and over again.

Memories of Bennett digging in the dirt.

And playing peek-a-boo.

Memories of his first step (October 10, 2015).

And his loud belly laughs.

We still sometimes call him Bennett Booey.  And he is very much Bennett Booey in this photo.  :)

I have always loved reading the family blogs of my friends.

And I love looking back at old posts to see what the kids used to look like and what they used to do.

Without this blog, I probably wouldn't take half as many photos with my "real" camera as I do, since I would have nothing to do with the photos once I took them.

I'm sure I would never edit photos or sort through and delete the losers if I didn't need to find the ones I wanted to post.

Photos don't really mean anything unless someone can see them.

And I'm sure Orelia will love looking back on her silly self one day.

The internet is full of a lot of useless stuff, but I'm just grateful it has room for my useless stuff too.

So thanks for reading, Mom (and Dad and Linda)!

It's fun so share little pieces of our life with those we love.

Her curly hair is even more vibrant in person, but a photo will have to do for now.

And his grin is even more infectious in real life.

Thanks for stopping by our little home of memories.

A Parental Visit to Oahu

Last week we did it - we accomplished the impossible and enjoyed a weeklong vacation without our kids!

 My parents generously offered to take care of the kids while we went away, and we are so, so grateful to them.

 We spent the entire week eating wonderful food, exercising, and shopping - three things which are not easily done with the kids around.

 I took almost no photos on our vacation since we were usually just lounging by the pool or enjoying a long walk.  I realized that without the kids around, I didn't feel compelled to document the trip day-by-day.

 We missed the kids so much and were dying to see them by the time the week was up.  It was a strange feeling being without them, it was almost like half of me was left at home.

 Hawaii was gorgeous as always, and we were so happy to be back.  This was our first time in Honolulu and we loved all the amazing restaurants and shopping.

 I read three books (The Clasp, Pretty Girls, and Station Eleven) and countless magazines.  The last time I went on vacation with the kids I maybe finished one book and half a magazine.  :)

It was so nice being with the love of my life and focusing on him instead of naps and trips to the potty and whether anyone needs a snack.  Now that we are back home, it is so sweet to be reunited with our kids.  I can't say a week away made me look forward to diaper changes any more than usual, but I do especially appreciate every cuddle and smile from the kids even more this week.

Girlfriends

Orelia is one lucky lady.

She has a handful of best friends, and they really light up her life in exactly the way friends should.

She looks forward to seeing them at every ballet class.

And mostly enjoys the after-class silliness that erupts from three girls that have been "staying on their line" for the past hour.

Sometimes when we have a day off from school she gets to take "field trips" with a friend to San Francisco.

Being in a new park with your best friend is just about the greatest thing in the world.

Orelia may drive her friends crazy at times, but she loves them like sisters.

It's so beautiful to see these girls care for each other so deeply and develop friendships that may last a lifetime.  Friends are one of the best parts of life, and I love watching my girl experience this blessing.

Roller Coasting

Our good friends, Joyce and David, gave us a roller coaster for Bennett's birthday.

 Yes, a roller coaster.

 As you can see from the photos, poor Bennett Boy never gets a turn on his roller coaster since dear sister is always making use of it herself.

If she isn't riding the car, she's asking to be literally rolled across the tracks.

A full-body roller coaster experience, I guess.

One day Bennett will be old enough to demand that he gets a turn, but until then, Orelia will get to enjoy his amazing present.

She seems quite pleased with herself, if you ask me.