Cael Walker

I have told everyone who I encounter (strangers included) about my new nephew. Here is a link to my sister's blog so you can see how beautiful he is. I am so grateful to have been present at his birth. A powerful moment in so many ways. Welcome baby Cael. You are surrounded by so much love!

Little House

The girls helped Les spread mulch in the front yard Sunday. They kept saying that they were Laura and Mary helping Pa on the farm. I'm pretty sure they made Jude be baby Carrie. Skyla said, "Life is hard on the prairie". All this motivated from our first viewing of the show. Which was a hit. Despite some major concern over Pa falling from a tree and breaking his ribs. Followed by a lengthy conversation about how he really wasn't hurt even though it really looked like he fell a long way.

Skyla, August, Jude and Papa

Somehow I missed this picture when I posted about our visit. It's a good one.

Avett Brothers

Friday night Les and I saw The Avett Brothers at an outdoor performance. Les bought the tickets in July to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary. If you ever get the chance I HIGHLY recommend going to their show. We can't wait to see them again. Their music is often playing in our house. Even Skyla has favorites and recognizes them playing. There is something about the sound of their voices and the plucking of their instruments that fills you up with happiness. Now, to see them live AND outside well that is a whole other cup of loveliness. Their energy is so radiant as they jump around the stage filling up a huge outdoor arena with their voices. We sat on a blanket together, sharing a bottle of wine, listening to the crickets in between the music, looking at the stars and enjoying a long overdue conversation. Afterwards I realized maybe I am wrong about thinking "If I only had.... a housekeeper, or sent my kids to school, or have a glass (or two) of wine, or win the lottery, or read more parenting books, or read less parenting books, or exercise, or stop analyzing things" then I would be less stressed out. I think instead I just need to date my husband. After all, he is pretty amazing.

Also, as I ramble on...THANK YOU DAD! I know it isn't easy to watch three kids until almost midnight. Especially when the little one decides to wake up for the first time in forever (30 minutes after we leave) demanding his mama and more importantly his mama's milk. We couldn't have enjoyed the evening without your grace and the girls think you hung the moon! Actually, I do too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFMHE2oI0eo