{This Moment} So Grown Up

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a weekend full of lovely moments!

{This Moment}

{This Moment} - A SouleMama Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. We wish you a wonderful weekend!

A Celebration

Today was the one year birthday of Kids on the Common Pediatrics.  And to celebrate one year of having owned her own practice the girls beloved doctor and her fabulous office staff held a little celebration to mark this very special occasion.  I told the girls about it over breakfast this morning and they decided to make cards to bring to Dr. Rugo and also asked that we get some flowers too.  The girls spent quite awhile this morning hard at work on their celebratory creations and were so excited when it was finally time to bring them to the party. 









And while we've only been one of Dr. Rugo's families for about four months now in that time we have truly felt so welcome, so at home and part of such a very special community. From the moment that we met her and her staff we knew that this was the practice for us.  There is something very unique about Dr. Rugo and her team.  The vibe when you walk in there is one of peace, love, joy, and a total belief in the children and families that they work with.  It is a partnership between this office and each family.  It is a truly beautiful thing.

Any doctor who gushes over each of her patients as if they were her only ones is a special person indeed.  

Any doctor who genuinely "oohs" and "ahhs" over a picture a child has lovingly made for her is a special person indeed. 

Any doctor who takes into consideration the whole child (and not just the medical portion) is a truly special person indeed.  

And any doctor who takes time out of her day to celebrate with her staff and families a milestone such as this is a special person indeed. 

And, as if the girls were not already over the moon to be there this afternoon there was face painting and temorary tatoos as well.  How cool is that?!

Happy first birthday, Kids on the Common! We look forward to many more wonderful celebrations together for years to come!



Ladies Who Lunch

Before we left for Maine on Friday we had an appointment to have our family Christmas card pictures taken.  Now, I am sure that some of you are thinking, "Wow, Shel way to get ahead of the game!", but really, if truth be known I would in no way shape or form be thinking about Christmas or Christmas card pictures if it was not for the sheer fact that the place we have our photos done offers 40% off Christmas Cards in September.  We certainly cannot pass that up, so off we go, insanely early, and have our pictures taken and cards designed.  Since Dave was already off on Friday due to our trip to Maine for our dear friend, Mr. Benchly's impending nuptials, we figured then was as good a time as any.  The pictures came out great and since we were incredibly hungry (and determined that the girls would nap on the way to Maine) we headed to the American Girl Bistro for lunch.  With how beautifully we were all dressed up how could we not?!

And while we were not overly impressed with the food (dessert is so much better), it was a lovely way to kick off our mini-vacation!  

A Visit With Aunt Kaitlyn and Bowie

It's always a treat when Aunt Kaitlyn comes to visit.  As if she is not fun and fabulous enough, with her comes her sidekick, Bowie.  

Bowie is a very funny guy, and the girls just adore him. 

That boy sure can run!  

One of the most fabulous things about my girls is that each of them reminds me of my sister.

  

Emma and Grace thought it was so funny that Bowie was on the bed!  Em sat there for a good while, just quietly hanging out with Bowie.  It was really sweet. 

Thanks for spending the evening with us, Kait!  We love you and can't wait to get together again soon!

The Height of (Summer) Fashion

Tah-dah!

And I say once again, life is oh, so good!

A Visit With Friends

Yesterday my fabulous goddaughter, Hannah and her boyfriend, Brad arrived. It had been almost eight years since I last saw her, so when she contacted me about coming to visit I was thrilled! They were heading to Connecticut to visit her dad and wanted to stop by on their way down.  Perfect!  They arrived mid-afternoon with lots of delicious goodies from Vermont (which only increased my desire to move there even more) and much fun (and food) was had by all.

After we adults had a chance to catch up, a lovely concert was performed. 

Grace debuted her new song: "Maine is a wonderful place."

This was especially funny since she has never been to Maine!

Brad plays a mean triangle!

Em took a moment from her dancing to cool off. 

Yes, we had the central air on.

It was however taking forever for the first floor to get cool since it was easily in the high 90s yesterday.

Hannah and Grace quickly became friends. 

It's amazing how much Emma looks like Hannah's sister when she was this age. 

That was back in the day when Sara still spelled her name with the 'h' at the end.  

And now we have come full circle.  

My girls snuggled up with Hannah like she and Sarah used to do with me 

when I would come over to babysit.  

Ah, such good, good memories...

It was a wonderful visit.  

The only way it could have been any better is if Sara was able to be there too. 

One day we'll have to make that happen.

Have a wonderful night, dear friends (and safe travels back home tomorrow Hannah and Brad).