If you hold on to the handle, she said, it’s easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it’s more fun if you just let the wind carry you.            –Brian Andreas, Story People Wishing you (and me) a beautiful weekend of letting go. 

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  • Melissa Moore - September 13, 2013 - 5:13 pm

    Such a beautiful photo!!ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - September 13, 2013 - 5:21 pm

    Love this. And the photo, Wow!

    Have a fantastic weekend!ReplyCancel

  • Katie - September 13, 2013 - 7:39 pm

    such a stunning, stunning photo!ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 20, 2013 - 2:26 am

      Thank you, Katie. A favorite of mine, for sure. ReplyCancel

  • Wrestling Kitties - September 17, 2013 - 4:13 pm

    I think this is one of the most stunning pictures.

    There is just something that just says so much to me….it is perfection!!

    Amazing, Summer!!!ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 20, 2013 - 2:26 am

      Thank you so much! I appreciate your words so much!ReplyCancel

Yesterday we were heading out the door and I noticed Chanelle’s wild hair.  Okay, her hair is always wild–but it was more wild than normal.  Long strands of her blonde locks stretched across her face while others stood tall pointing toward the sky.  I searched through the strands of hair for her eyes, but my […]

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  • Katie - September 12, 2013 - 4:10 pm

    these are the cutest photos ever, summer!

    i sooo wanted to be just like my big sister, too. she was always better at things than me: a better drawer, better story teller, a better at anything. i felt closer to our big brother for some reason (maybe the 4 year age difference was one), and i often wish that julia and i had that bond. i think we're getting there, now that we're grown up, and that makes me happy. meghan and joey have the relationship that your girls have, and THAT sends me over the moon. it's the greatest thing in the world hearing giggles come from toddler rooms and big girl rooms, then big boy rooms and bigger girls rooms, till finally they're falling over each other in helpless giggles on the living room couch. just makes me want to join in, too. and i do! ; )ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 12, 2013 - 11:26 pm

      This is just made happy, Katie. I think it is so easy to see the bond between Meghan and Joey–even though I haven't seen a ton of pictures of the two of them together. When I have–it is obvious. I think it has a lot to do with the way you and your husband have raised them. Sibling bonds are quite exceptional. ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - September 12, 2013 - 4:26 pm

    LOVE all the sister photos! They have an incredible bond for sure.

    Vincent has to be just like his big sisters too…even when it comes to painting nails. 😉ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 12, 2013 - 11:24 pm

      I think it's perfectly fine if Vincent wants to paint his nails. Nothing wrong with that at all.

      I love watching these bonds form. ReplyCancel

  • Nate Head - September 12, 2013 - 6:20 pm

    Your photography is amazing. I lived in that place for 14 years and never even realized how beautiful it was until now. Your photos just bring it to light even more than life.ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 12, 2013 - 11:23 pm

      Nate, you could not have given me a high compliment. Thank you. ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer Eiden - September 12, 2013 - 11:43 pm

    This reminds me of my two youngest nieces, ages 7 and 5. Sure, they fight at times, but they are really close to each other. They like to instigate things too. What one doesn't think of, the other does! Enjoy this with them.ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 20, 2013 - 2:22 am

      I absolutely am enjoying them. Your nieces sound much like my girls. So cool! ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - September 13, 2013 - 12:08 pm

    so cute! i loved all of these photos and little details – the whispy hair, the beautiful eyes, the nail polish that is chipping. 🙂 your girls are going to be close for a very long time.
    love you,
    miss ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - September 16, 2013 - 11:50 am

    Oh my stars, they are so stinkin' adorable!!!! You are blessed to have girls who are so beautiful and who love being together!

    JoEllenReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 20, 2013 - 2:23 am

      I agree, JoEllen. I am blessed. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Wrestling Kitties - September 17, 2013 - 4:17 pm

    Love this post!!

    Love the sisterly bond, love the smiles, love the tea party, love the holding hands, love the time together and the time by themselves, love how they seem so different yet so much alike…LOVE sisters and that bond.

    Now I need to go see my sister!! 🙂

    ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 20, 2013 - 2:23 am

      Haha. I hope you did see your sister! 🙂 ReplyCancel

  • Heather - September 19, 2013 - 6:45 pm

    Sisters bonds are the best!! It was truly one of the best parts of raising my two daughters was watching their bond that has continued to this day and they are 26 and 27:-) ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 20, 2013 - 2:24 am

      26 and 27? That is so cool, Heather. I hope my girls remain close. I suspect they will. What a gift you have to watch them. ReplyCancel

Chad just sent me a text. . . move in day is. . . . It’s funny how we’ve been waiting for this day for nearly a year and suddenly it’s here and I am immediately catapulted into high anxiety, everything is an emergency, crazy-lady person.  As soon as I read the text the wave […]

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  • Sassytimes - September 10, 2013 - 4:28 pm

    It's funny how you seem to mention transitioning from city girl to country girl as a bit of a challenge…whenever I think of you, I think country girl. I think it will fit you nicely. It's quiet, peaceful, full of beauty and tranquility. And also full of wonder…and endless opportunities to explore and play. That is SO you. You will love it.ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 12, 2013 - 1:43 am

      You are so kind, S.

      I think you are right. . . I do think we will love it. (Once we adjust.) 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Katie - September 10, 2013 - 11:56 pm

    you blew away with those sunset shots. oh, how i envy your move to the country. my husband and i so want to do that one day, just out in the middle of nowhere. that just sounds perfect to us. ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 12, 2013 - 1:43 am

      Oh, I can so see you as a country girl, Katie. IN fact, I thought you were! ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - September 13, 2013 - 12:06 pm

    I just informed Joseph that he made it on your blog! I can see the path already starting to get worn between our two houses, and I love that!! Neighbors…soon! Your pictures are beautiful!!
    Your soon to be neighbor, MarieReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - September 16, 2013 - 11:54 am

    Your house is gorgeous. I'm in love with the colors you chose for the siding. I can't wait to see what its going to look like once you get the inside finished up. But most of all….I can't wait till you guys get all moved in and settled! You will love Holmes County!

    JoEllenReplyCancel

  • Wrestling Kitties - September 17, 2013 - 4:29 pm

    YAY!!! How exciting!

    It looks just lovely.

    I am from Dover and have always wanted to move out into the country near my home town. The hills, the skys, the beauty….it is just plain old flat up here where I live now!!!

    Can't wait to see/read more!!ReplyCancel

Late Friday evening we returned to what really isn’t our home anymore from our almost finished home.  After getting the kids to bed, I sat down at the computer to finish editing my last session and tie up a few loose ends on a few other projects.  It was late and I was tired and […]

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  • Katie - September 5, 2013 - 1:19 pm

    no matter what my morning looks like or how crazy my day was, i always make it a point to read your blog first. you have a way of spreading calm and joy through my computer screen like no one else can. i think you're part magic. ; )

    (i love how chad is laughing at meadow. he has such a wonderful smile!)ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 6, 2013 - 1:58 am

      Your words, Katie? They made my day.

      Thank you. ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - September 5, 2013 - 2:43 pm

    THESE PICS ARE AWESOME!! they are so beautiful and soft and capture these really precious moments in life. thanks for sharing. and for stopping by your little corner of the world to update. 🙂 cheering you on from afar!
    love, Miss ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - September 5, 2013 - 3:04 pm

    I love that you notice that you need to slow down and think. I am SO overwhelmed…I need to learn to slow down and/or just force myself to.

    I love the photos. Looks like the perfect day!ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 6, 2013 - 1:59 am

      Why can't you live next door?

      Please? ReplyCancel

  • Karen, Brian and Lucy - September 7, 2013 - 7:08 pm

    Beautiful pictures and post Summer. Truly. Your photography just keeps getting better and better. As someone who went through everything last year, that you are getting ready to go through soon, trust me when I say that the calm after the move does eventually set in….promise! ReplyCancel

Thursday morning Chanelle, Meadow and I made our way through the over-crowded aisles of one of my not-so-favorite places.  It’s not that I have anything against Walmart, really.  It’s good on our budget, provides us with many of our “needs” and even some of our “wants”, and it’s just up the road. (For about two […]

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  • Jen Wiles - September 3, 2013 - 1:33 pm

    This is so awesome! You're an amazing and wonderful mother, role-model, teacher, friend, and human being! Your children are blessed to have you and Chad as their parents! I love the "Chanelle K Photography" pics! Keep up the great work Summer!! ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 3, 2013 - 5:42 pm

      Thank you so much, Jen! I so appreciate your kind words and encouragement. ReplyCancel

  • M - September 3, 2013 - 1:35 pm

    Isn't it amazing how we can lose faith in humanity and then quickly regain it within moments. It's like God sent you that trombone-playing gentleman to say don't worry there is beauty out there that you would miss if you sheltered yourself from all the ugly…after all we wouldn't notice the beauty if it weren't for the ugly….love this post..I've been there too……ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 3, 2013 - 5:43 pm

      Thank you so much. . . and I agree with you completely, M. . . "we wouldn't notice the beauty if it weren't for the ugly". . .so, so true. ReplyCancel

  • michelle provonsha - September 3, 2013 - 1:38 pm

    You are a talented photographer, writer and mother. This is beautiful! ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 3, 2013 - 5:44 pm

      Thank you so much, Michelle. I really appreciate that. ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - September 3, 2013 - 3:21 pm

    Your Walmart sounds like our grocery store and local target. Just bad…and depressing.
    You are so right though, if you look, mixed in with the sadness of society is so much kindness and good. You just have to open your eyes to it.

    Chanelle's photos are impressive!ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 3, 2013 - 5:44 pm

      So true. . . the kindness is everywhere. So often, though, the not so kind is highlighted. 🙂 ReplyCancel

  • Katie - September 3, 2013 - 5:29 pm

    i love seeing what captures kids attention. for joey, it's usually the sunset or just after, during the blue hour. for meghan, it's unusual shapes or textures. and i love that chanelle has her own watermark! ; ) keep doing whatever it is that you're doing because you two are raising some wonderful children. ReplyCancel

    • Summer - September 3, 2013 - 5:45 pm

      Thank you so much, Katie. I vow that someday. . . I will meet you in person. 😉 ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - September 3, 2013 - 5:59 pm

    I truly wish that I had your gift, not only for capturing beautiful things on film, but also for capturing memories so wonderfully documented so that others can reflect and be blessed. You have some tremendous gifts (inside you: kindness, warmth, gentleness, encouragement, thoughtfulness) and some outside of you(the kids) that are growing in grace and knowledge daily. Please don't ever stop loving or sharing. You are a blessing even when you don't realize that you are. Just taking a moment to enjoy the magic trombone not only blessed you but probably gave that gentle man (spacing intentional) a true sense of fulfillment when someone stopped to hear the gift he had to share. I have no doubt your new neighbors and your new community of choice will be HONORED to know you and your family. ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - September 4, 2013 - 2:39 am

    This is one of my favorite posts, Summer! I'm so glad you are my friend! I'm going to imagine that cute old man with his imaginary trombone the next time I'm frustrated with the world. 😉

    Miss you!
    JoEllenReplyCancel

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