No Distance Between Friends

I am so blessed to have met and developed friendships in each of the places we have lived.  It's funny how, as you get older, you realize who your true lifelong friends are and weed out the not so serious ones.  You really come face to face with the reality that friendships are not just about proximity to one another, but about intentional connection.  True friendships are worth it and when you are intentional,  there is simply no distance or life circumstance that can change the friendship.

Traci is one of those lifelong "no distance" type of friends.  She and her wonderful hubby Tyler came out a couple of weekends ago for a quick trip.  It was glorious even though it was short.  It was especially wonderful to meet their precious little girl, Audrey.  

Last time I saw her she was snuggled up tight in her Momma's tummy.  Oh it was so wonderful to hold her in the flesh.  She is so precious, and such a testament to God's great love for us.  She brings such life.

We spent the majority of the weekend soaking up every moment with them.  I had the privilege of capturing some family pictures and it did my heart good to see them through my lens. 

Audrey is such a keeper and such a sweet spirited little lady.  Tyler and Traci introduced us to "Pete the Cat" books and Lily is now completely hooked.  We have the button book and she walks around all of the time now singing "My button, My button, still have my belly button."  Tyler is a phenomenal father and an even better friend.  Lily just loved him and still talks about the "boy with no hair" (sorry Tyler!).

  

Traci and I got to take a beautiful trail walk on Saturday afternoon.  It was wonderful and I found myself wishing that the trail was a bit longer and that home was just a little further away.  I treasure her and miss having conversations face to face.  She is most assuredly a friend that feels my cup.  It was wonderful.

Yes, we are separated by several miles and a few states, and although we rarely stand this close to one another, our friendship continues to grow.  There is just no distance between friends like that.

Bee's Birthday Bash!

We celebrated Evie Frances's first trip around the sun with a wonderful Birthday Party last weekend.  We had such a fun time and I was so blessed with how many people came over to celebrate the little Bee.

Evie had slept on her hair funny so I thought it the perfect time to attempt some pony tails.  She looked like a little bug and fit in precisely with the bee theme of the party.  I cannot get enough of this little girl these days.  She is just so stinking cute!

We were hoping to have her party at the local park, but got rained into our home.  It really worked out wonderfully well and our small house fit everyone snuggly.  Memaw outdid herself with the Bee's cupcakes.  What a special blessing complete with little fondant ladybugs and bumblebees.  Thanks Memaw!

It was so special to see all of the people that came out to celebrate her.  Traci, Tyler and Audrey happened to come for a visit over the weekend and were able to be at the party, but more on their visit some other time.  We had our neighbors come over and several church friends, and longtime friends.  It is so much fun to see all of the kiddos together.  There were a few moments where the house was filled with kid noises and everyone was wild in the living room.  Evie is the life of the party and held her own with the big kids.  She wanted to be on and over everything and everyone.

Evie with her favorite church volunteer, Tami!

Cake time was a hit and Evie was thrilled to dig into that perfectly decorated cupcake.  At first she wasn't completely sure what she was supposed to do with it, but managed to figure it out right quick.  MMMMM, Chocolate!  By the time she was finished she had become a two fisted eater and was covered in cupcake goodness.

All of the kiddos had a blast playing with each other and devouring the cupcakes.

Allison

Jack

Owen and his family

Caleb

Elijah

When cupcakes were finished Evie was thrilled with this new activity called open presents.  Oh the paper, oh the colors, oh the bags and bows!  She could not get to everything fast enough. She was in every bag and over every person throughout the entire experience.

She was just showered with toys and clothes, diapers and books.  I am just so blessed with how much people love my little Bee.  Evie's favorite present was the shovel packet.  She LOVED the different shovels and focused nearly all of her attention on those.  

The party was a HUGE success and such a wonderful time. Evie is 1 and has officially moved up to toddler status. What a cutie!