Summer with the Sylvias.

This summer has flown by. I'm still in denial that we're less than a month away from September. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the fall. I really do. I love everything about fall. The football, the weather, the cute kids clothes, the coffee, the holidays and tall boots. You get it, I love fall. I've never been a huge fan of summer time. It's hot, I don't have a pool and recently I've just been pregnant a lot in the summer. But this summer has been different. It's been so enjoyable and I'm sad to see it end.

Nearly every other day this summer has been spent with my sweet friend, Heather and her two kids, Isabel and Isaac. Izzie and Weslyn are 6 months apart in age and Isaac and Sidney are only 1 month apart. Heather is an amazing teacher and has summers off, so I was extremely excited when she and her family joined the Y with us. The girls took swim lessons, the babies played in the kidzone and the moms got some amazing one-on-one time. I mean, chick-flick, sleep over, chocolate eating one-on-one time. It was truly glorious.

Now it's back to reality. Boo hoo. Thankfully, God gave Heather and me a few days of slumber parties before she had to go back to school. Our husbands were both out of town for work on the same days. Thank you Jesus for those precious days. They were so fun and we'll forever treasure them!

In true mom form, we didn't take one picture of us. Here's the one that started off the summer--

Isaac & Sidney's baby dedication. 

Here's to a great school year and an ever better summer in 2015!

Cashiers with 5 kids.

Yep, we did it. I can't believe we not only survived a vacation with 5 children under 5, we had a really wonderful time too. It was the best way for us to spend some quality time together. Just be together. We don't get to be together often since we live 450 miles away from each other. So when we're together, we're not in a hurry to make plans and fill the schedule. Just being together is enough for us.

It was hard to pick through 500 pictures, so sorry for the lengthy photo scroll. Lots of kiddos and child wearing happening! Enjoy!

These three became quite the trio. So fun to see what changes in just a few short months!

BFF4L...clearly.

This family. Oh how I love them. They really bring the fun anywhere they go! My SIL does a fantastic job of making sure her family doesn't miss out on the little moments. It's completely endearing, admiring and joyful to watch her be a mom!

Good looking family!

We were thrilled that Uncle Bryan came to join us! He took us to the most beautiful place I've ever seen in Cashiers. The hills are alive... :)

 I really can't wait to see this photo in each of their wedding slideshows one day. 

Thank you, Byerly Graves for this photo!

Twinsies.

They were the best babies for out trip! Hard not to love them:)

So sweet. 

Lots of baby wearing...

...there's another one.

And this little one could only keep up for so long. Thanks for being 2, my girl. I want to keep you little for as long as possible!

The adults are less mature than the kids, for sure. I think it's safe to say we'll be embarrassing them a lot in the future. 

NC & Jax Graves: Cashiers 2014

Before & After

Last week Weslyn had her last day of Mother's Morning Out. Now, I realize this isn't real  school or preschool; but try telling a 2 year old that when you give her a backpack, lunch box and send her to a teacher.

I can't even believe it, but I managed to get a picture on her first day and her last day.

Sept 2013

May 2014

Thank you Mrs. Amanda and Mrs. Beth Ann for a great year! And thank you Weslyn for being your father's daughter in this picture:)

Egg Hunting.

Weslyn was very interested in hunting eggs this year. As soon as she figured out candy was in those things, she began collecting asap. She participated in 3 egg hunts so we're still using jelly beans for bribery...because I do, from time to time bribe my kids. Mom of the year, right? :)

Excited Face!

Weslyn's sweet teachers, Ms. Beth Ann and Ms. Amanda

In other news Sidney girl is still super cute. I was super sneaky and took this picture while she was asleep.

Our thumb sucker. Doesn't her hair look slightly red here? Anna Corbin will be so pleased.

More news...dad is still the most fun!

Me and my girls.

I have to be honest; before I had children I couldn't imagine having little girls. The idea not only exhausted me but it also scared me. I knew if my future children were anything like me as a teenager, I'd be in big trouble. I was a back-talking, irresponsible, no-appreciation-for-my-momma teenager. I was never quite sure of myself and I was prone to a broken heart. I was terrified of enduring the same season of life that I put my mother through. I knew it would be inevitable. If I had girls, they would treat me horribly and not appreciate anything I did for them. Not only that, they would want to do cheerleading or dance and I didn't want to go through all of that again. Don't get me wrong, I loved the girls I spent my cheerleading days with, but I just didn't really enjoy the activity. I never excelled in it and I never felt comfortable with myself. So when Weslyn was born and I heard, "it's a girl" I was a little freaked out. What the heck am I going to do with a girl? I felt so much pressure to protect them as little girls with their fragile hearts but at the same time I had my guard up to not allow them to own me.

Over the last 2 and 1/2 years I've grown quite fond of my girls. The initial shock has worn off and I adore being a mom of not only one but two girls. I really can't imagine it any other way. These girls have a piece of my heart now and I'm so in love. The best part is watching Lawton love these girls. I'm so blessed they have a daddy who not only loves them with his heart but shows it too. He sacrifices for them, keeps his promises and loves their momma first.  It’s amazing to watch him with his girls. As their mother, my prayer is that I'll learn from my childhood but not let parts of it "scar" me when making decisions. My fear of falling short as their mom is slowly deteriorating and I’m letting God fill in the gaps. I have faith that He will be their identity and I don’t have to feel anxious about their hearts being broken because He can pick up the pieces. So, as I embrace pink dresses, princess toys and ballet twirls I also embrace letting God guide me on this motherhood journey. I’m sure I won’t be able to dodge drama all together, but I don’t need to be afraid of history repeating itself. Having girls doesn’t have to be so terrifying, especially because girls soccer exists. Whew. 

My heart.

Momma's girls.

Another benefit to having girls: they're always ready for a photo session!

Ready for sunny weather.

Six month old Sidney!

A girl and her pup.

She sure does love this dog!