Capturing her Heart: Caleb, Myles and Violet

 Getting to have a peek into the lives of her cousins was the highlight of Annie's trip. Caleb and Myles were thrilled to have all that attention.

 Such fun and adventures we had in the back yard!

 Annie worked really hard and made a little love-y blankey for Violet!

 Caleb has such a tender heart and sweet spirit. Also so smart. That kid doesn't miss one detail. We are kind of proud!

 Annie worked her magic again many times putting Violet to sleep!

 Some of the best times were evenings on the street riding bikes and cars!

 We even got ice cream one evening. As a side note: why are ice cream trucks creepy??

 Sooo GOOD!

 Myles stole my heart for sure with his spiky hair and cute little squeak! I am pretty sure I would give him whatever he wanted.

 Pretty in pink.

 Jumpin' Jacks!

 Mommy and Caleb on a special date. He was so happy to have her all to himself.

We even got a little rain shower to end our time! 

What a wonderful visit with Ben, Mandi, Caleb, Myles and Violet. We are so thankful for the memories we made. It makes us miss them all the more, but we will will cherish what we had.

Capturing her Heart: Mimi and Boppa

 I got to surprise Annie and make a quick two day stop at Mimi and Boppa's on our way to Aunt Mandi's. This was the cherry on top for Annie. She was already thrilled about all we were doing and this sent her over the top!

 She got to do all her favorite things like bike rides...

 and swimming...even though I forgot our swimsuits.

 Mimi and Annie are kindred spirits. They love spending time together. My mom got out her Dad's doctor bag.

 Annie has a great appreciation for things with historical and sentimental value. 

 They baked together.

 We went shopping, got a pedicure, a haircut and out to dinner! Fuel for the heart and body. 

Annie and Mimi made me a cookie cake too! That says 35...just so we are all clear on my age! 

Capturing her Heart: Germany

 This is my little girl, who is no longer very little. She is 10, but her feet are almost the same size as mine and she is quickly catching up in height. As of today she stands at 5'2".  She is amazing! I cannot always appreciate that with the demands of life and my own selfishness. So God orchestrated this amazing trip for us! We flew away from our boys with many tears and even a slight panic from Annie at leaving them. We spent a night and a morning in Germany and were able to enjoy a beautiful walk through a forest by our hotel. It was like water to our thirsty souls. 

 It was so precious to get to spend time with JUST Annie and see all the unique things about her away from the responsibilities of home. I was able to relax and just enjoy her. She is seriously so fun, funny, and beautiful. 

 Her eyes are sparkling because I am just BEING with her. I am not doing anything. I do not have an agenda or a plan or a million other things on my to do list. She is my one and only. She thrives under that kind of attention. Who doesn't?

 We spotted all sorts of little treasures on our walk.

 A secret garden?

 The Lake of Shining Waters?

We even searched for a 4-leaf clover.