Lauren is 12.

She invited a few close friends to our new paint-your-own-pottery-place in our little downtown...

they went to town on cuteness...

Here is what Hannah and I did.

Lauren did a colorful abstract bunny.

Adorableness.

She was in her happy place painting.

Then the the pool for some more happiness.

Happy with gobs of cheesy pizza.

Special day.

Not over yet.....

Off to camping for the weekend to celebrate with the fam.

To eat.

To play.

To open.

To snuggle.

To blow candles.

Thanks Nana- you totally always ROCK with your birthday cakes.

Lauren is a flip flop girl for sure!

We love you L-train.

Oodles and oodles and oodles, precious one.

Graduation.

                                                        Hannah= goodbye Middle School.

Hello High School.

Lauren= goodbye Elementary School.

Hello Middle School.

We'll miss our classes,

And our friends,

We'll miss the sunny smiles,

That all the teachers had to give us

through the long hard miles.

We'll miss the happy atmosphere,

We'll miss the friendly faces,

But we're moving on the middle school,

And going to new places.

We're moving on in life today,

And we will never forget,

All you guys at Clear Sky,

And all the love you gave.

- Skyler Gray

We had a lovely day at Lauren's graduation. 

(Hannah didn't have a big graduation- it's just a big 6th grade one here) 

I was holding back the tears at times. 

I am over moon proud of where these girls have come. 

Who they desire to be. 

Who they are today.

Lauren was awarded some big stuff for high academics. Biggest of all was...

MOST OUTSTANDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR FOR 7th GRADE.

(Um. yes. can I say teary eyes with this one for me?)

Saying goodbye to a dear friend moving= some tears.

She has this precious circle of sweet friends= happiness.

Love and hugs and tears and laughter and all good things that day.

Hello summer!

Goodbye school year and all the papers and homework. 

Hello sunshine.

Hello more walks with friends and Polly.

Hello fishing.

Hello boating.

Hello more family time.

Hello pool time.

Hello flavor-ice.

Hello more time with sweet friends.

Hello summer toes. 

Hello camping.

Hello playing!

Hello backyard chillin'.

Hello birthday celebrations.

Hello sister love.

Hello fresh flowers.

Hello planting flowers.

Hello Lauren!

a butterfly birthday

BUTTERFLY:

renewal- strength- rebirth

A regenerative species, butterflies consistently transition from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly. Giving us faith in change, the butterfly is associated with unwavering grace, soulful insight, and eloquence on our journey. Channel the energy of the butterfly and emerge brilliantly from your transformation.

                                                                                                                                                        -Alex and Ani

I loved this beautiful writing about butterflies. It also warms me from top to bottom when those I love remember the meaning behind them for my life. 

I was certainly flooded with fluttery gifts this year:

butterfly ring

butterfly Pandora necklace

Alex and Ani butterfly bracelet

butterfly applique on a black cowboy hat

butterfly earrings

butterfly hooks for the wall

butterfly wooden sign

adorable butterfly holders

....even butterfly car air fresheners!

I wanted to spend the day with my favorite girls.

We spa'd it...and pampered ourselves...

and got our toesies all cute'd up!

Speaking of cuties...here is mine.

and a couple cuties more.

We cooked out and blew some candles out.

I opened some more goodies (love Tristan photo-bombing!)

A birthday dinner out with my sister-in-law and fun friend...

and then ANOTHER birthday night out with some other sweet friends.

Thanks for the cowgirl hat, Kerstin! 

(you're taking me back to my Texas roots!)

Speaking of sweet friends...I have this dear friend in South Caroline. We send eachother "Me Too" boxes filled with all sorts of fun and joy through the year. This birthday box was filled with all the the things that make her happy....and they all make me happy too. Thanks ME TOO!

Love the sentimental gifts- just little reminder of some big dreams between myself and another dear sista. 

My new favorite mug.

And flowers...okay, what girl doesn't like to receive flowers? And from another girl- even better!

I. am. spoiled. and blessed beyond measure.