Growing Up: Family Photos 2016

I'm back!

And with pictures!!!

What, What?!?!

I know, it's been a while.

I hope to be more faithful in my blogging for 2017... until then, I hope this ties you all over!

**Scroll down to avoid a sappy story/small catch up**

My parents are the best. For real, you can't find better. I know they have some stiff competition, I've met some of your parents. Anywho, they paid to have a photographer come and shoot our WHOLE family over Labor Day weekend. TBH, I wish that I had the money to do family photos every year. We were super blessed to have some out of state family join us.

Tangent - Fun story about my crazy emotions that holiday weekend real quick: I knew my Aunt Molly was in town, and that my sister, Mary, and niece, Allie, were coming. Brandon and I (and kids) had a wedding on the other side of the state the same weekend (Friday/Saturday). Due to some unsolicited drama in my life, I was feeling crazy defeated. Saturday night, we were gathering at one of my (many) sister's homes for a grill out. I was frustrated and angry, and my poor hubs and kids were getting the mean end of it. I wanted to crawl into a hole and cry, and I couldn't wait to get to my mom (she's the ~~best~~ greatest advice giver). I was walking to the back yard - all booty hurt - I see my Aunt Molly (first time in a long time), and I feel all the feels. Then... I see my big brother - from Florida, who I hadn't see in far too long, and had no idea would be there. I could not stop crying. I kid you not, I'm crying right now remembering it. All you little sisters out there who live more than 10 hours away from your big brother know what I'm talking about. I hugged him, he hugged me, I called him a jerk, and all seemed right in the world again. It was a great surprise.

Catch up: It's been .... 3 1/2 years since I blogged? Not funny. I've had so many blog ideas, and a lack of willingness to commit/time. New family photos did however, give me a desire to refresh. Also, I have discovered that I can be super ADD about things, and therefore, my writing style isn't what you would call professional level blogger status... Brandon has switched jobs a couple times. Each time it has been God-blessed, and great for our family (he doesn't travel for work anymore!!!!). I no longer work, and get to stay home with the kids (this was a financial sacrifice for us, which I plan to talk about more in a later post). We moved into our first home! No more renting! Asa has switched from Iowa Christian Academy to Olmsted Elementary School in Urbandale. He is smarter than me (not really, but smarter than I was at that age). Emmett has started Kindergarten at the same school, and is doing well, thanks to some very awesome and devoted teachers (also, a later post). The girls are homeschool-preschool and sassy. Brandon says they get that from me, I don't see it. Our cat died. We got a new one. Van died. Got a new one. And much, much more!

I will not share ALL the photos, because #time and there's too many to choose from. But I will share some of my little family, and a few group photos.

**PICTURE TIME**