The Best Yet

The first half of 2020 has presented some of the hardest moments for our marriage and our parenting.

However, I feel fairly confident that there will be harder moments in future years.

Mother’s day last month and our 13^th wedding anniversary this past week were nothing like I would have imagined a year ago.

In part because we had two less children, and in part because of a pandemic.

However they were unexpectedly our best yet.

Sophia and I had very different expectations of Mother’s day.

My vision of a respite from mothering was countered by her vision of some quality time mothering.

It turns out she was right.

Her request was to go camping with me in our backyard.

Who knew all you need is a sleeping bag, snacks, a lantern, and bubbles?

Our wedding anniversary has always included dinner for two at a restaurant (most often at the one Joshua brought me to after proposing).

This year it was pizza on the beach for our family of 8, and it was very celebratory.

Sophias's 7th

Seven snuck up on us. I remember two feeling old and then five, but seven is a reading, bike riding person who seeks independence whenever possible.

The night before her birthday I pulled into the parking lot of the Fancy That Tea Shop for take out of their afternoon tea. While it served as breakfast in bed this year, I can't wait to bring her back for an in person experience.

Later that evening, the food theme continued with Sophia's request for McDonald's for dinner.

This was the first year she curated her own birthday wish list and put a lot of thought into the doll accessories, including details such as underwear and glasses.

One incredible blessing of the Pandemic was that family and friends could join us from Canada, Vermont, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio and Indiana.

Sophia asked for Carolyn to make her a pink cake with pink frosting, and rainbow sprinkles.

The night concluded with Sophia's annual birthday dance with her Dad.

The next morning our friend Rebecca dropped off these beauties. It makes me smile every time I see Josh bring them back to the stable (our shed). They served as the floats in Sophia's birthday parade.

We also decorated the stroller to serve as a parade spectator stand.

We were thankful for those who joyfully celebrated with us, including Sophia's dentist!

When we returned home from the parade, which took place around the corner away from our busy street, we were delighted to find our door decorated by Aunt Aimee. 

We love you Sophia and are excited for another year with you.