lake day

we headed to the lake with some dear friends while the weather was still warm. i love lake days! we packed a cooler full of good food & drinks, loaded up the kayak - and thanks to some kind strangers who let us use their sunscreen, none of the littles got sunburned (or me!).

jazz festival

I love these photos so much! this was from this past weekend - at the Denton's Jazz + Art Festival. it's always a favorite around here. tons of great music, beautiful friends + babies, plus all the good festival food - like funnel cake.

drum circle

(despite it's blurry quality, i love this photograph)

we met up with some dear friends at a drum circle hosted by one of the local universities in our town. every year, the music therapy department (at TWU) provides all the instruments - mainly djembe's and encourages everyone to play and dance along.

i simply loved that all of the children (and adults!) played and danced along to the singing and drumming - coming alive and fully engaging  their entire beings to the music. it was such a beautiful and fun experience to see the community come together and just be present with their surroundings and with one another. to hear loud singing, hands beating in rhythm, clapping, feet stomping to the beat, and tiny squeals of delight and bursts of laughter, simply made my heart happy.

sparrow absolutely loved every aspect of the drum circle - the drumming, singing, and playing with all of the other kiddos. my little bird loves music so much, it awakens her body and soul, and it's so cute to watch her move to the beat. and as i see the wonder in her eyes, the passion in her smile, and hear her uncontrollable squeals, my heart can't help but swell with emotion. i love my little bird and it is pure joy to be at her side as she experiences all of life's firsts, even little hippie drum circles.

ryan & jade's wedding

this sunday two of our very dear friends got married, and we both had the privelage of standing along side them as they declared their love and commitment to one another. it was the absolute sweetest wedding. i always love watching the groom during weddings, and as jade started walking down the aisle, ryan just began to cry - it was a really special thing to witness. i couldn't be more happy for them!