L L F M D: Study abroad.

13. Study abroad.

Though I did some travelling when I was younger, I didn't study abroad and it is the one thing I regret from my college years. I graduated a semester early, so I had the opportunity, I just didn't do it. I was always afraid to do things completely on my own.

Step out from your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to travel by yourself and meet new people. Often, the things we are most afraid of turn out to be the most exciting and rewarding. Discover the world. Experience other cultures. Do it before you have a full time job and a family and responsibilities that make it more difficult. Take in the architecture, the food, the language, the land. Meet the people. Appreciate the blessings you already have in your life at home. Learn from others how you can live a better, fuller life. Take lots of photographs of the places you travel to. You won't regret it. 

Planting our garden!

"Grow us some nice tomatoes, plant, please!" 

And she said something similar to every single thing we planted. ♥

Audrey - 29 months

Audrey,

It has been 3 months since your last letter, so I think it is about time we get caught up!

We've been busy the last few months and have been down to Maryland to visit Titi, Uncle Ryan and Blake 3 times! We spent Easter with them, and spent 2 separate weekends helping them get settled in and set up their new house! One weekend when we were there, we went to the zoo and the highlight of this past weekend was that you and your cousin went swimming!

We've been spending a lot of time outside, of course! You love to be outside and so does Mama. And Mama is so glad it doesn't take us 20 minutes to bundle up and go outside anymore!

Mama joined a medicinal plant co-op, and you've had a lot of fun searching for flowers and plants with me.

If you can be swinging, riding your 4-wheeler, chasing bubbles, meditating in the sunshine, digging in the dirt, playing in your sandbox, or climbing the rock wall, you're a happy girl!

We are planning to plant the garden this week, so we've been busy getting the raised beds ready and you are anxious to get the seeds and plants in!

You had both your first pedicure from Mommy and your first pedicure in the salon recently. I think Mommy has created a monster because as soon as the nail polish starts to chip you want it fixed. But I have to admit, you look so cute with your toe nails painted!

You didn't sleep in your toddler bed long before you transitioned to a regular full sized bed. But you finally sleep consistently through the night and put yourself to sleep for nap and bedtime! I must admit it is amazing and I don't know how we made it over 2 years with your old sleep habits.

We've had a couple of our little photo shoots. You're the best model and Mommy has so much fun trying to capture your sweet and curious personality.

Your imagination runs wild, you tell the craziest, best stories, and you are equal parts sweet and sassy.

I love everything about you and everything you are becoming. Watching your personality develop is awe inspiring and entertaining. You certainly test my patience and your boundaries almost daily, but you're a good girl and Mommy is grateful for you.

I'm looking forward to all the summer will bring!
I love you so much, sweetheart!
Mommy

French braids

I put Audrey's hair in two French braids for the first time this morning. When I showed them to her in the mirror, she smiled and said, "I look like Doc McStuffins!" She ran to show my husband and said, "Daddy! Daddy! I look like Doc McStuffins!" Then I hear him whisper to her, "No, you look like your Mommy when I fell in love with her."

#BostonStrong

This is a prime example of why Boston is one of my favorite cities and why I am proud to be a Bay Stater. The spirit of the people of Boston is unlike any other.

"Just minutes after the capture of the second Boston Marathon bombing suspect, Bostonians leave their homes in which they've been locked down in for hours and come together in the streets to rejoice. Peaceful crowd shown applauding local police and singing our national anthem. Boston, you're my home." ~Bill Farrell

Video Credit: Bill Farrell's Facebook page.

Spring & Summer FUN!

Audrey and I started our Spring & Summer To-Do List this morning!

Help us fill ours up! What is on your list of fun things to do with your kids now that the weather is warming up?

♥ Boston ♥