Grandpa Dee and Grandma Jeannie.

My grandparents came through town for a bit and we all met at my cousin's house. They live in California and I miss them terribly. I love the way my grandma gently pushes the hair behind my ear, and the way my grandpa smiles that crafty smile. They're so much a part of me.

This is on my birthday, about 20 years ago...

Few from when Rachel was here.

This one of Tada taken by Rachel.

Rache and I grew up as close as any sisters could be. And when she comes to visit, my heart usually explodes. So here I am, trying to pick up the pieces of an exploded heart. It's not that easy. 

It's fun to see freckles on my adult siblings. When we were born my mom must have said to us one by one, "take some freckles and pass 'em down!". I definitely helped myself.

Me and Lillie on a summer day, taken by Rachel.

Finally!

Sean's mom and my mom just after seeing the boys.

Click here to see the birth photographs. 

Click here to read her birth story.

Hannah's Twins.

Hannah, 35 weeks.

My sister Hannah is having twin boys on August 3rd (if not before!). Seems impossible that a small body could house two large babies!

Rachel's flying in from the East Coast, my mom is coming on Monday, everyone is waiting and anxious and worried and excited. Hannah was hoping for a normal delivery but the boys are both sitting straight up breech! She'll have a c-section. The most incredible thing about Hannie is that she just finished nursing school TWO DAYS AGO. She took her last final and could finally breathe a sigh of relief (or not...). 

Our entire family is on the edge of our bleachers dying to see what these boys look like! This is the best summer ever.

Grace and Twins.

Grace. With her beautiful skin and hair and self.

Below: Me, Hannah and Miriam. All moms now. My sisters are awesome. Hannah is having twin boys! She's due in August and if all goes well, I will photograph their birth. Hang in there Hannah. And we can make hearts on your stomach anytime you need a laugh!

My parents with my children...

They gave me life, they gave me love and acceptance and taught me to do the same. I love them with all the unexplainable devotion a human can muster.

They drove home today... in fact, they're about an hour away right now, winding up the coast on the rain-soaked highways of California.

There was a new baby born into the Smylie family yesterday. Jake's sister, Sarah had a boy at around 11 p.m. They're in Florida, so I am very sad to say that I missed it.... and I can't see him right now, but he is healthy and beautiful.

Another miracle.

Eureka, CA.

I have so much to say... and don't know where to begin. I'll start out by saying, Jake and I and the girls drove 18 hours just to get to Eureka, California, my hometown. It usually takes 14 but with kids, much longer.

Have you ever wondered if you have any deep reservoirs of patience? Do you wonder if you have what it takes to make it through a traumatic experience and come out in one piece? Well get in the car with your kids and take a really long road trip. That'll do it. That'll teach you what your strengths and weaknesses are! But for the most part, it was nice to be together. For better or worse.

About an hour from Eureka, while Jake drove us through the redwoods up the coast, I answered the phone call from my parents that said the graveside service that was supposed to be that day was cancelled. Because of the earthquake in Japan (so, so terrible) a large part of the coast was under a tsunami warning. Businesses, such as mortuaries, were not permitted (by F.E.M.A.) to conduct their usual business. The mall and most other places were closed.

A huge bummer.

It was, however, really nice to spend some quiet family time in the funeral home talking about my Grandmother. She was a fantastic lady, full of incredible vigor and laughter and music.

We were only in Eureka for a short time and squeezed in as much as we could.

I hadn't been home in 6 years. I had missed it so much. I walked in my parent's house and immediately started crying. Everything I saw and touched was beautiful. My mom's nicknacks and wall hangings and books that she's had since before I was born, every single thing reminded me of my childhood and each one carried a million memories.

It was so good for my soul to be home. I reflected on myself quite a bit. I was just so happy to be there. Everything in that town is such a part of me. The grass and the constantly wet ground, the cold wind, the rain, the trees. It's all so beautiful.

My girls loved being there and exploring their Grandma and Grandpa's house. My brother and sister still live at home and are incredible with our kids.

Until next time---