Seven Years of Love

Today marks 7 years since I got to marry Sarah. This year we took an early anniversary trip to NYC

We had a lot of fun, but to be honest I don't think we fully appreciated each other. Humans have an amazing ability to see the new things. We constantly notice what has changed and what is new.

Unfortunately we are not very good at remembering the amazing things we already have. When Sarah planned her Europe trip with her Mom and sister I spent all my time leading up to the trip worrying about taking care of our two boys by myself. I thought about what food to make for them, what kinds of activities I could do with both of them at the same time etc.

Somehow in all that planning I totally failed to plan for how much I would miss Sarah. The morning she left I gave her a hug and suddenly had a pang of loss. Since she has been gone I have seen or heard something that reminds me of her basically every single hour and have to fight back the tears (I don't want the boys thinking that their dad is going crazy).

So even though we are much further apart than normal this anniversary, I have never felt more in love. I ache for the chance to kiss those sweet lips and see her make our boys laugh.

I love you more than I know how to write, and more than any of the songs I ever wrote for you. You are the best Sarah.

family pics by a sis

My sister Sam took these a few weeks ago and we are so happy with how they turned out. It was so nice to have her come to our house so we didn't have to load up the boys. I love having pictures taken in our home because that is where we spend most of our time as a family and that is where everyone feels the most comfortable. It's so nice having photographers in the family don't you think?

well done TOMS

photo

I have to say that I haven't really gotten into the whole ankle boot thing... just not my thing. But these are a different story. I don't know why I like them so much but I do, so there. 

Dear Michael,

 if you are looking for a sweet little surprise for your dear old wifey, this would be a good idea.

Love, 

Me

insta faves

counting down till Thanksgiving

woah....it's been a long time since I posted. 

Recently, Michael and I booked this dream cabin up in McCall for a Ries family Thanksgiving extravaganza! I am obsessed with airbnb.com these days so while playing around on it over the weekend we just decided to book this place for the fam. I can't wait for Banks to chill with all his awesome boy cousins, play games, eat pie(s), watch movies, laugh, and eat some more pie.

Seriously though, if you haven't ever been on airbnb.com before check it out now. It is so fun to search for accommodations all over the world that people have posted. We're planning a trip to Europe with the boys for next summer and will def be using it to find a sweet dig for us to stay in.

jump on this!!!

www.samanthakellyphoto.blogspot.com

Me, Archie & Kelly Arts

Sister Sam is starting her own photography biz so why not cash in on some free practice snaps? 

Also, this is Kelly Arts' newest video.

 Love them.

me and my boys

This was my Mother's Day gift from me to me. 

I had Jen Herem take these pics and I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.

Mother's Day slam dunk

All five Card girls came together this year for Mother's Day to make this video for our Mom. Thanks to Sam (Oldest) and her hubby Chas for putting in most of the work to film and edit this gem. Mom LOVED it and so do we. 

Archie

Im so glad I had Heather Pickett take these newborn pictures of Archie. I didn't do this with Banks and regret it. Heather is so great because her experience as an RN really makes her confident and able to work with babies so well. We are so happy with how the pictures turned out.

first days

It's funny how easy you forget what those first few weeks are like. Michael and I sure did. I have to say though in Archie's defense, it really was that first night home (so far) that was a little rough. He was pretty restless that first night, which meant no sleep basically for Mommy and Daddy. I think it had something to do with switching formula on him (that's right, I don't nurse...don't judge) that had him in a funk. Thankfully he is back on top and has been sleeping for 5 hours straight! Ill feed him and then he's back down. Both my boys have been like this and I feel so lucky to not be a zombie. Bottle feeding, for us, is a lifesaver and I wouldn't have it any other way. I realize that it's only been a few days but I feel like this routine is a good indicator of how things are going to go with this one, keeping our fingers crossed.

These pictures are my attempt at some amateur infant photography. They change so much at the beginning that each day they look different, at least in the Mommy's eyes.