::a special gift::

Last time I was home in Florida, I found an alligator skin carrying case filled with old slides tucked away in my grandma's closet. We got them developed and made digital, too.

I'd been waiting for the right time to use that vintage scrapbook. The result was a special birthday gift. Love you, Dad.

::the honorary::

Soon after Jay proposed, I made the calls to tell my family the big news. When I talked to my sister, I immediately asked her to be my Maid of Honor. It's been my plan since the day she was born. Well, this is probably more accurate on how it went down...

Me: "Meg. I'm engaged!"
Meghan: "Ahhhh! YAY! Well, aren't you gonna ask me?!" 
Me: "Duh! Will you be my MOH?"

To make it more official, I gave her a little gift with this card I designed when I was home. I found a stack of vintage sheet music at a local thrift store a while back. I scanned them and planned to use them for digital collages.

So excited to have my best friend right by my side. I'm also pretty certain she'll plan a stellar bachelorette party.

::niece #2::

Another joy of being home is spending time with my three nieces. This is niece #2, protecting the cracker I was trying to steal from her mouth.

They are irresistibly cute in every way.

::superwoman::

I'm pretty convinced my mother is Superwoman...saving the world every day.

We're heading to Florida for Memorial Day and I'm so excited to spend a few days with the people I love most! There are times when I find myself acting like her or saying something that my mom would say– Jay's even called me out on it a few times. Believe me, I don't mind. In fact, I hope to be just like her.

I love you, Mom. You truly are THE BEST. Thank you.

::claire::

This is my grandmother. She was one extraordinary woman. 

::down time::

Spending lots of time surrounded by family. Life is good. 

::thankFULL::

I'm so happy to be home with my family for Thanksgiving. I plan on eating more than my fair share of green bean casserole and having lots of play time with my pretty little nieces. There's so much to be thankful for. Enjoy the long weekend with your loved ones!

p.s. THANK YOU!

::to the greatest::

Wishing you more than the best on your big day. Happy birthday to the greatest man I know. Thank you for everything you do + for everything you've taught me. I'm so lucky to call you Dad.


LOVE YOU!

::always::

I remember my Dad always telling us, "family comes first." Luckily, mine is top notch.

This is the first time I've lived in a different state than my family. My brothers + their families are very close to my parent's house and my sister isn't far at UCF. Although in Florida I wasn't in the same city, it was common to meet up every week or two. I'm starting to get that homesick feeling. Or at least a Skype date is in order!

one / two

::an awesome space::

My Aunt Kathie is super smart, sophisticated, design savvy and just plain awesome. Her space reflects those same qualities and is so inspirational (just like her).

The inspiration board is filled with postcards, beautiful papers, photos, well-designed business cards, old postage stamps, dried leaves and other randomly collected items. I love the way she used tall clay pots to organize rulers, paintbrushes, pencils and paint sticks. And books, books, books everywhere! 

What a perfectly simple design on these little booklets on her coffee table.

Can't wait to visit you in Seattle, Kathie. xoxo!

::easter & family::

I was lucky enough to spend most of last week and the weekend at home with my family and J for my little brother's wedding {more on that this week!} and Easter. I'm even luckier to be a part of such a close-knit, loving and supportive family.

Yesterday after wedding festivities, we said farewell to the bride and groom and headed to my grandparents' house for the beach and dinner. After dinner my grandma brought out some old family photos. That woman in the top picture is her mother {my great grandmother}...check out her style! It's so neat to see what they wore, the expressions on their faces, and the architecture around them. And the last one is my beautiful mother {far left} with her siblings.