Those last days of summer

Since arriving home from Portland, we made the goal to enjoy the last few days of summer, even if it meant melting in this insufferably hot oven. 
So, we went on an early-morning hike. 
Let me just tell you something: 
As long as it's August and as long as you're in Texas, it's hot. Always. 
Jude was the first of us to drop. Because I mean, wide, open spaces....run....drink...run...drink...run away from us....run back.....fall over, give up and make mom carry you the whole way while you guzzle the Camelback.  
All within 5 minutes of getting out of the car. 

But these two, they had at the best time ever. 

Of course they did. They're the most chronically-happy people ever. 

Nothing is more fun than body parts and silly face stickers. Nothing.

Nothing except little sister rolling around in them and getting eyes stuck on the back of her head. Some women are born with them there. She is one of them. 

Like I said, our summers are really hot. And reading takes away the sting of boredom since our pool has been tepid since June.  

Jude was drawing the sunset. Jude loves watching the sun go down and waits for the moon to appear every night. He calls us all outside the moment it all starts happening. I love how my kids remind me to enjoy the simple beauties of life. 

These two, on the eve of the first day of school. 

And he's home from his first day! Exhausted, quiet, but solemnly bigger and more determined to learn more tomorrow. 

That's my guy. 

A first birthday for Scout!

Our baby girl is one!
So many emotions yesterday with this happy, bubbly, brave, smiley, affectionate, lovely little girl going from infanthood to toddlerhood. She has been the perfect addition to our little family. She brings added joy and love and warmth and fun into all of our lives--including and especially Jude's. When she woke up that morning her big brother wished her a "happy birthday" and she immediately put her arms around his neck and they hugged for a long time. Where were we without you, Miss Scout?!

Yesterday we filled the day with things we thought she would enjoy. We started with riding bikes on the waterfront. The weather was perfect and the sun came out just in time for us to joy-ride, taking in some of our most favorite sites--all the while Scout singing and squealing, and saying, "baaaaby, baaaaby". 

At one point, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the influence of the little miss I had sitting in front of me, and all of the love we have for her and gratitude for this incredibly sweet year, I leaned forward and whispered into her ear, "Happy birthday, baby girl," knowing she'd never remember anything about this day, but hoping she would feel in the moment how intensely she is loved and adored. 

We worked up a good appetite and headed over to Little Big Burger, because let me tell you, this girl loves her fries. Morning, noon and night--just like her mama. 

Once we totally stuffed ourselves we visited our favorite book store, Powell's, to pick out some favorites to take home to Austin. I have to say, one of my favorite things about Jude is his love for books, and Scout is following suit. 

And what would a birthday (or any day) be without a trip to Salt and Straw? Sorry Scout, but you slept through this one. I enjoyed it for the both of us.

Once back at the Stevens' we had a little birthday dinner and celebration!--which big brother slept through. We had salmon, rice pilaf and zucchini and then vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting and sweet gifts from us and her grandparents. 

We love you so much, Scout Imogene! Thank you for such a wonderful year, baby girl!