jmac + kmac: Kentucky

We have been picking strawberries on Memorial Day for the past several years, and it has become such a fun tradition!! We all look forward to it all year.

This year it had rained SO MUCH the day and night before, so we were unsure if we'd be able to pick any berries. But we woke up and the sun was shining bright, so we headed off to the orchard! It was a little soggy, but we picked so many strawberries and just had the best time!

Strawberry glasses!

Twinning!

We were the only people in the field (besides the workers), and so the kids had free reign over the strawberries! They told us to pick as many as we'd like, and the kids went wild.

I'm always shocked that there aren't more people out picking with us! Each year we go, we're usually one of two or three families. I won't lie, it's kind of awesome. Haha.

obsessed with him.

Taste-tester!

Have you ever been to Kentucky in the summer? If not, you should come.

It's humid, but its seriously just so lush and green and beautiful--there's nothing like it!

It is a dream.

The loot!

After we were done picking, we went over to the orchard park and let the kids run and play. It was such a beautiful day!! They had so much fun.

Also, check out this quad-slide!! We just needed one more and all of the kids would've been set. Haha!

sweet summertime.

Constantly posing, everywhere she goes. Haha.

We had to stop in their farm store for some fresh strawberry slushies!

Brighton and Monroe were obsessed with the tiny carts. The cutest!

The happiest sight.

Sitting on that porch reminded me of strawberry picking four years ago, when we sat on the porch rockers afterwards and Monroe was a tiny baby in gingham.

Where does the time go????

From this:

four months old.

To this:

four years old!

And from this chunky little teeny baby:

To this sweet and sassy little girl:

It feels like the blink of an eye. It is truly wild how fast they grow up!!

That evening we hosted a little backyard bbq for memorial day, and it was such a perfect night for it.

Monroe and I made an American flag cookie cake! She meticulously placed every single blueberry, and she was so proud. She is the best little baking buddy!

Cutest ever!!

I also made some little dessert "hot dogs" with twinkies and twix bars. The kids LOVED them!! They were a hit. Also, they were a little sugary. Haha.

What a great day!!

***

Here are some photos of each year of strawberry picking on Memorial Day.

I love this tradition!!

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Easter 2024.

Easter is one of my very favorite holidays!! I love springtime, and I love how Jesus Christ is the focus of the season. It's such a beautiful holiday filled with hope and peace, and I just love it.

I also love getting everyone dressed up in their Easter Sunday best and snapping some portraits! It is so fun to look through these pictures every year and see how the kids change. They're growing so fast!!

***

Monroe Skye, age 4.

Where do I even start with this girl?? She is the spunkiest, sweetest little thing, and we are all just obsessed with her crazy little personality haha. She loves puppies, Taylor Swift, Chick-fil-a, wearing pretty dresses and leotards, drawing with Brighton, riding her scooter, princesses, Bluey, the color pink, and dancing anywhere and everywhere. She is a wild child, but loves to snuggle with her daddy and go shopping with her mom. We love our Monroe so much!

Brighton James, age 7.

Brighton is the cutest little bug!! He is just his own little person, and we love him so much. He loves Stitch, squishmallows, cheeseburgers, drawing, anything Super Mario Bros, playing board games, ramen noodles, legos, playing with his friends, spaghetti-ohs, reading, and techno music (haha). He is so kind to others, he loves to have fun, and he loves to randomly break out in some opera singing or his Australian accent. He will keep you laughing forever and ever!! Love you, Brights!

Holland Beck, age 8.5.

Holls!! Oh how we love this boy! He is sweet, silly, and everybody's best bud. He loves playing basketball, swimming, Mr. Beast, Olive Garden, helping his sister with anything she needs, playing outside with friends, video games, a good casserole, hanging out with his dad, art, and going on road trips. He has the most infectious giggle, and when he "gets the giggs" (can't stop laughing), it's the best thing in the world. He has the kindest heart, and is the most lovable dude.

Camden Race, age 10.5.

Cam Bam!! What a guy! Camden is hilarious, smart, and always scheming about his next big move, adventure, or creation. His wheels are always turning!! He loves roller coasters, the beach, sushi, doing magic tricks, playing outside with friends, super difficult legos, basketball, video games, flag football, sour candy (or any candy haha), watching movies as a family, Five Below, riding his hover board, wiffle ball, and any kind of puzzle/ puzzle cube. He is a great friend, and is always the life of the party. We love our Camden!!

Boston Emery, age 12.5

Boston is getting too old for my liking. HOW is he almost a teenager?? It blows my mind! He is just the best kid, and we love him so much. Boston loves Star Wars, basketball, magnet fishing, hanging out with his friends, golf, Fortnite, playing his trumpet, reading historical books, cool shoes, Kraft mac & cheese, going to Young Mens at church, flag football, and finding treasures at the thrift store with his mom. He is so kind to everyone, and is a great big brother to his younger siblings. We love you, Bost!