jmac + kmac: friends

Derby in Kentucky is the absolute BEST. We love everything about it!! The races, the big hats, the parades, the parties...it's like a week-long celebration and it's so fun.

So when it was cancelled back in May (thanks to Covid), we were so bummed! We waited patiently, though, and loved celebrating the Derby this past weekend. Although I'll admit--it was SUPER weird having Derby the same weekend as Labor Day. Haha!

But we had a little Derby party in the backyard, and it was a blast!

^Two girls, getting ready to party!^

We ate, and then set up the projector in the garage and had a big screen watch party. It still wasn't as good as being at the track, but it was close!!

The energy of the race is always just electric. We were all cheering and yelling as we watched, and it was so fun. The kids were super into it, too!

^Brighton's face in this kills me!^

^Go, baby, go!!^

Brighton and Camden both picked the winning horse (Authentic!), so they got to split a giant candy bar for their prize. They were pumped!

^Can we please talk about these dimples?^

After the race, Boston and Camden put on a little magic show for everyone. They had been practicing and practicing, and it was pretty darn cute to watch them in front of a crowd, just doing their thing.

Then the kids played on the swing set and ran around, and the adults just hung out and talked. It was the most perfect evening to be outside!

^Little magicians^

^hiding Brights^

^My friend Kristyn and I with our darling girls!^

I set up a little "photo booth" with some Derby props, and we had so much fun with it.

Because I mean, is it even a party without a photo booth??

P.S., I had Camden write out the words on the sign, and he added the "#Derby" part all on his own. I was so proud! Haha.

^My little Derby crew!^

I could only talk the boys into one picture, but Monroe had no choice but to be in a couple more! Can you even handle her in her little hat??

Cutest Kentucky baby ever.

^Monroe's first Derby!^

After dinner, I brought out some rose cupcakes I had made for dessert. (thanks YouTube for the rose frosting tutorial!) They turned out so yummy...but the red frosting totally stained the kids' faces. We were dying over Brighton's Joker smile! haha.

^"Wanna know how I got these scars?"^

The kids played until the sun started to go down, and the fireflies started to come out.

Such a perfect Kentucky night.

^He loves her so much. Also, their big brown chocolate eyes!^

Even thought it was an nontraditional Derby this year, we made the most of it and had so much fun. Hopefully by the time the next Derby rolls around we will be able to go to the races again!

So glad we could still make some fun memories.

***

^Derby week 2019^

Our Holland Beck is FIVE, and I seriously can't believe it. I know it's like the ultimate mom thing to say...and I always say it...but where does the time go????? I swear he was just a baby, and now he's a crazy, rowdy five-year-old.

My sister texted me this photo from her time-hop on the morning of his birthday, and I could hardly believe it had actually been five years since this moment--where I met him for the first time:

So tiny and precious!!

And then these memories of his squishable little self are just classic:

^4 months old, and shaped like a bowling ball. After seeing me try to get him out of this swing, a lady said "I think you might need to Crisco up those legs!" haha^

^CANNOT HANDLE HIM^

^I feel like he looks so much like Monroe here.^

^One of my all-time favorite pics. He was 18 months here^

He was the absolute cutest baby. So squishy, so mellow, and so blonde!!

And now, he is the most handsome little five-year-old.

^I love his little scrunched-nose smile^

This year was supposed to be the "friend party" year for the kiddos (we switch off with friend parties and family parties every other year), but obviously that couldn't happen because of the Corona Virus Quarantine of 2020. So we got creative, and invited friends to drive by in a birthday parade for Holland instead!

And you know what? It was pretty much the best thing ever. I kind of want to do it every year. Our friends came by with decorated cars, and they honked and blasted music--and they even gave gifts and candy out of their windows. I got choked up at one point because I was so grateful that they all showed up for us and for our sweet boy.

It was so special, and so fun!

^Getting ready for his birthday parade!^

^His sass kills me haha^

Here comes the parade!!

^sweetest friends^

^My friend took a photo of us from her van. I love that I have my phone up--just filming everything and crying behind my sunglasses^

^As if I wasn't emotional enough, his preschool teacher came too. I was a mess.^

^One of our friends gave him this balloon from their car and he was pumped!^

He felt so, so happy that he got to see all of his friends on his birthday! I could tell he felt a little weird being in the spotlight in front of all of the people in the parade, but he told us after how much he loved it.

^going through all the goodies from the parade!^

After the parade festivities, we went to one of Holland's favorite places: Buttermilk Falls. (Photos from the first time we went there, here.) It's the most beautiful trail, and it was great for a socially distanced birthday walk. Haha. (...but seriously. What a weird time to be alive.) We gave Holland a new scooter for his b-day, so it was the perfect place to give it a whirl!

^Scooter boy!^

^I like him.^

^cutest birthday Holls^

^Brights insisted on pushing the stroller with his dad...until he realized that riding was a way better option. haha^

^sweetest girl of my life. (three months old exactly in this photo!)^

After we walked for a while, we found the perfect spot to hang out and rest. The kids took off their shoes and played in the water, I nursed Monroe under a tree, and it was just such a good moment.

^daddy and his girl^

^splashin' boys^

^so much fun with the birthday boy^

After we were all tired and hot, we loaded back up to head home. We grabbed some Chick-Fil-A for dinner (Holland's request), and then played outside a bit before opening presents and eating cake!

^He loves his baby sis so much^

^A new robot!^

^Facetiming grandparents and opening presents^

^Sponge Bob strawberry lemonade cake!^

^love this little goober^

Now for my annual birthday letter. Because I'm a mom, and it's my job to be sappy sometimes.

Dear Holls,

My gosh, we just love you!! Your dad and I always talk about how much life and spunk you bring to our family, and how boring we would be without you. You are just the craziest, cutest, sweetest boy around. You are always thinking of others, and you give the absolute best snuggles and loves. You are a ray of sunshine, and you have been since the minute you were born.

We are so, so lucky to have you, Mr. Becks.

Hope you had the best fifth birthday!! We love you so much.

Love,

Mom & Dad