We spent most of our afternoon outside today. I don’t always bring my camera out, but as I watched the last photo unfold, I ran in to grab it. I am glad I did, because I love all these photos. The light was beautiful! And so are my kids. 😉
Reed can hold back his feelings a bit, especially towards me and Lena, I think. As animated as he is, he doesn’t always let on that he loves us. I had been taking photos of Lena, and I said “hey, Reed, run over here and give Lena a hug!” I don’t think he would have hugged her if I hadn’t asked, but his love for her is so genuine.
He’s 5.
R walked into this one.
R and I talk a lot about giving G personal space. R just kind of runs by Gus and gives him a quick hug all the time. Gus doesn’t always like this. R went in for a hug.
This time, Gus pulled back and shouted at R. R said, “he doesn’t want a hug, so I’ll give him a back rub instead.
That was fun and fine by Gus.
R hugged everyone tonight, after my initial suggestion that he hug Lena. I am not sure anyone else enjoyed it quite as much as L did, though.
I love this girl.
Reed is such an entertainer and story teller. Even as a parent, I struggle to get a word in sometimes. But, I reminded myself a couple of times today that it matters so much to him that I listen… when he talks, it is my time to build him up and make him feel loved, important and heard. The more I genuinely listen, the stronger our relationship grows and the more he’ll keep talking as he gets older, right?
For him, I feel like that is his most-needed gift– for someone to hear him. I do think listening to all kids is important, but it is #1 for him. (And no, I don’t normally have my camera out photographing it, but I have a feeling in 10 or 20 years, I will be glad I did it once!)
He climbed up here to talk to me. I asked him to smile for a photo and he said “you have got to show that one to Papa!”
Lest you think our afternoon was perfect,
We had some freak-outs, too.
And the cuddles that come after freak-outs.
And overall, it was a pretty great afternoon.
a moose in moscow 
Fabulous photos! Of course the subject matter is beyond fabulous. Love, love, love!!
i remember emailing you back when you were adopting Reed & Lena and WOW they have grown up since then! I love reading your blog & seeing updates…especially today. the pictures are all so amazing and make me smile…you are so blessed!
I can’t believe how much L & R have grown! Super cute family you have there!
LOVE that pic of Lena holding the dog back from Reed’s bowl. She is so beautiful, and a natural in front of the camera. Seriously, I don’t think she could take a bad pic if she tried. 🙂