We’ve been running so fast, for so long this fall, sitting in the car for a 12 hour drive to San Diego felt like a rare pleasure. With coloring books, honey caramels (thank you Lisa!), Les Miserables on audio and lots of great conversation we just drove and drove and forgot to stop in Vegas for the night, arriving at my sister’s house at 2 a.m. My sister and niece Lizzy were still awake, greeted us joyfully, of course, and acted like our arrival in the middle of the night was just the best thing ever. They were just cleaning up from a party, and as you’ll see in the next few posts, my sister hosted a party six nights in a row without breaking a sweat.
Lizzy and Xander just happened to be sporting their Target Captain America t-shirts and as you’ll see, this was the birth of a trend.
Mornings in San Diego are imbued with hazy golden light, everyone tumbles into the yard for assorted silliness.
My sister reteaches me her weight routine every time I visit. Stefan couldn’t find weights, so he improvised.
After weights, Lizzy and Hans go for a run. Nice shoes and socks, Hansie. Oh, if only I hadn’t put my camera down, because moments later Xander attacked with water guns.
Friends and babies pass through the house at random intervals because that’s just how my sister rolls– need a babysitter? a last-minute party? a wedding reception? 200 mini chicken pot pies? a shoulder to cry on? Just call my sister. We should clone her and fill the world with complete happiness.
My boys are all baby pigs. This is Weston, he’s six weeks old and sweeter than sugar pie.
Lizzy modeled her new Christmas outfit for me, because admiring gorgeous nieces is what aunts do best.
Since we have so much fun with Playdoh at home, I brought a set to share. But Lizzy would rather draw on the table. Butcher paper. Your next party necessity. Trust me. Well, you’ll see…(third time I’ve said that in this post)
Hans looks pretty good in Lizzy’s fur scarf too.
While Xander, Lizzy, Ruth and I shop for Thanksgiving fixins, Stefan and Erik hold down the fort (which basically means reading novels and forgetting to feed anyone lunch). I wish I’d taken the camera to Target with us. Lizzy and Xander made us laugh all through the store– juggling yogurt, modeling fur coats, skipping down the aisles. And my sister buys every sort of treat she thinks we might like, because, “Cousins only come to town a few times a year.”
And of course everyone not only survived, but thrived.
now you know what to do with those leftover party hats
Bill arrives home just in time for pie making. I love everything about this photo. Will upside down, happy conversation, everyone working in the background.
Next up… thanksgiving. Worth waiting for. You’ll see.
Jeanelle
This post exudes happiness and I love it!
Mitchell Family
Lucky me, I get to have a fabulous photographer document my life. And write some pretty fabulous flattering stuff about me. Thank you for the praise, thank you for the photos and thank you for the visit. Oh but how could you leave out our incredible accomplishment of “Shoppers of the Day” at TJ’s.
Linn
I’ve said it before and I will keep saying it, I love all of your posts, but those of this family that I love so much make me homesick something fierce. Yes, it has been more than four years and I really should be getting past this, but I truly don’t believe I ever will. And that is okay. Love to all…
Hot Hot JJ
I love your sister and your entire family.
Tasha
Love this post. Makes me miss the sweet Mitchells.
Cath
Joy everywhere! I’m so glad your sister rolled out the royal for all of you. Her children are simply beautiful. Love the photos. And I have to tell you, I’m using Rasband’s talk tomorrow in my forgiveness lesson. It was the perfect thing. Amazing doctrine there. Thank you. Thank you. xo
Tracy
I love your family. xoxo
Aidan Donnelley Rowley
How is it possible that I’ve never been here to your blog before? One post and I’m smiling. Thanks to the incomparable Allison Slater Tate for pointing the way in her “Writers I Love.”
Look forward to spending more time here. Happy Monday!
ADR
Jordan
It was so lovely to get to spend time with your amazing family. Ruth is a gem and I am so lucky to call her my friend. I love how your family just adored my sweet Weston, babies are the best. And thanks for teaching us the paper bag game…so awesome.