18 month old little girl

I took Cadence to Falls Park in Downtown Greenville to take some 18 mo. old pics.  I have so much to learn about photography and my camera, but I thought it would be fun to take her out there and practice (and hopefully get some good shots).  I have tons to learn about lighting (you will see lots of shadows, harsh light, etc. in some of these pics), but I am having fun learning.  I can't believe my baby girl is a year and a half already.  Time sure is flying by and I am enjoying every minute with her.  She is silly, tenderhearted, loving, compassionate (she cries when she hears/sees someone crying), hard headed, strong willed, full of personality, friendly, precious, and so much more.  Enjoy these pics of my baby.

Reading her Bible before we left for the photo shoot.  She LOVES her Bible.

My baby in a nutshell.

Walking with her Aunt Kaya.

Jumping.

Kisses from my Lovey.

She saw the ducks and got really excited.

Here she is...really excited! :)

Every time the ducks stuck their heads under water she copied them.

I get this look a lot and I love it. 

Happy Birthday to the BEST Mommy!!

Today is my mommy's birthday and I want to take a second to just wish her the best birthday ever...

Dear Divishloo (love our pet names haha),
You are THE best mom and grandmother in the world.  I hope you know just how much you mean to all of us.  You are the glue that holds our family together and I pray that when I "grow up" I will be just like you.  You are the most selfless woman that I know.  You ALWAYS put others first (especially your family).  I have never questioned/doubted your love for me.  My whole life you have loved so deeply and so greatly and I am so thankful for this.  I have never doubted that I have your full support.  Never have I feared telling you anything (the good, the bad and the ugly).  You have always accepted me with open arms.  You are so generous, so caring, so amazing.  You have always let Jesus shine through you, and for this I am grateful.  You raised me to love God first, love others and love myself.  You shine so brightly with His love and I desire to be just like you.  Your love for life, for laughter and for others is so contagious and I admire this about you.  You ALWAYS see the good in every situation and you never let there be a dull moment.  You are the most positive person that I know and I enjoy watching you love life.  You are one of the most beautiful people that I know (inside and out) and I pray that I look half as good as you when I'm 58.  :)  There are so many things that I could say about you, your character, your beauty, but that seriously would take me forever.  I just hope you know how VERY special you are to me and how much you mean to me.  You are my BEST friend and I truly do want to be just like you.  You love with EVERYTHING that youve got and you are just simply amazing.  My Mimi would be SO proud of the Mimi that you are and I know she is looking down on you and smiling.  Thank you for loving me and for showing me how to love.  Thanks for being the best mom, friend and Mimi. 

I love you, Ma!!!
Ab

Happy Easter!

Our Easter celebration began on Saturday.  We had a big Easter Egg Hunt in our neighborhood, so we took Cadence to hunt eggs.  She did not have to be told what to do-she went right away grabbing those eggs and putting them in her basket.  We had a great Easter day on Sunday.  Matt, Cadence and I got up early and went to our church's early service.  It was such a great service!!  After church we went to the Ivester's for lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt.  After the Ivester's we headed back to our house for the Rucker celebration, supper and Easter Egg Hunt.  It was a wonderful day and I enjoyed celebrating with all of our family.  I want to be sure that we raise Cadence knowing the true meaning of Easter.  As believers, this should be our favorite day of the year.  What a blessing that we serve a risen Savior who loves us so much!!  Here are a few pics from the weekend.

First Easter Egg Hunt: Neely Farm Neighborhood

"Hey Mom!  I'm just pickin' up some eggs."

I love my girl!  I wish she'd smile for pictures, though!  :)

Just a typical afternoon in the life of Cadence.

Waving and saying, "bye."

Easter morning

Daddy giving her some of her candy from her basket.

Posing and chomping on food.

Love this!

Her dress was a little long, so we improvised when outside.

Changed and ready for her second Easter Egg Hunt:  The Ivester's

Third Easter Egg Hunt:  The Rucker's...her eggs kept falling out of her basket.

Cadence and cousin, Aubrie.

Just chatting away.