happy anniversary robin & matthew!

Today marks 3 years of marriage for my sister and her husband. And yes, that means I got married on their 1 year anniversary weekend (typical little sister move). Their wedding was incredibly beautiful and took place in a clearing of the woods in the late afternoon. Everyone sat on church pews and hay bales under the giant turning oaks and the sunlight filtered through the leaves perfectly. Since it was tucked away in the woods, the whole ceremony had an exciting feeling, like it was a little secret. It was such a fun day.

I love them for each other. In addition to having the ability to easily propel each other into a hilarious state of silliness, they are each two of the most caring, thoughtful, and serving individuals I know. I look up to them both for their intentionality in life and marriage. They are wise souls and I often fantasize about the day we live within driving distance and can take a walk in the woods or stay up late talking in the kitchen. Those will be rich times. Happy anniversary lovebirds, enjoy your day!

. . .

REALLY exciting news.

YOU GUYS. I am getting a new sister! My brother is engaged!! To be MARRIED. 

On Friday morning, Lee showed up on Hannah's doorstep and stole her away for a surprise trip to the mountains. One particular hike led to a beautiful overlook where Lee got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. She said yes and we are all very excited about it. The amount of thought and planning Lee put into the proposal and the whole weekend was amazing. He considered Hannah in every detail and had lots of little surprises planned, even after he proposed. It was fun to watch him prepare everything with such care. He's come a long way since pulling the heads off our barbies.

Hannah, who will also be a Physical Therapist come May, first came into Lee's life at an intramural soccer game a few years ago. Hannah is dirty good at soccer and Lee, well, has many other strengths we'll say. One night they had a game and even though they were on the same team, rambunctious Lee knocked Hannah down, hurt her ankle, helped her up, then apologized profusely. Thankfully, she was able to move past a less-than-ideal first impression (love can strike anywhere!) and they started seeing lots of each other. I remember the first time I met and hugged Hannah, I loved her right away. She was so warm and genuine, so easy to be around. And clearly very fond of Lee, which I really liked.

They are great together. Hannah brings out Lee's kindness, playfulness, and she makes him laugh often. They respect each other and are passionate about the same field of work. Their love for each other has been evident for a long time and they're honestly just an awesome match. It fills me with joy to see my brother and sister with partners so well suited for them and I am selfishly very excited that Hannah is the bonus sister I get. She is seriously great. 

Congratulations guys, I love you a whole bunch and I'm totally rickrolling your wedding.

. . .

P.S. The pronunciation of Hannah's name rhymes with "nirvana". I just want everyone to know her name right because a name is important.

awesome texts.

1. A poignant observation from the wonderful Caitlin 

(we were casually discussing cute forest mammals):

2. This one is from Caroline. I enjoy reading the sign 

as it was without the additions. Ah, the south:

3. For this one, I highjacked my mom's phone and was messaging Lee as if I 

was our mom. His final insult/closing remark made me laugh so hard:

. . .

shared birthday, not twins.

Happy Birthday Robin, Happy Birthday Lee!

I love my siblings. A lot. They are two of my favorite people on earth. If I had to compile a list of individuals I'd be willing to go on a solo vacation with, they'd both be at the top of my selection. Seriously. 

First, there's Robin. My only sister, the dear heart and caretaker of our family. She's a left-handed, right-brained idealist. A deep thinker and a great beauty. Who I am today has undoubtedly been shaped by her sweet guidance and care. And then there's Lee, the best big brother. He offers good advice, is grounded, wise, and very kind. He's such a hard worker and lives with integrity. Plus he's an excellent athlete and master chef. I really look up to him and find irrational joy in making him laugh. They are the greatest! I love them.

Happy birthday you two! I can't wait to be neighbors and raise dogs and babies together. And have awesome slip-n-slide parties at Lee's house (so we don't have to mess up our own grass). Those will be the glory years.

. . .

(ps - how cute is that top picture of Robin hugging on Lee? It's one of my all time favorites!)

as my sister sees me: beth the elf.

(( I briefly interrupt the sequence of road trip posts to bring you a few hilarious images that cannot escape my mind ))

A few days ago, my sister Robin admitted that whenever she envisions me at the office with Davy & Finn, her mental image of me is wholly based on the scenes from Elf when Buddy visits his dad at work. As it turns out, she just imagines me sitting quietly on a teeny stool in the corner, waiting patiently for the work day to end, discouraged from making a single peep. 

Her confession made me laugh. A lot. And now I can't stop imagining the other ways in which I could channel Buddy the Elf at the office. The boys are currently using office space on a floor with a fancy accounting firm so the context is spot-on, right? Lots of mature, well-behaved folks carrying on their professional duties and all I can imagine is careening down the hall in a rolly-chair or erasing elaborate business plans on whiteboards to draw some cutie forest animals. This type of hypothetical and situational absurd humor amuses me to no end. 

...

...

thanks robin : )

I realize this may only be funny to those of you who have seen Elf. If you are not in this population, 

I apologize & highly encourage you to watch it sometime. It's brilliant!

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