George, my first baby ever, photographed
here and
here, is moving away. He is taking his
sisters and wonderful parents to live in Oklahoma where they won't have to endure our Chicago winters, where they will have space to run and roam, and where they will be close to family and best friends. And while it makes sense, and I am happy for them, they will sure be missed around here.
We scheduled a photo shoot before the movers empty the house to chronicle life right now, and capture a few memories of Evanston so they can one day look back and marvel at the wacky year they spent here.
It seems most appropriate to start with Lucy, the big sister extraordinaire. Lucy fits the first born stereotype, responsible, practical, looks after her charges with sweet, attentive, authority. She is quite serious in her endeavors and could almost be described as intellectual, if she weren't 4. But she's not all business, there's plenty of room for pleasure.
And then there's Alice. Who MOVES. She keeps Mom and Lucy running all. day. long. She's goofy, quirky, playful, silly, spunky, spontaneous. The kind of sister those kids will love having, even though she'll make them a bit crazy at times with her big ideas and gregarious personality.
And then there's my George. Still as sweet and gentle and wise. This baby just has my heart.
We attempted to get a picture of the family of 5 all together which was comic genius. Alice just would not sit or stand still, she was on the go constantly. There just wasn't any way to get them all on the same page at the same time. But look at this gem. What is it do you suppose Alice needs George to know here?
It was a day full of spring color and pink cheeks and blue eyes and vibrant gorgeousness. But there were a few that were just
begging for black and white. I'll send you off with those. And we'll be sending this rockin' family off in just one week. But thanks to the internet the world is smaller now. And while they will no longer be right down the street, they won't be far from our hearts.
Bittersweet indeed.
It's not the biggest surprise. Her parents are two of the most amazing people you could ever hope to meet. Mom is a sparkler - a trait she passed to her daughter.
Dad graced her with his sense of adventure and good times.
But she is very clearly her own person. We haven't seen her in nearly a year. And we had the most delightful visit. It took me about 10 seconds to fall right back in love with her.
She adapted quite easily to our household and my kids. She's a flexible and charming traveler. She keeps her parents on their toes. This is a big world with tons of opportunities and she's not going to miss a thing. Plus she's fearless and fast. Even though she can be a challenge in the best sense of a 2 year old, her joy, that lively face and personality makes time with her an experience, an inspiration in curiosity and energy. Ah, to be 2 again....
