Husband | Twenty-eight

   

Cody's birthday was on Thursday, and we had a great day together. The two of us went out to lunch at Chipotle, and then spent the afternoon in a paddle boat. Later, Anna arrived and we all drove to Newport, Kentucky, and enjoyed an amazing dinner at The Hofbrauhaus. We Streckers do love German things! The weather was perfect, and we had a lovely little nook outside. After dinner, we came home, put Bruno to bed, and had some delicious icebox cake and icecream.

We even had some unexpected prehistoric guests!

Happy Birthday, my love. I am and always will be thankful for every new year with you.

M & P's | Small things

I've noticed lately that sometimes the most remarkable things happen on the most unremarkable days.

Grocery shopping with my boys means a surprise double-seater cart and stolen snuggles. A muggy day means indoor-induced restlessness, which leads to an after dinner trip to the park where there will be some bike riding, daring tunnel exploration and a triumphant ascent up a swirly pole. Afterwards, sheer exhaustion, blackened feet, and unexpected comfort in a cushy balloon.

Shop | LEIF

Have you ever perused Svpply? I only stop over there occasionally, but whenever I do, I always find some amazing things. Today it was this shop, with some of the most beautiful home goods I've seen, and at great prices.

Coffee & Cream Cup
Embossed Dots Mug
Faceted Wood Bottle Stopper
Mocha Cream Marble Spoon
Spots + Scribbles Tea Towel

Brothers | A new space

Mamaw and Pawpaw's house is beginning to feel like home, and the boys have been having a great time exploring this new space. Bruno has discovered all the secret pint-sized paths through the house, and especially enjoys the step out of the kitchen onto the screened in porch. As for Sebastian, he's traversed every inch of the front and back yards, played with the water hose, and made enormous strides in his biking skills. I can hardly watch him when he gets so daring on those two wheels, but am so proud of how brave he is. His legs and arms are covered in scuffs and scratches, and he handles them like such a big boy.

I can't believe how fast they're growing. I want to remember every detail of these days.

P.S. More of these brothers.

Family | A wedding

On Saturday, my cousin, Ridge, and his lovely bride, Rachel, got married. It was one of the coolest weddings I've been to. Rachel had clearly thought of every detail, and from what I hear, the entire family pitched in to help make it a fantastic affair, and with a photo booth, lemon drops on the tables, hopmemade garlands, and sunny yellow flowers galore, I would say the reception lived up to it's potential. Cheesecloth is the new tulle, FYI.

P.S. If you're wondering where the pictures are of all this wonderful jazz I've mentioned, you'll have to wait. I stole these from the photographer! But seriously, how cute is the straw couch?!

N & G's | Laundry gone rogue

I just remembered these photos from a couple weeks ago, and thought they deserved a share. My mom washed a few of our blankets, hung them to dry, and the wind whipped them around until they got tangled. Mama to the rescue.

credit goes to Joanna

Travel | Sebastian and Bruno and the silver slide—Louisville waterfront park

Watching the way these boys play and discover their world is magic. Sebastian is pushing at the edge of expected, traversing the slide with his feet. Bruno scales the slippery metal with sheer determination, taking joy in the struggle, longing to accomplish that which his brother does with ease.