Look out Madison, here come the Hanrattys!

One of my favorite parts of summer is returning to the midwest, the chilly evenings, the warm welcome and big hugs from Grandma and Grandpa, the live music on every corner and water everywhere you turn. I'm a fan of tradition, so every year we check the same boxes... Union Terrace, Farmers Market, Concerts on the Square, lunch on the capitol square, a trip to the river and some everyday goofing... and this year we threw in some new fun art projects and restaurants, explored a cave and a visit to the spot where Mom and Dad were married!  

And as always, just a perfect way to spend the summer!  

Mom and Dad, thanks for your love and enthusiasm.  We just love you so much.

The union terrace... just my favorite place on earth.  My happy place!  I am SO thrilled you girls love it as much as I do. The view, dancing to the music, sitting back and playing a game as a family, and of course the ice cream!!!!

 Sunflowers for days!

 Mollie meets baby Raiya!

 We couldn't resist going back for more union!

 And as always, we cap off as many days as we can with Blue Moon Ice Cream!!!!

 Cheers to Madison and summer traditions!

A Post Party Swim

Just magical watching these mermaids float through the water at twilight.

Happy Birthday KK!

When Kendall was four, she lit up the world.

She brought sunshine everywhere she went.

She made everyone around her smile with her laugh, her cuddles and her dance moves.

When Kendall was four, she did her first tap recital and loved being on stage.  She learned how to do a cartwheel in gymnastics, and loved going to Chuck E. Cheese.

When she was four, she went up her first chair lift in Colorado, and skied down her first big mountain.

She finally ventured out into the waves on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and spent hours laughing and jumping in the waves.

She visited the Seattle Space Needle twice and hiked in Washington's Cascade Mountains and she swam in the rivers of Wisconsin and made s'mores in the nearby bluffs.

She loved to play golf with Daddy, as long as she had a snack... and loved to start the morning cuddling with Mommy.

When Kendall was four she loved to match her big sister, dance and swim with her, and read together in bed.

She climbed trees, went to Mrs. Pennington's fours class, and learned to write her name.

When Kendall was four, her favorite toys were Barbies, Legos and super heroes.  She dressed up as Super Girl for halloween.

She moved into 6131 Lavendale, her first house with a pool, and learned to swim like a fish, do a handstand in the water, and do flips.

Now she is FIVE!  Kendall, you have blown us away and we cannot wait to see what your next year brings us.  Thank you for being our sunshine.

Celebrating your birthday and watching you shine has been SO special!  And the best part is you say "momma, I'll always be your baby!". Thanks baby girl!

Happy Fifth Birthday!

Kendall's fifth year highlight real

Kendall - what an AWESOME year your fifth year of life was. This moves me to tears, yet I can't help but smile. We just love you!

Kendall's Year Five from Kate Hanratty on Vimeo.

A Weekend Getaway with my Baby!

What a special treat to spend a weekend away with KK!

This kid... the life of the party, the best dance moves, the biggest smile!

Just being around Kendall makes you happy, which made it so special to spend a whole weekend snuggling her and watching her with her friends... watching her try her first water slide and rock and roll on the water mat at sunset.  This kid is the sun, and I enjoyed every minute of having her all to myself.  Love you KK!