since we've been home: Forest was here (and today's a special day)

While we were still in California, my brother, Forest, flew out here to spend some time with my mom. He still had a few days to visit once we got home. It was strange to see him in San Diego, and then in Arkansas a few days later, but I am definitely not complaining.

His last evening here, we all walked downtown for pizza at Fratelli's. It's just a short walk, but the weather here has been unbelievably hot. Right around 100 degrees everyday since we've been back. So, we arrived for our pizza, hot and sweaty. But the food was great as always.

We stopped for a family photo along the way. Molly, wish you could have been here!

After pizza, we walked over to Pour Jon's for for coffee, tea, milk shakes, and air conditioned relaxation.

Liam and River both love the little stage area at the front of the coffee shop.

River discovered a new way to drink from a cup. Perfect for playing and pausing for a sip every now and then.

Gabriel might not like coffee, but he won't turn down a hand-stirred milk shake.

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It's kind of hard to believe that we have been married for 8 years today. It's been a long journey, but one that has gone by so fast. Back on our wedding day, there was no way I could have pictured our life together as it is now. For one thing, we are still in Arkansas. But through all of the not-changing and changes, the childbirths and hair-pulling, the laughter and everyday craziness we share with our boys, we will always have each other. And with so much uncertainty in our world around us, that is something to hold onto.

It's easy to forget how much I love being with him. We drive each other crazy: he can't sip a drink, only gulp; I always load the dishwasher from the front when he prefers to start from the back. Those silly little things somehow become big enough that we scowl and nag and forget. Forget that right here. Together. That's where we want to be.