I have always missed the amazing women I grew up with after we became adults and don’t live in the same towns anymore.  I have been incredibly lucky to keep and sustain a handful of beautiful friendships with people who have known me literally some since kindergarten, even though we are stretched quite far out (Alaska, California, 2 in Wisconsin, 1 near Chicago and me down in Central Illinois).  We don’t see each other often- sometimes not in a few years- but the desire to know each other and each other’s lives is still so present.  Admittedly though, I never have missed them more so than as we become mothers and don’t get to do that part of day to day life together. But it makes it SO much sweeter when we DO get to see each other and spend time with each other’s babies!  This beautiful family has been dear friends of mine since 6th grade (well, John somewhere in the following years, but still!). That is way more than half my life, and that is absolutely crazy to me.  They came and spent the weekend with us a few weeks ago (over my birthday weekend) and even though our 3 combined babies ran us wild, it was so wonderful to share our #CountryGumHome with them.  It meant so much to us that they gave us that weekend, and we loved spending it with them and their extremely sweet daughter! It was the longest chunk of time we have ever gotten to spend with her, and it was so fun for us.  You can see her newborn session here (I feel like it was yesterday)!

So of course, we had to grab some pictures of them all together, especially since this sweet girl’s second birthday was recent!  Hope you enjoy! Erika and John, we LOVE you guys and are so thankful for your friendship!!!

I have pictures of John throwing her in the air from about 6 months old- it is a tradition!  She did used to fly a little higher though! 🙂 I just love all of these so much! Favorite!