Kelli Trontel

Last week was an exciting one. Not only did Ezra go on his first field trip, but he got to ride “THE BUS!!!!”

Ezra has always been obsessed with school busses….and to this day, still sings and watches “The Wheels On The Bus.” Its a thing….and I love it! I know that before long, I won’t be hearing him sing songs like this anymore. He’ll move on….

His Pre-K class went to the adorable Sweet Pickin’s Pumpkin Patch. What made it even more special is that Reed and I both got to go too! Not very many dads get to take time off of work for things like this…..so we were super thankful to spend the morning with daddy.

It’s been fun seeing Ezra interact with his classmates, while making his own little friendships. Theres 8 kids in his class….and they are adorable.

I went round and round in my head with this one.
Was I really ready to send my baby boy off to school? Was he ready for three full days of school? Was it a matter of mama not being ready, but Ezra bursting at the seams to enter into a new season?

I sent an email to Vanessa late one night….and her response [as always] was just what I needed to hear. Honest truth…..and her birds eye perspective looking into things from the outside in. While I read her heartfelt words, I cried. Everything she wrote was spot on. I knew it deep down in my heart. And in all honesty, I knew this was the right decision for this season……but theres something about kind, loving and encouraging confirmation. Motherhood is HARD! It’s a priceless friendship to have where there is no judgement, but a cheerleader in your corner…..who always has your back.

As expected, Ezra woke up before we had the chance to wake him ourselves. The first words out of his mouth were “Is my classroom ready for me?” Yea, he was ready…..and this mamas heart couldn’t argue with the fact that this was going to be such a great day for him. One for the books.

Of course, we took the infamous 1st Day of Pre-K photo out in front of the house. And shortly after that we drove around the corner to his school….where he walked in, without holding our hands, expectant for something AWESOME to happen.

I tried my hardest to hold back my tears, but they kept streaming down my face. I was boarder line ugly cry. As soon as I got into my car…..I let out the biggest cry and it felt SO dang good. The day felt long….as I couldn’t wait to pick him back up and hear all about his day. I reminisced about the past 4 years where we have spent EVERY SINGLE DAY together. What a blessing it was to be able to stay home, as well as raise our son in our brick and mortar shop these past few years. My heart is seriously filled with gratitude.

Allowing our babies to grow up….and spread their wings is not for the faint of heart.

Ezra, we are so proud of you and we look forward to seeing you grow in all area of life this year. What a privilege it is to have you attend Whitefish Christian Academy. We believe that this new season will be one that we remember forever- and we look forward to all the memories we will make and the stories you’ll tell each and every day after school. You are THE HEAD, NOT THE TAIL. You are a LEADER. You are SMART. You are BRAVE.
xoxo, mama & daddy

I say this every year…..and I’m sure I’ll continue to say it year after year.

I can’t believe my baby is FOUR!!!

The biggest change in Ezra was from three to four. He seems so grown up these days. His vocabulary has expanded greatly. His imagination is wild and fun. He still loves to sing….all day long, which makes this mama so proud. I love it with all my heart.

Sweet boy, what I love most about you is your curious mind and compassionate heart.

I pray that your natural awareness of people is something that never dims. What a powerful and unique quality this is, in a world where we can all be self-absorbed and consumed with our own happenings. I love that you notice people…..and you step out of your little comfort zone to engage with friends, as well as strangers- whether that’s at our shop or the park. It’s the sweetest thing. Even when you play “shy” it’s so sweet.

We had four whole years together as a family of three….and in just a few months we will be welcoming a new baby sister to our family. She is so lucky to have YOU as her big brother. I can’t wait to see you as a brother…..your love for her is already so sweet, I can’t wait to till you see her for the first time, and hold her and kiss her. You were born for this…..

Thank you for being such a sweet boy. You have brought such joy to my life, even in the midst of pain and loss this past year. You are indeed “Gods Help” as your name means. You have been tender, loving & encouraging….and you have taught me much about the love of our great God, who loves us so perfectly.

Love you to the moon and back!
xoxoxo

Our 4th of July celebration wouldn’t be complete without visiting our local and favorite firework stand…..to take photos!

The story begins here, at week 39 in my maternity photo series with Ezra, in 2012. Then again in 2013, which we called BOOM POW! And again in 2014…..then 2015. Cant believe this my fifth year returning to this stand and Ezra’s 4th year joining me. This tradition is sweet to our hearts. We also love seeing the owners of the stand, year after year. They greet us with smiles and hugs- so sweet.

Same location. Same 4,000 SPECIAL FIRECRACKER. Same baby boy [in salt water sandals], who is just getting bigger. I can’t believe my BABY BOY will be FOUR YEARS OLD tomorrow!!
This year IS a little different though……we have a another baby on the way!!! So we had to document a little bit of that too! And for the first time ever….DADDY got in a photo with us! He’s the one behind the camera for this, but someone offered to take our photo and Im so glad we got a family photo this year!

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend!
XOXO