taking it in

Patrick taking in the smell of the mountains. He got to run through meadows, roll around in the tall grass, trample through streams, see lots of fish, and explore everything. I've never seen him so happy.

We're back from our camping trip. Intentional or not, you have a lot of time to relax and unwind when you're out in the wilderness with not much to do. As far as reflecting goes, I wasn't very intentional when prepping for this trip. I normally bring a journal or a thought provoking book and anticipate the time I'll have for silence and meditation. This time, I packed a half read book (one that was not thought provoking whatsoever) and totally forgot to pack my journal. I didn't realize until I got home that I actually did a lot of reflecting anyway. When I'm in my normal setting/ routine, my mind is always racing with to do lists and unfinished projects. The night that we got home, I had a clear mind, was extremely motivated, and felt well rested. I had our suitcases unpacked within 10 minutes of walking in the door, started the laundry, and still enjoyed a good night's sleep. I'm grateful for the time we got to spend up in the mountains and am looking forward to this pattern of getting things done in a less chaotic sort of way. Sometimes we just need to spend more time outdoors and away from the everyday mayhem that is life.

camping.

source

This evening, we are driving up to the Sierras to do a little camping. Philip has gone just about every year with his dad for a fishing trip. As soon as we were married, I was invited to join and it was lots of fun! We don't get to go for as long as we would have hoped, but it's better than nothing. I'm excited to get away. I don't do a lot of fishing, but I still enjoy tagging a long to read, relax, and take photos. I also really enjoy the challenge of making good food while we are out in the woods. (I guess when I'm not there, they eat a lot of canned foods and hot dogs.) Enjoy your weekend!

greetings from palm springs

We are really enjoying our weekend getaway! Poolside food and drinks, live DJs, an amazing room, but most importantly, being together and away from work. This trip has been such a blessing! What did you do this Memorial Day weekend? BBQs? Enjoy the beach or a bike ride?

I'm truly grateful for what Memorial Day really means: celebrating men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Someone in our life specifically is our brother-in-law, Danny. Danny, we love you and are so proud of everything you do; not only for Kaleigh and Mary Jane, but for us and our country. You are in amazing man and we are proud to have you apart of our family.


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....As a last note, here are some randoms from around the web:

Jesse and Becky took some photos of the lovely Jessica Packard (and her cute little Bella). They also interviewed her. See it all here.

You definitely want to keep up with what Doug and Beca are doing. There's always something awesome happening in their home/ studio.

Rachel made a super cute outdoor mobile (I'm all about outdoor furniture and decor right now).

Speaking of outdoor furniture, how great is this handcrafted rocking chair?

new song // take me down to rest

Jake (my brother) and I have been singing more frequently lately. Since a few weeks ago, Philip and Natalie (my sister-in-law) have joined us. We have been writing songs, hanging out and even recording a little to get ready for a show we're having this Friday. It has been lots of fun and the four of us make a great little team. (We have yet to come up with a name for our little family band, so we're still just 'Jake and Chels'.)

We finished a new Christmas song the other night. So far, this one is my favorite:

pretty details.

We took some engagement photos for Kyle and Cailen last weekend. This is just a little teaser :)

Hark the Herald

Jake and I recorded a new song last week. One of the best parts: our spouses joined us this time (and it's a Christmas song)! The four of us got together to write harmonies, arrange lyrics, and record this little something. It was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again this week! We have a little performance in December and have lots of practicing to do. This one is free, so enjoy!

date night.

I know in my last post I said I would be back with something interesting. Then I disappeared (oops). I have a good reason, I promise. Two babies were born this week! Yay! My sister-in-law had a baby girl and my cousin's wife had a little boy. Yesterday, we got to meet our little niece. She's perfect and looks just like her big sister (who is so so so excited!) ♥

I have a DIY/ Project ReStyle post coming up, but I wanted to share a little something for the time being. Here's a couple of pictures from the other night:

The other night we decided to walk down to Babycakes for cupcakes and a glass of wine. One of our favorite things about where we live is that we can walk anywhere from our house- the grocery store, movie theater, restaurants, book shops, thrift stores, etc. It's especially great on the weekends when parking is horrendous.

I wore my new necklace from the shop and took this little black clutch. I have been using this clutch about everyday now. It was a gift from a sweet friend who brought me all kinds of wearable and craft goodies. (Thanks, Becky!)

That was such a fun night. Our walk was enjoyable, our drinks weren't too spendy, and we had lots of great conversations. To me those dates are always the best- when I can remember those good talks. What' makes a date memorable to you?

illusions, dad. you don't have time for my illusions.

I thought these pictures were hilarious. It looks like Jack's doing some kind of magic trick.

...and one handed.

dance party.

This is how we Hansen's do a dance party. This was the last night of our stay in Albuquerque- just after we lit the sparklers. We obviously had lots of fun dancing around and being silly. It was very warm- even at night. It made me very excited for hanging out on the patio during summer nights.

stars on sticks.

I cut the moon in half

And stuck a piece to my hair

It made the back of my head glow

Golden yellow and then I took

Ten stars on sticks and placed them in my small metal

Bucket and I gave the other half of the moon to you

Ooh, so you wouldn't forget me while I'm gone...

-Eisley//Plenty of Paper

At first glance, you probably would think that this was the night of the fourth. Nope. Fireworks are legal in Albuquerque and they were being sold under tents in almost every parking lot. We opted for just sparklers (although that wasn't the boys' first choice). It made for a funny and chaotic 10 minutes on the back patio. There were different sizes and types, people were passing them around, I was barefoot (stupid), the short ones burned your hand (this was the reason for Cailen's expressions in the bottom pictures). It was pretty fun and I love how all of the pictures turned out.

(We had a killer dance party after this...more pictures to come.)

These pictures are from a few months ago, but the point is that I got to see these little cuties yesterday. They melt my heart.

sisters.

Kaleigh and I at her going away shindig.

Cousin skyping. Too cute ♥

I miss my sister A LOT, but want to know something pretty sweet? Her, Danny and MJ are coming back home for about a month! :) It definitely wasn't planned but they have to because of some complicated reasons involving visas, housing, etc. It's sort of a bummer when you think about why, but we're all excited to see each other. Also, we all haven't seen Danny since Mary Jane was born because he was deployed. It will be so much fun to all hang out together... Honestly, I can't wait!

finally.

Look at this cute family! That's my sister, her husband, and my sweet niece. They are finally together! Yay!!! Danny's been in Afghanistan for the past year, so it's been a long one for them. Danny's stationed in Germany and that's where they are as of now. We were so sad to say goodbye to Kaleigh and Mary Jane, but these pictures made it all worth it :)

Danny and Kaleigh, we're so proud of you and grateful for the sacrifices that you both made. We love you so much and are so happy that you're little family is finally together again. We can't wait to see more pictures and hear about all of the adventures you guys are going to have in Europe.

Love you!!!

laura's baby shower.

I had lots of fun putting this shower together for my sister-in-law. This is her 2nd and we're so excited to meet her little one :)

1. I made this congratulations banner by following this tutorial.

2. I made these little buttons for Laura and Skyla to wear.

3. Cailen (my brother-in-laws girlfriend) made these yummy cupcakes and I made the flag toppers (soon to be available in the shop).

4. I was really happy with how these little favor bags turned out. They were so easy to make. Cailen made the cute favors for all of our guests.

1. So many lovely ladies came to celebrate with us.

2. Skyla was a great helper.

3. Me, Laura, and Cailen. I wore my Ellie Paper Flower Headband for the occasion :)

1. We had turkey wraps for lunch.

2. I had so much wonderful help with the party. I love potlucks and enjoying so many different foods. yum.

After the shower, Philip and I hung out with Jake and Natalie. That meant we got to see this handsome man. He's getting so big!

a couple of silly videos.

I stayed with my grandma for three days this week. My sister is leaving for Germany this month, so I've been spending as much time with my family as I can. We all went to the beach together, hung out by the pool, ate good food, played with babies, stayed up way too late visiting and laughing, and I even tried working out with my sisters (I gave up after a few minutes).

With 8 people, 2 babies, and 1 puppy in one room, we also had 2 laptops, 4 smart phones, 1 iPad, and 1 TV. We watched a lot of funny YouTube videos this week, especially these 2. I think this first one is hilarious and want to watch it all the time. The second one is just adorable.

baby shower inspiration.

I'm throwing my sister-in-law a baby shower this month. I'm really excited! In all of my spare time, I've been thinking, sketching, and planning. I wanted to share some inspiration photos with you.

The first time I saw this color scheme, I fell in love. I knew I wanted to use it at the shower. I think it will match our theme very well.

The theme of our party is vintage paper doll. I'm thinking of having paper dolls or vintage dresses for baby girl strung on a clothes line. I want to incorporate a lot of other paper decor as well. 1//2

I can't decide between these two for favor packaging. I think that the scarf wrapped packages are so fun and playful. I also like the simplicity of the brown boxes, twine, and colorful flowers.

1//2

I have a couple of menu ideas right now. Aren't these mason jars are so cute with the ribbon tied around them? They would make any drink pretty. For lunch, we'll be enjoying a platter of turkey wraps and a couple summer salads.

1//2

I like how easy and pretty these different garlands are. I also love how they fit in with the paper theme.

1//2

Cupcakes are for dessert (of course). Cailen (my one day sister-in-law) makes the prettiest cupcakes and I'm excited to see what she makes :)

1//2

Wow! Sharing all of this made me realize how much I still have left to do. I usually procrastinate on things like this. I like to say that I work better under pressure, but that usually means a sleepless night before the shower. I really need to stop doing that.

weekend recap.

Highlights from our lovely weekend:

-The weather was absolutely gorgeous (it felt like summer)

-We did a photo shoot with Limelife Photo (so fun!)

-Visited with friends

-Did a lot of organizing

-Enjoyed a whole day in our neighborhood

-Spent a beautiful afternoon with both of our families (which meant lots of little ones)

Yesterday was our family gathering. It's very rare that we all can get together anymore. Everyone's so busy and we don't all live minutes from each other like when we were growing up. We almost had the entire family there, it was so much fun! ..and sort of strange at the same time.

My childhood memories consist mostly of the following: Sunny days in my grandparents' backyard enjoying the pool and barbecue with all of family (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents- everyone). No one lived more than 20 minutes away so we all got to grow up together. One the things that I am most most most grateful for is my family and these memories we have together. I always get the warm fuzzies when I think about these times :)

I remember when I was in middle school, I was telling my friends that my cousin was coming to our school. I had so many friends who said, "you know your cousin?" I thought they were crazy. They all said that they had cousins they had never met because they lived in different states and towns. I thought, who did you hang out with all of your life?

This was the strange part about yesterday: A few of us were enjoying the hot tub and had a view of the whole backyard. We were watching everyone visiting and so many little ones running and waddling around. My cousin and I were in agreement on how strange it was to be the adults now. We are now the ones who are watching these little ones grow up together.

...it was a good strange ♥