Full circle at Makena Beach

15 years ago life looked a whole lot different.  Brad and I had been married for 5 years.  We were in the thick of infertility struggles with no answers and no end in sight.  We decided a Hawaii trip to Thanksgiving was in order to get away from life for awhile and give ourselves a bit of a reset.  We did a lot of dreaming and praying on that trip, hoping that God would answer our long awaited prayers for a family.  On our trip, we stumbled upon Makena Beach and on the way out I remember telling Brad that I really like that name and if God were to ever bless us with a little girl I thought we should name her Makena.  When we found out the name meant - "gift of happiness" we were sold.  I continued to dream that dream - I even found a prayer journal with Makena Best scribbled in the margin.  I can remember so clearly where I was sitting when I wrote it too - at the same hotel I’m sitting at right now, those same waves crashing in the distance.  

 

Fast forward 15 years and my heart is just exploding tonight.  This is one of those full circle moments in life - the ones where you can clearly see God’s hand at work and I couldn’t be more grateful.  As we prepared to depart on our flight to Hawaii last week, my eyes filled with tears staring at Makenna and remembering that day at Makena Beach.  And today, as we walked into Makena Beach, hand in hand, it was so awesome to be able to share this full circle moment with my girl.  

How perfect was this little snowman we found on Makena Beach when we got there?!  We couldn't resist a picture of it with our snowflakes.

What’s so crazy to me is that that entire time, God knew. He knew as I jotted in my prayer journal 15 years ago that these sweet kiddos had already been created and He was saving them just for us.  He knew that His plans for our family were way better than anything we could hope or dream for.  He knew He’d knock our socks off with not only a Makenna but with an Alex too.  

The best part was the smile on her face the entire day.  She loves hearing the story about us at Makena Beach and was in heaven today soaking in all the love.  We laid around, we jumped in the waves, we walked the beach and we saw the most amazing sunset.  But best of all, we remembered what a good God we serve and that even in the midst of trials and pain He is so faithful.  

So tonight we’re all smiling a little bigger - so very thankful that we were able to take this trip - to not only get away as a family, but to celebrate all the ways God has blessed us.  

Nine-er

Oh bud, I'm a few weeks late writing this post, but that sums up our year - BUSY BUSY BUSY!  

To tell you the truth, I've had a HARD time with 9.  It feels so old - like you're transforming into a big kid right before my eyes.  Sometimes it makes me sad to be losing that baby boy, but other times I see glimpses of this bigger kid that still has a heart of gold - so sensitive, so caring, so sweet and still SO very excitable and I know that while you are growing up, you're still you - just a bigger, better version of you.  

This year has been a busy one - more activities, more chances to shine, lots of changes, lots of great memories.  Where do I even start.....

My smiley, sporty little dude

Your favorite cousin in the whole world... you'd spend all day with Keegan if you could

This year we tried something new with you - decided to see what you were made of and you have ROCKED each and every day at BA.  It's so fun to watch you be a little more challenged each day and you've exceeded all our expectations.  You're super organized, super motivated, ready to tackle all the new challenges and such a hard little worker guy.  We're proud of you bud!

You learned how to be a little golfer guy and begged me ALL summer to take you out on a REAL course.  

I always love a special date with my guy.

Always making us smile

And reading.... always reading.  

I'm SUPER proud of you for trying something new this year - you knocked my socks off with how brave you were and ROCKED your role as Pongo.

You were THE biggest supporter of your sister.  I love to hear you brag about her to your friends.  You are one proud little brother.

Our one and only Brewer game we made it to this year!

Lovin' Brewers Academy again this summer

Let's not forget about that day you caught over 30 fish.

Champs!

One of my favorite memories of the summer was taking you to Dude Perfect - that smile says it all!

Playing at Helfaer!

Little boy baseball was just THE best to watch all summer!

There's noone prouder of you that coach dad - I love the bond you two share over your love of the game.

Learning from the best in the business.  It's fun to see how you put a smile on Roberta's face.  Love your sweet little friendship. 

Baseball buds for life

Tax day shenanigans

You are one of THE sweetest kids I know - you often want to surprise your sister with flowers - I think these were when she ROCKED the choir concert and you were SO proud of her.

Dodgeball king

You got to go to your first NCAA March Madness game to watch your beloved Badgers with daddy

You will always be my baby boy...

Remember the ice storm on 2/2/22 when school was cancelled and we took this picture at 2:22?

Your first concert 

You had a BLAST at basketball this year and have quite the shot!

Badger game to celebrate Daddy's birthday

Falling in love with Louie

Oh buddy, you and grandpa have the sweetest bond.  You could listen to him tell stories and ask him questions for hours.  I'm so glad we have these memories of him and I hope and pray we can make many more together.

You guys can be the cutest together when you want to.

I'll just leave this one right here..... just so we don't forget.

Volunteering with mama at the CSM Christmas bash

So proud of you and Keegan for ROCKING your college football podcast

you LOVE family time and tell me often that you wish everyone lived closer so we could see them every day.  I'm with you buddy.  I'm with you.  

Wishing Kenna a happy gotcha day

Badger Saturdays with daddy

m&m's forever

Oh Alex, I'm just crazy about you.  I love the way you jump up and down when you can't control your excitement.  I love all the "true facts" you tell me.  I love your love for all things sports.  I love your love of reading.  I love your tender heart and the way you see people.  I love the way you're quick to say you're sorry when you know you've hurt someone.  I love the way you hug me so tight every morning when you wake up.  I love reading stories to you at bedtime.  I love your awesome attitude.  I love your silliness.  I love your giggle.  I love your smile.  Gosh, little guy, I'm just so thankful God blessed us with you.  

Happy 9th birthday nine-er!