WHAT IS THE “BEHIND THE SCENES” LINK UP?
Social media and online relationships can make us feel like everyone else has it all together. We’re edited, proof-read, Pinterest-perfect versions of ourselves (or so some might think!) when – in reality? There is an unfinished pile of laundry around the corner. That cute toddler smiling for the camera just had a massive meltdown seconds ago. That yummy breakfast-for-dinner you just showed us on Instagram? It’s because the cat licked the chicken that was supposed to be for dinner.
“Behind the Scenes” is a fun link up where we show those photos – but tell the real story behind them. The sneak peek behind the scenes, a look past the edges of the photo to the real life behind it. Read more here!
The Photo:
The Story:
My brother-in-law captioned this photo “the twins with their twins.” Let’s pause for a moment and just all agree to agree that there is nothing cuter than toddler cousins in matching outfits.
Moving on.
This photo was snapped at the end of an incredibly fun morning at one of the best parks we’ve ever been to – and the irony that it had an airport theme in the midst of my crazy “travel season” was not lost on me. There were towers to climb, slides to zoom down, big giant swings, and bouncy bridges. It was a toddler dream land. My husband had a pretty good time too 😉
In reality, it had been well over a year since we had been to visit them at their house. Too much time, too many excuses, too convenient that they would come visit us. Too scared, really, on our part. What if Madison couldn’t handle the car ride? (she did fine.) What if she wouldn’t sleep at their house? (she slept in until almost 8 am – unheard of at home). What if the girls didn’t get along? (they played, snuggled, shared lemonade, struggled to comprehend sharing and were…toddlers).
I love how this photo summarizes the weekend. Some smiles. Some meltdowns. A new hair color for yours truly – with only minor panic that my neck would forever be a lovely shade of red..ahem…but at the end of the day we’re family. Twins with their twins. So similar and so different and learning to find community with one another as we learn to be the moms God created us to be, as our kiddos figure out how to be the beautiful daughters of the King that they are meant to be. We’re already planning our next visit 🙂
Alright friends! It’s your turn to link up. Now, remember the number one rule of a fun linky- make sure you visit the person who linked up before you & leave them a little love on their post!
Rebekah McBride says
Thank you for starting this link-up. I’m looking forward to hopping around to meet some more “real” women, and I plan to join in next week – I have just the (im)perfect picture to start with!
Jennifer says
We had the opportunity to visit family in California this summer. The kids adored their cousins. Those are such special memories! I enjoyed your post. I have twins. They are boy/girl, but I hope the connection is still as strong.
I enjoyed reading this so much!
Julie Wilson says
oh, time with family is alway full of ups and down (especially with toddlers). So glad you made happy memories. and maybe that’s why God tells us not to worry… so much of what we worry about never comes to pass!!
Tonya says
I loved this story!! Loved how you talk about family in community… I think we miss that sometimes… We think of family as family – and not part of our community. Thanks for the reminder.
Eva @ Snappee Turtle says
I always wished I had a twin sister! How fun! Not sure our daughter will ever have 1st cousins, but we love when our daughter gets to play with her 2nd cousins.
KristinHillTaylor says
When I first saw the picture, I thought, wow, she really looks like her sister. Um, apparently you really are a twin. 🙂 I’m fascinated by twins. How fun you got this time with her and her family.
Mel says
Love it! I’m with Vanessa…you’re a twin? I missed that one. 😉 Anyway, toddler cousin time is the best…it’s so much fun to watch them play together. And fun parks? Even better! Great post, friend…hope you are doing well. Blessings!
Vanessa says
Crystal — wait, you’re a twin?? 🙂 This is such a cute picture! Just love it when our kiddos get to play with their cousins. Doesn’t happen nearly as often as I would like, but someday… 🙂