Sam

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Recent memories

1. Oct8

   Milestone

   Mila’s First Ocean Day

   Mila ran toward the water as soon as we reached the beach. The first wave was cold enough to make her squeal, but she went right back in, splashing at the edge of the surf while the Santa Monica Pier stood in the distance. It was her first time playing in the ocean, and she seemed delighted by every wave. Later, she took her bucket and shovel to the sand and made her first sandcastle. It began as a small, lopsided mound, but Mila carefully patted the sides and added another scoop whenever the water washed part of it away. She was proud of what she had built. One wave caught her by surprise and left a little salt water in her mouth. She made a face, then announced, “The ocean is trying to be soup!” We laughed, and she hurried back to the water. By the time we left, her hair was sandy, her feet were wet, and she was already asking when we could come back.

2. Oct8

   Milestone

   First day of preschool

   Mila helped get ready this morning, choosing her flowered dress and pink shoes before putting on her warm coat. We packed her little floral backpack together, checking that everything she needed was inside. She wanted to carry it herself all the way to school. The path to preschool was covered in autumn leaves. Mila watched the other children heading toward the door, holding her backpack straps as we walked. Starting somewhere new is a big step, and she knew this was a special day. Just before we took this picture, Mila turned back and gave us that bright smile. She looked cheerful and ready, even with so much ahead of her that she hadn’t seen before. We were proud of her bravery—and glad to have this moment to remember it by.

3. Oct8

   Journal

   Mila’s Happy Sunday Morning

   Mila woke up smiling and came into the kitchen ready to help. She set napkins on the table, stirred the pancake batter with great care, and proudly announced when breakfast was ready. The whole morning felt unhurried and happy. After breakfast, Mila chose her own dress for church: the pink one with little flowers. She checked her shoes, gave her skirt a twirl, and was ready to leave before anyone else. On the way, she said, “I’m excited to learn about Jesus.” We stopped outside the chapel for a picture. Autumn leaves glowed in the trees, and a few drifted past as Mila stood smiling in the sunshine. I wanted to remember more than how pretty she looked—I wanted to remember her cheerful heart that morning.

4. Sep7

   Community

   Community post

   A moment shared with the community.

5. Jul4

   Community

   Community post

   A moment shared with the community.