The new memorial is truly awe-inspiring.   Hugging the tidal basin there are small waterfalls tucked into an arched rock inscribed with MLK’s most notable quotes.  The centered sculpture -said to represent the stone of hope out of the mountain of despair – is magnanimous. Just an incredible sight!

Our dream has always been mobil; live anywhere, work anywhere, be anywhere – together. And while our family has grown – really grown! – we held on to that ideal to see the world and enjoy the discovery of what’s out there.  So, while our incorporation has changed (3 kiddos will flex any plan:-) WE DID IT! What I can only hope to be the beginning of many new adventures!  Team ELAM is now part of the National Capital Region! So stay tuned, it’s gonna be a wild ride!
 

Our little girl is growing into such a beautiful and graceful little person. She has fallen in love with ballet, proudly showing off her newfound talent – strutting her little tippy toe releve down the milk aisle, kicking and pointing to whoever will watch.

Harley just hit 4 months and I can’t get enough of her sweet little legs and happy smile! 

This will be our last birthday here in Madison and it was so wonderful to have all – and I do mean all – of our friends party with us! Thanks guys! You know we’re going to miss you!!

 There is nothing better than an afternoon with friends – especially those who enjoy their kids as much as you laugh (I mean enjoy at your own! Kickball with the kiddos is a MUST for adult bonding

WE DID IT!

When I first met Jaythan I felt like I’d found the one person I’d go into the abyss with. Someone I could jump with, who’d be there by my side to surge forward when no one else wanted to push. Well, we just jumped!

We are now the official full-time owners and partners of JDE llc!  JDE: Jennifer Davenport-Elam/Jaythan Daniel Elam is our “parent company,” as our goal is to form a number of different underlying offshoots.  In essence JDE will act as an umbrella to the smaller division companies/partnerships.

JOINTLEY – our creative design offshoot – is the first of these sister companies. So far, our joint design endeavor is BOOMING! We are still in our infancy stage i.e. getting to know each-others “work laugh” but so-far-so-good!

ok it’s true; 1 tired mama plus 3 crazy kids and we didn’t get far on the actual walk to end child abuse but we supported!  We helped the local economy enjoying mac-and-cheese pizza on State, we popped 2 balloons, had 3.5 tantrums and 1 TO during the pre-walk motivational speech and due to an unfortunate set of events; i.e.heat, sun, and tempers, we ducked out after the first 30 seconds of walk….ahhh memories

I never expected the contentment life has provided me, but what i really couldn’t see coming were you girls!!   Cara, Leah, Jade, Beth, Molly, Christine, Jenny, Mattia, Eliza, and Laura… you guys are my quan.  We’ve been through thick and thin and are continuing to grow to change the world; through our kids, through our experiences, through our guts and determination!  I know no matter where we end up, it all started here, with us, with the support and understanding, with the appreciation of what each of us brings to life, we’re our own team.  I love you guys and couldn’t imagine life without you.

They say it takes a village to raise a family, they’re right! sometimes you have to make your village and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!

For those of you who know me, you know I can’t get enough family time!  so when we planned our christmas vacation to Oahu,  I was in heaven!  Our nautical minded son couldn’t think about anything else, our attention starved 2 year old was bouncing to get 2 whole weeks of extra nana poppi lovin and the love of my life was holding on tight to the possibility of a late late date night.  It defied even our wildest expectations!

check out our pics from the trip! (click ANYWHERE on the text to take you to our flickr page!)