Hiking at Glenwood

When Grandma and Grandpa come we drop everything to go hiking. (I should do it even when they are not here.)

When I am hiking I tend to take more pictures too.

But I'd wish I'd had a picture of the moments surrounding this wagon ride. It was wild. Three boys flying down a hill as fast as they could possibly go without anyone to stop them and not a sound from any of them. Then plop. Over turned the wagon. The scratch on Bridger's nose was the only tell-tale sign anything had happened. It was an awesome experience.

We stopped at a gazebo near this lake.

We walked about 3.3 miles that day and it took us 2 and half hours to pull a wagon with two boys and one little one on my back.

Thanks for the good times!

Smiles, Dandelions, and Tye Dye

The boys love to pick dandelions for me. I threaten them if they pick the neighbors flowers, so they must think dandelions are my favorite. Josiah found this especially tall one the other day and it made me smile.

Its time to do another tye dye project as well. I feel it in my bones. These two shirts were made three years ago for their older brothers. But Ammon and Bridger look good anyway!

Easter 2014

Waiting to start the Easter Egg hunt, I think this might become an annual tradition.

Especially when you see all the loot they have from finding eggs.

This is another tradition that Mike had when he was a child. We haven't done it for a couple of years, but opted for it this year because Ammon had no memory of Easter bunny cake.

Hope your Easter was a good one!

My 5 March Beauties

Dressing up!

Waiting...

Sometimes, like Dr. Suess said, we come to a place where everyone is just waiting. Here are a few times this month that we have found ourselves waiting...

waiting for Goldie to finish piano lessons.

waiting for Josiah to finish piano lessons.

discovering the newly painted alleys in our town while waiting...

waiting for Goldie to finish her "Battle of the Books" practice.

waiting for Spring to come.
Some things, like Spring 2014, require patience and time. Slowly but surely the signs start popping up or shining down on us and soon our waiting will be over.

Just in time

Today, just in time for Valentine's Day, God has colored the world white instead of red.

The cold outside has been as welcome as the warmth of the inside!

Ammon is Three!

This is a classic pose for Ammon. Telling him to smile brings on this expression.

Everything about this little boy is all about the "A." Captain America, Ammon, Awesome!

He cut out the A's that decorated his cake.

We spray painted his shield cake and even where the color ran it looked "A"mazing.

Our party was A-bsolutely Ammon! It was a great day Ammon. We love you.

This and That

We've discovered that Ammon has curls! I love to get them all stuck up in the air first thing in the morning. Then he says, "Put my curls down mom, put them down." I usually comply, but sometimes I have to let his Wolverine out or just let some hang out in the back of his head where he can't see them.

Goldie was recently invited to Young Women's to decorate cake. This is her creation.

Of course Bridger got his hands a bit of cake too!

Swimming

Its been months since we've been swimming. Santa Clause brought swimming gear and a pass for Christmas. And we are ready to go!

Christmas 2013 and Being in the Moment

Stuart and I love Christmas! In fact we love most any chance to party. But I really do care about the scents, the sights, the feel of Christmas. I work really hard to enjoy it, to find that magic dust, to remember and feel the joy that a child feels. It's hard work I admit, but its worth it. Sometimes, that leads me to taking less pictures. I stop getting behind the camera and I observe and absorb.

So these are my only two pictures from the season. I also forget many of the details of the day as will you, but I have this memory in my heart. This memory of being with you and loving you. And I think that is what's important. Merry Christmas my family!

Doing it All!

Sandwiched in between my birthday part on the evening of the 11th and Josiah's birthday party on the evening of the 12th, was a day on the mountain with Amber. We were so glad for her visiting us and partying with us. She is the best!

After reaching the top we slid down icy hills, found turkey tracks and enjoyed the icy weather.

Visiting a frosty lake brought back memories of Ammon's birth.

And sunlight makes Goldie even more beautiful. I love being outside with my family. Thanks Amber!

Listening, Seeing, and just Being Together.

One of my favorite sights and sounds in this world is this:

I love sharing it with those I love.

And then there are those rare and few moments that we get to BE together and when you combine the two that is THE BEST.