A good old fashioned road trip

Memorial weekend for our family was spent on the road exploring the beautiful lands of northern Arizona and the four corners area. It turned out to be a true road trip with a very open agenda and nothing but maps, roads, cinnamon bears, potty breaks and time together as a family. It was fun and beautiful and a great adventure. We camped, swam at Lake Powell, explored Monument Valley and the petrified forest and enjoyed two awesome days with cousins learning all about Mesa Verde -a definite lifetime must see. I felt a little bashful at the foreign speakers all around us who had traveled half the world to come and see sights that have always been just a few hours away from my front door. The world is so magnificent and full of so many beautiful places. We are so lucky to be able to enjoy so much so close by.

Baby Ty

 

Today in the car, Danny and Ty were holding a conversation in the back seat that warmed me 'ol heart. It went something like this....Danny said, "Ty do you remember when I had a broken leg. I got it at a place called Macudus Island on a big giant slide." Ty replies,"Was I there?" "No Ty, you weren't there. You were still in Mommies tummy. But you were almost ready to come out." Danny continues, "I remember. I was watching Mickey Mouse on the same night you were born." Then Ty thoughtfully says,"Was I little?" Danny replies, "yes, you were only zero." Then Ty again says, "Did you hold me?" "Yes, I held you. I always wanted to hold you because you were so cute." A couple minutes of quiet then ensues where I hear nothing from the back seat. Then Ty says, "Danny will you tell me that little baby story again?"

 

I love being present and I mean really present for those moments. Some times my blinders are on and I don't appreciate how breathtaking my kids and there sweet little spirits are.

A budding artist

 

I was such a proud Mama when Brooke ran home from school to tell me she had been chosen by the art teacher to have her piece -a juggling circus seal- on display at the district art show. And to think that just weeks before she had announced to me with a sinking heart that she "wasn't very good at art"! Way to go my sweet Brooke. Apparently it's not just your Mommy that thinks you are.

Can a three year old still be considered a baby?

 

I think it is the heartbreak of every mother when their youngest little babe is not so small anymore. I am so glad he likes to be called "Baby Ty Ty" every now and then.

There's a six year old in the house

 

 

My little Danny celebrated his sixth birthday last week. He was so excited this year. We counted down so many times. His excitement would bubble over and he would ask each of us if we were excited too! Danny graduated to a bigger bike about six weeks ago and now wants to ride across town if he were allowed. The first day we rode to pick up the kids from school, I walked and Dan rode. He is fast now. I came around the bend and he was out of sight. I ran. I yelled for him. I couldn't see him. To get to the school we have to pass one busier street. I was panicked. As I ran as fast as I could while pushing a wobbly old stroller, I began to think terrible thoughts that only moms begin to think of when their children are in harms way. I thought of all the love he had spread around our home just that very day. How generous, patient and kind he is. How we feel closer to heaven in our house because of him. I was so relieved when I came around the corner and found my little Dan's bike parked by the side of the road. He is the big brother of your dreams, the little boy with a heart big enough for all of us. We are so grateful for the added bit of goodness that came to our home six years ago. We love you Danny. Happy Birthday.

 

 

One of our birthday traditions is a trip to the doughnut shop for breakfast. Its always so hard to choose.

Baptism Day

Brooke's special baptism day was great. We had so many wonderful people there that day to love and encourage Brooke. Thank you all for coming. It was a day that Brooke had been talking about and preparing for for such a loong time

 

 

 

 

Hieroglyphic Canyon

This time of year in Arizona gives us peace of mind when July roll's around and we wonder why in the heck we still live here. Well, this is why....

 

 

 

 

Days spent outside enjoying the desert's unique majesty. We were so fortunate to spend the weekend with family that came for Brooke's baptism. My Dad was such a trooper and held Ty's hand all the way back down the trail. Ty loves Grandpa's silliness and high energy. Dad can run at the same speed as Ty but when he sits on the couch for a breather he is out for at least 15 minutes or so! We had a great visit