Boat Races

 Sometimes I really enjoy my little corner of the world. When spring finally comes to us, it is glorious. The mountains are green and this little valley comes vibrantly back to life. I have come to realize that where we live is perfect for my children. They are explorers by nature and our backyard/ neighborhood provides this for them. One thing they like to do in our backyard is called "boat races". They let their "boats" or sticks go in the creek behind our house and then race them to the "bridge", a pallet between our yard and the neighbors. There they pick them up before they go any further down the creek. Then they start all over again. This activity keeps them occupied for a long time. I just wanted to document this for the kiddos.

 

Jenny Lake/Hidden Falls

 This Memorial Day we took a little hike to Hidden falls, which is in Grand Teton National Park. The hike goes around Jenny Lake. I've been wanting to go on this hike for awhile and the kids indulged me and were troppers to do it. There was still a lot of snow and muddy spots on the trail and that made things tricky, but the kids did great. Zach and I took a ferry across the lake on the way back. That's just how we roll. Here are some pics. We sure live in a beautiful place.(This is not my picture, below. Just did a little cut and paste from the www)

 We saw a few of these rock chucks. They are not shy. I sort of wish they were.

 Derf

 The crazies.

 Ferry ride selfie...

My baby is 4...

 It sort of brings a tear to my eye that my baby is a big 4 year old now...sigh. Here are some pics of his big day. I did the balloon thing this year. Not all that creative, but that's all I've got for now:)

 

I love that all the kids get excited for each other when one of them has a birthday. They don't get jealous. They are genuinely happy for the birthday kid. 

 Zach ate his favorite cereal for breakfast...

 I tried to get the mandatory "picture with Mom", but Zach just wasn't havin' it. Such a nut.

 I love this picture because it is so typical of Zach. He does this a lot to my face and I relish my little loving boy. He loves to rub his little baby cheeks to mine. Oh these boys love their mamma and I eat it up while I can! I know it won't last forever.

 Here is the Wreck it Ralph cake that Zach requested.

 Opening presents...

 He was so happy I bought him fruit snacks. I usually say NO to fruit snacks since they are what I call "chemical food". But it was his birthday, so I figured, what the heck. He was thrilled.

 (Yes his shirt is on inside out....)

 We had some of Zach's friends' families over for cake and ice cream. A good time was had by all...

 

 

 And, of course, the spanking machine.  

Words can't express the love I have for this little man and the necessity he is in my life. OXOXO little Zachy!!

Some of the best people in the whole wide world....

 So I just wanted to document some of my most favorite people. They are moving shortly and I'm super sad about it. Here are pics of these awesome people....tear.

 Zach and Ellie have been friends since they were just wee little ones.

 Here they are having their first kiss on Thanksgiving 2011.

 

Oh how we'll miss you Jen and Ellie!! Many girls trips will be occurring to make up for your absence!

Mother's Day 2014

 I love my kids. It's been a rough year and a half for me and I don't know what I would do without the love and adoration of my kids. Sometimes I think the Lord works through our children and I have felt His love and approval through my children many times throughout my 9 years as a Mom.  I am more appreciative than ever that I have these three babies to raise and learn from. I cherish my role as their mother and feel it a gigantic privileged (and pressure) to be entrusted with them while they are here on Earth. I don't feel like I could ever ask for more. I truly believe that I am the best mom for THESE kids. They are the best kids for ME. Their unique personalities will help me become better and help their siblings become better. As we, as imperfect beings, learn to live together and get along, we are hopefully improving as individuals and ultimately as a family. Basically, we are good for each other...and that, I think, was God's intention in putting us together all along.

Here are a few of the goodies I got on my special day.