After School

This is one of my favorite times of the day - when the kids are home from school after being gone, & for a little while I get them all to myself before the rush of the rest of the day continues. I get to look into their eyes, & try to squeeze as many details as I can out of them, & hug them & kiss their cheeks over & over again. The time is fleeting & it seems like we're always on to the next play date, or practice, or homework assignment and then dinner; but in this moment, they're mine. And it's the best. 

Noah Turns 5!

Noah turned 5 years old & had been counting down the days until his birthday for weeks. At 5 years old Noah loves to make people laugh, soaks up information like crazy, loves toys like no kid I've ever seen, is always asking, "When's the next holiday, mom?". He is ninja & Lego obsessed & continues to be such a bright spot in our family. He's kind, easy, curious, & so fun. He loves a reason to celebrate so his birthday is especially fun. Noah, you are such a joy & we love you SO much! Happy Birthday!!! 

Here are a few things I want you to remember: 

1. When the root is deep, there is no reason to fear the wind. 

2. There's no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this with so much waiting to be done. 

3. Things are always better in the morning.  

4. Never cut what you can untie. 

Ruby Turns 7!

Ruby turned 7 & seems to be growing up right before my eyes. At 7 years old she loves Barbies, playing with friends, anything sweet, monkey bars, school, & being the center of attention. She's bubbling over with personality & is loud & silly but also sweet & kind. She's a great helper, natural care-giver, & has a strong will. She's definitely a girl who knows who she is & what she wants, & I admire that about her. She appreciates the little things & that's always been one of the reasons that her birthdays are so fun. She soaks up every little part of it & is filled with excitement. Ruby, we adore you & couldn't imagine our life without you! Happy Birthday!!!

Here are a few things I want you to remember: 

1. The kinder you are, the more beautiful you become. 

2. Be a first-rate version of yourself, not a second-rate version of someone else. 

3. Quality is always better than quantity. 

4. Give yourself time - time to grow, time to learn, time to become. 

Back to School

Here are some pictures of the kids' first days of school. Ruby started 1st grade & Noah has another year of Pre-K. Both have great teachers & while back to school is always so bittersweet, so far they both seem to be doing really well. 

Zion National Park

Our last stop was a quick one at Zion National Park. I tried my best to talk the kids out of this one, but in the end, majority ruled. I love Zion & I don't know how we've ever managed to survive there without a/c. It was so hot & thankfully they had hookups for our camper so we were set with all of the amenities. We did our usual hike down the Narrows, played in the water, & got our fill of that gorgeous red rock before heading home the next day. 

"Hey Bekah, I bet you I can pet that deer"

So many fun rock "slides"

And that's a wrap! We survived! 3 weeks in camper & we lived to tell the tale! It was a great trip that we'll always remember. Tyler is already planning our next trip & we've made an agreement that he can't talk to me about camping for at least 6 months...I just need some time to forget...but it was a great experience for our family. Nothing creates stronger bonds quite like nature, close quarters, & hard work. Now somebody give me a trophy or something!