Goings on.

So it's been a while...almost a YEAR! It's been a busy, crazy, hectic, fun, stressful and immensely blessed year. How can that be you ask? Well, God is funny that way. He let's us get messy with life so that He can show us His love and mercy over and over. It's stunning really. 
A lot has changed this year. I am now a working mama, we have a new nephew (who we ADORE), we now have a pooch, and a goldfish and both kids are in school! Wahoo! And Boo:( We'll get into that later. And now, the next chapter begins...
So I'm back on the blog and am going to make it a priority to stay committed this time. Ha! Blog and gym. Yes, these are two of my favorite places to be...once I get there. It's the getting there that seems to hold me back. 
So for today, here a mish-mash of some of my favorite pictures just to get back in the swing of things...feeling a little sentimental after scrolling through the last year of photos! Sniff, sniff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Canyon + Camping

Fall break means sleeping in, hanging out in jammies, and this year the kids' first camping trip! It's been long overdue. We packed up our car, with no room to spare and drove up to the Grand Canyon. It was, in a word, perfect. The weather was gorgeous, the campsite was great, and the canyon is stunning. No matter how many times you see it, it is always just stunning! 
There were so many highlights I am not even sure which ones to point out. One had to be when we pulled into our campsite and there were 3 elk just hanging out. The kids were so excited. We set up our tent, unloaded the ridiculously overpacked car and set off to view the canyon. The kids just kept saying things like, "Camping is FUN!" and "The Grand Canyon is just sooo beautiful." It's so fun to hear them thoroughly enjoying themselves.

5 minutes in-elk in the background!

The kids loved exploring the canyon. We walked and walked and walked to get lots of different views. Peter showed them all of the different trails he's hiked over the years and we heard lots of "wows". I think they're pretty impressed with him! The beauty of the canyon is just purely overwhelming. You can't help but praise God for the enormous display in front of you.

Showing the kids all of the trails he's hiked!

Just hanging around the campsite was one of my faves. Campfires, smores, hot chocolate, and just relaxing with the people you love most. Yes, it was fantastic!

Peter took us to a "secret trail" that is not marked. We hiked in and had an amazing spot to have our own, private picnic. This did make me nervous in the most fundamental way, but it was amazing too. We had the whole canyon to ourselves for an hour!!!

We gave the kids a disposable camera so that they could capture the trip in their own way. If I can find a place to develop it we will get to see what they captured! Ha! I can't wait to see what's on there:) 

We were so thankful to have such a fun family vacation. And we can't wait to go camping again!!!

Pretty Little Dancer

This is our pretty, little dancer. She is gorgeous and dances with such heart. We love watching every minute. Good job at your recital Samantha! 

Father's Day

It has been a while since we've been down to see Grammie and Grandpa so we packed up and headed south for Father's day. While we were there we also celebrated Grammie's birthday.  We had such a great time, even though it was such a short visit. Yummy dinner, cupcakes, playing cowboys and Indians, church, water play and popsicles. So fun. Highlight of the trip was definitely the water balloon/squirt gun fights!!!
Thanks Grammie and Grandpa-we love you!

Kinder Graduation

Ok, I realize it has been THREE months since I have blogged, but we have been kind of busy! We've moved! So here we go on catching up on the blog...


At the end of May Samantha graduated from Kindergarten! I can't hardly believe that a whole year of Kindergarten has passed us by. Where does the time go? 

We are so proud of our sweet, little daughter. Samantha, you are so smart. You are reading above grade level, math is a breeze for you, you are a beautiful artist and let's not forget that you are a poet! Winning the poetry contest for your grade level!!! Kindergarten was so much fun. Miss. Klein was such an amazing teacher making learning so exciting. Highlights of the year...you got to ride a school bus for the first time going on a field trip, the rodeo show, the Christmas program-so cute, and making lots of new friends. We can not wait to see what fun you will have in first grade. We love you so much!