Let's Get Dirty

So my friend, Robyn, (the one making googly eyes at me) talked us into doing "The Dirty Dash" with her.

 I Thought we looked pretty cute when we headed out the door.

 And when we arrived.

 But after a 3.1 mile muddy obstacle course we were looking a little, well, a little like this...

(don't mind my sunglasses that look like big dorky goggle on top of my head)

 Getting muddy was a BLAST. Seriously, it was SO MUCH FUN!

Wow - I really look like I need a nap

cleaning up however; was not.

That water was FREEZING. No joke, painfully cold. 

Miles thought it was hilarious watching three grown women screaming each time the water touched our skin.

Man, I have some awesome friends that talk me into doing some crazy, fun, adventurous things. 

Even if Jana looks like she is thoroughly enjoying torturing me with that freezing cold water.

Liam {11 months}

Father Time I am pleading with you to slow things down. 

This has all gone by much to quickly.  How is it possible that my baby is so close to a year already?!

Oh, the love I have for this boy is without measure. 

 His face (especially his eyes) radiates happiness and wonder.

One look into his eyes and you can see that he is learning, discovering, and enjoying every new thing he sees. 

 He is so full of energy that it cannot be contained. He moves and wiggles more than any child I have ever encountered before. He loves being held, but make sure you have a tight grip or he will wiggle right out of your arms as he reaches for his newest discovery.

 He took his first steps toward the end of May and is now able to walk across the living room; although his preferred mode of transportation is still crawling (it's so much faster).

He loves his big brother and want to be wherever he is and do whatever he's doing

He barks like a dog (well, any animal noise is currently a bark)

He says, Mom, Momma, Ba (bottle or ball), BaBa (bottle)

He shakes his head no

He plays peek-a-boo like a pro

He loves big people food, none of this sissy baby food business

He enjoys being outside and will even venture out onto the grass on occasion

Bath-time is one of his favorite things

He hates taking time out of his busy schedule to nap

He enjoys looking at books (and thinks they taste good too)

When he hears music he does the cutest little bounce dance - seriously the cutest

We love you Liam, you make our home a happier place.

Mother's Day & Memorial Day {2013}

MOTHER'S DAY

For Mother's Day Gabe planned a little hike that we could do with the kids 

(he's amazing and always tries to make things special).

So we headed out before it got too warm and made the trek to the top of Ensign Peak.

The views were amazing; you could see straight down state street.

This was a major "right of passage" for Miles. It was the first hike he did all by himself - he didn't whine or ask to be carried once! We were all very proud of him.

Liam on the other hand has some entitlement issues and decided he needed to be carried the whole way ;).

 These boys of mine are the best thing I've ever made. They challenge me and push me to my limits on a regular basis, but I have learned so much from them. They show unconditional love, they are quick to forgive me of my many faults, they find beauty and joy and excitement wherever they go. They have helped me become a better person. My heart has grown with each passing day and I could never have imagined the love that consumes me when I think of these sweet angels entrusted to me. 

Being a mother has forever changed my life for good and I am eternally grateful to my Father in Heaven for such an amazing gift.  

MEMORIAL DAY 

Gabe had to work on Memorial Day so I decided to take the boys on a little picnic.

Miles loves a good picnic, more for the outside than the food.

It was so fun to sit in the sun and watch the boys play.  It was a cool day so we definitely soaked up some rays - it was perfection (well, nearly - we needed daddy).

 Miles wanted to stretch his independent legs an go exploring.  I still struggle with this, even with him in plain sight.  But I kept a close eye on him and he was so excited to come back and tell me all about his discoveries.