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.

Brothers

 Nothing melts my heart faster than watching these two boys of mine play together.

Their love astounds me. It is limitless. 

I know that in the not-so-distant-future these moments may become few and far between, but for right now I want to remember what pure joy and unconditional love looks like.

Steal'n My Heart

It's Madness I say

Gabe was one of the top salesman at work so he got rewarded with some awesome March Madness tickets. Being the awesome daddy that he is he decided to take his best buddy, Miles.  

They had THE.BEST.TIME!

Miles loved all the energy and noise...and spending time with Daddy of course.

Gabe loved watching a live NCAA game....and spending time with Miles of course.

Friends, Muscles, and Snow

In no particular order.

We have had some crazy amounts of snow.  Don't believe me? See for yourself...

 It goes up to Miles' thighs. He's not kneeling in this picture - he's standing! There were some spots where it went up to my knees. Insanity.

I have a very dear friend (Hi, Robyn!) who has the second cutest kids in the world :)

Our two oldest boys are fairly close in age and have become very good playmates.  

We've had several play dates, but for some reason this is the first one we've caught on film.

I think it was cause Ollie looked so adorably funny in those construction goggles.

Miles loves to show off his muscles, but for some reason thinks they are his elbows.

We've been trying to explain and teach him how to properly show off his guns, but it didn't go so well.

Miles {4 Years}

 Our wild and rambunctious first born turned 4 today! I can't believe how fast that happened.

He is so full of spunk and attitude a lot of the time, but he is also so sweet and loving. 

He adds adventure and spice to everyday, I'm so glad I get to spend most of my days home with him. 

I love you, Miles Magoo.

I have a friend from college that has a cute little girl who is also celebrating a birthday today. 

I headed over to her blog today and saw her cute post.  She interviewed her sweet little 3 year old and I thought it was the cutest of ideas. I copy you all the time Taryn, can you tell I want to be just like you when I grow up :).

So without further ado, here is a little bit of information straight from Miles that will help me remember what made him happy when he turned 4.

What is your favorite color?: Blue

What is your favorite toy?: Big Mack (A very large dump truck that really is quite cool)

What is your favorite fruit?: Bananas

What is your favorite show?: Wild Kratts (it's a show on PBS that teaches you about animals)

What is your favorite thing for lunch?: Peanut butter and Jam (pretty sure it's Mac and Cheese)

What is your favorite thing to wear?: "Say it LOUD" shirt 

What is your favorite thing to play?: Cars

What is your favorite snack?: Fruuit snacks

What is your favorite animal?: Spider (what, the what?!)

What is your favorite song?: "I Am A Child Of God"

What is your favorite book?: "Good Night, Good Night Construction Site"

Who is your best friend?: Zach (his cousin)

What is your favorite thing to eat at breakfast?: Pancakes

What is your favorite thing to do outside?: Squirt guns and swimming in the swimming pool

What is your favorite thing to drink?:  Apple Juice

What is your favorite holiday?: Christmas; because I get toys

What do you want to be when you grow up?: I want to go to the moon

What is your favorite thing to do with mom?: Play cars

What is your favorite thing to do with dad?: Wrestle

Where is your favorite place to go?: Grandma's House!

Miles is 100% boy and when asked said he wanted a construction cake.  I headed to Pinterest, found some inspiration pictures (all of which put my cake to shame) and did the best I could.  This is what I came up with.  

I 

 Miles must have thought I did an awesome job, because when I asked him if he was ready to eat it he said,

"NO! I don't want to ruin it!"

Happy Birthday, Miles! We sure do love you and are so excited that you became a part of our family 4 years ago.  We can't wait to see what this next year brings for you! 

xoxo, Mom and Dad

Ornament Making and Tree Decorating

We decided to make salt dough ornaments this year.  

Miles HAD.A.BLAST!

For the last 9 years we have used this small artificial tree. 

I loved this tree, it is such a cute shape and holds all the memories from every single one of our Christmas's past.

So I decided that it would be the perfect little tree for the kids to decorate.  I think this is going to be a new tradition.  Miles thought it was so fun decorating the little tree and absolutely loves the idea of having his own tree.

Gabe grew up having live trees and since we were in the market for a more grown-up tree he got very excited to pick out a live tree once again.

So, off we went to find the perfect tree. 

Yay for Christmas!

Happening of Late

Morgan was able to attend the temple for the first time and receive her endowment. What an amazing day!

So grateful for the blessing found in the House of The Lord.

Bountiful experienced it's first major snow storm of the season. Man what a doozey!

Perfect play'n snow though. Miles woke up and saw the snow and yelled, 

"Mom, IT's CHRISTMAS!"