Halloween

Halloween was so anticipated in our home this year. Each spooky decorated house was noticed with excitement. The girls had their costumes picked out since September. 

Finnley: princesss

Aven: also a princess (from the bee costume)

 

Tricker treating was so fun! And cold. When it was dark we headed back to the car, then drank hot chocolate and ate candy in our trunk.

Once the girls where in bed Spencer pulled out a bored game and I grabbed the candy and milk. Happy Halloween to us!

Salamander Flats

Early this morning I open my eyes,

Two excited smiling faces peered down at me.


After dinner last night those two smiling pals packed up and drove away on their first father daughter backpacking trip.  


They told of all their overnight adventures; peeing in the woods, the spider in the tent, and the moons soft bright light. 

Lagoon

After a few days of going back and forth we decided to brave Lagoon with our girls. I was more than a little anxious that there wouldn’t be enough kid rides, and that Aven wouldn’t be able to go on any. 

We arrived at 11:20 with high hopes.

 After the first ride the girls went on, I knew it was worth it. 

Wind blown hair, squeals and wide eyes. The warmth of the sun and cool breeze made for the perfect day. 

Favorite rides:

Finnley- the air plane

Aven- boats

Oatmeal cookies

I love that song from Enchanted, ‘How do you know?’

 It brings cherished memories of that first semester at BYU Idaho. Heidi and I would quote the movie at every opportunity. 

Tonight the lyrics and tune play on repeat in my mind. “How do you know?  (She) loves you? How do you know it’s true?!”

Oatmeal cookies. 

That’s how you know!

Spencer picked the treat we made as our Sunday family activity. He picked 

Oatmeal cookies. 

So we made them,

Because I love him. 

Swim lessons

Swim lessons 2018 has begun.

Finnley in preschool 1, learning to float, movement in the water and to submerge. 

Aven in the parent and tot with Spencer. Learning to be comfortable in the water.

Watching them brings back memories of lifeguarding in high school. I will forever love the smell of sunscreen. 

“There is no limit to your potential. If you will take control of your lives the future is filled with opportunity and gladness.” Gordon B. Hinckley 

Battle Creek on Cinco de Mayo

I may never get used to the powerful snow capped Utah mountains. Spencer and I are always pointing them out to each other throughout the day.

For Cinco De Mayo we enjoyed a short hike to a waterfall. Hiking with our babies is going to be a learning curve, but I think hiking can be something we enjoy as a family this summer. 

I enjoyed pointing out the little details to Finnley to keep her walking. The yellow dandelion just up ahead, the tiny cave or the giant rock to climb. The promise of an ice cream cone also help speed us along the trail.

Happy Birthday Finnley

February 20th 2015.

I remember looking out the hospital window, holding a warm cozy baby and seeing snow falling. 

Today it snowed,

Today Finnley turned three. 

We woke up, open presents and decided to eat cake.

She had asked for a pink cake with fire on top. 

 I made a raspberry red velvet cake, raspberry buttercream frosting with raspberries and a candle on top.

We played with friends and cousins all day until everyone was tired and cranky.

She is determined, fast paced, and passionate. She loves cooking with me, listening to stories, cutting, wrestling, and climbing.

Three years old and ready to take in the world.

Hearts

One of my favorite things about Idaho Falls has been the short walk across the street to Jamie’s. 

Usually we eat lunch, a Nutella sandwich or salted quesadilla. 

Play with hot wheels, talk about our kids, husbands, goals, and dreams. 

Today,

We painted hearts.

Intentional

Aven will nap 2-3hours a day.

Recently I have been trying to be more intentional with the one on one opportunity with Finnley. 

I held the glue stick still while she picked different things to paste in her “journal”.

We talked about Nephi and Lehi and the power of prayer. She loves drawing the stories out on my bathroom mirror.

While reading books I felt her little body relax, until she was laying across my lap.

Heavy and warm.

My favorite Holiday

Valentines Day is special. 

What could be better than celebrating love? 

I crawled out of the warm covers to make a valentine breakfast before Spencer left for work. 

He is usually gone by the time I or the girls wake up. 

I quickly set up the table, turned the love station on Pandora, and make a few cards. 

Changes and choices are coming. Sometimess the unknown of the future seem to loom overhead like a dark cloud. 

As we talked about the highs and lows of the day that night over chicken sandwiches, I couldn’t help but feel happy. 

Happy in the moment. 

Happy I had him there to swap secrets, fears and ambitions with. 

Having a sister is fleek

I am terrified of high traffic, big city freeways. 

Bumper to bumper, five lanes, signaling isn’t a thing and NO ONE Is going to speed limit. 

This weekend Kysa and I had our first sister trip! We went to Utah for a friends wedding. 

Salt Lake City. 

I am completely proud that we made it alive, and slightly embarrassed that I was drenched with sweat.

We ate awesome food, visited a giant used book store, and got our hair cut together.

The best part was reconnecting with friends I have not seen for years. 

Laughing at our memories, then crying at the realities and hardships of life experiences.

I left feeling inspired and motivated to be better and to trust the Saviors personalized plan for me.

Winter Continues

Last week we celebrated groundhogs day.

We made ground hog headbands

Watched Phill the groundhog on tv 

Ate little smokies in a mound of mashed potatoes 

and

Practiced making our own shadows.

 

They are easy to please.

Finnley loves cutting and will glue anything.

Aven loves eating.

It has been so satisfing celebrating anything and everything. 

Making new family traditions and memories in the process.

Baby locks

A couple days ago I took the baby locks off Finnleys door, the bathroom and Avens door. 

Because 

1. Finnley is fully potty trained (happy dance)

2.We have been teaching her about the importance of sleep. She is eager to take care of her body.

3. She is almost 3!

 

It has been hard in ways I expected, but unbelievably joyful in ways I didn’t expect. 

The soft knock on our door at night as Finnleys little voice says she is cold. 

Hearing the toilet flush without leaving my warm blankets.

Early morning giggles and squeaks from Avens room as they wait for us to get up.

 I remember watching Finnley look at herself in my tall bathroom mirror. She turned to me and declared with confidence,

“Mom, I am getting bigger.”

That little phrase has been on repeat in my mind. 

She is getting bigger.

I believe in Finnley,

Her ability to rely on the savior and be whoever she wants to be.

But first, let’s celebrate the freedom from 

baby locks.

Kysa turns 20

Officially considered an adult, 

Kysa turns 20! 

We celebrated Sunday night with family over cheesy potato soup, bread and strawberry shortcake. 

Monday the girls and I packed a lunch and diapers. 

Dropped Spencer off at work and spent the afternoon with Kysa.

We shopped.

Ate the BIG Mac, fries and ice cream.

Oh yeah and we bought toilet paper because we were both out. 

Happy Birthday KysaKins, I hope you felt special today. 

You are special.

I love you.