Birthday Present!!

Surprise, here's my birthday present from Todd:

 

No, he didn't buy me a horse...  But he got me horseback riding lessons!  It's my childhood dream come true! :)

Happy Birthday to Me in Moab... Again!

I loved celebrating my b-day with a trip last year so we decided to do it again.  And this time we invited a few friends to come along!  We had so much fun on the trip... Until we gave everyone the flu.  That part was not fun.

Van was at the Delicate Arch in spirit. :) He left this hike early to finish the Moab Trail Marathon with a friend of his.

We didn't realize Avery was sick, she was just strangely lethargic this day. :(

  

 

 

Girls rule.

 

These girls are great buddies.  Avery LOVES "Why-wee" so much. ;)

   

Lydia did great on the trip.  Even with the flu and throwing up during most of the drive home, she hardly complained at all.

Rylie entertained Avery while Casey and I trail ran

We fit in a 5 mile trail run

 

Double O arch photobomb

Hike to Double O Arch.  The sun setting on the rocks made everything feel etherial.  Photo credit: Megan Nelson

The men went bouldering

The women picnicked at the park with the kids

Our one star rental house.  It wasn't fancy but had a full kitchen and tons of beds.  We really loved staying with everyone!  (Except Casey and Rylie, who were missed.)

Everyone was so sweet to Lydia, even the big kids.

Moab I love you and promise to return soon!  I'll try to leave the flu at home next time I visit.

Halloween 2015

Happy Halloween!  Kids are gross.... ;)

F.A.L.L. 2015

It has already been a year since I posted about how much I love Autumn!  Avery sure had fun playing in the leaves again!

Lydia wasn't so sure about the leaves, but she didn't complain.

My sweet Avery one year ago:

Not Much

We haven't been up to much lately, just living the good life enjoying our little girls.  Avery is spunky and strong willed and independent.  Lydia is sweet and content and self sufficient.  I have such a deep wonderful love for them both!!  It still surprises me how incredibly strong my love for someone else can be.  They are the most important things in mine and Todd's life!

Enough cheeziness and now for the endless adorable photos.

Everyone loves Daddy.

Even Nay!

Lydie loving on Grandma Pinnell

I have photos of myself as a baby that look so similar to this one of Lydia!  One day I'll find them and post them.  Maybe.

She loves her version of Nay-corn :)

This was my outfit when I was a few months old.

Such a happy girl, nearly all the time too!

These are the moments I savor.  Aaah the bliss...

Avery has become quite the swimmer.  Parents at pools always ask me, "How do you get her to do that?!"  She's pretty fearless.  See that fearless face? lol

Some of our favorite times are spent playing with Tommy.  He's so cute and Avery just loves him.

Painting salt dough ornaments

Sister love!

The cat is still around.  That's about all I have to say about her.

I told Avery she could put her feet in Lydia's tub.  And here's what I got.

Morning snuggles.  I just love them (and wish Todd didn't have to work so he could join us more often.)

Loving on Grandma Hammond

The last day of Summer Avery finally realized that splash pads are fun.

This girl is a puzzler

She loooooves goofing off and making people laugh.  Her "siwwy face!"

Adorable booties from Aunt Sue

Arrrrr!