Sibling Love

I can't stand all the cuteness - don't get me wrong, these kids get on each other's nerves sometimes, but for the most part they really are friends and they are so good to each other. Nothing makes me happier than seeing them be loving and affectionate to each other. I hope they will always be good friends.

I can't believe Olivia went along with this!

I love watching these two wrestle. I know it probably won't be long before Bentley is stronger, but for now Eden has some strength in those skinny legs and she really gets him! They laugh and have the best time when they wrestle. It's so cute.

Bentley has always been such a good patient for Dr. Eden.

I love these kids and I'm so grateful they are mine!

Grandpa's Birthday

For grandpa's birthday we got to spend the day down in Bosque Farms with all the family, swimming and playing games. It was a lot of fun. I'm sure grateful to live close to family so we can spend these summer days together!

Eden made him a very cute and creative gift in an egg carton. :)

Card games!

Happy birthday grandpa!!

Bentley James

This guy melts my heart. He is the sweetest. 

Most afternoons he will let me know he is going to "visit his bean" and then I find him sleeping somewhere, usually on the big chair in the loft. He is so cute, and I think the fact that he puts himself down for naps is really funny.  I can only let him nap for an hour though or else bedtime becomes way too late!


He is all boy - especially when it comes to his bathroom hygiene. I was warned from other boy moms about the potty misses and such nonsense, but lately I have gained quite a lot of experience in cleaning up after him. One week was particularly bad and I found myself mopping up the floor and washing the rugs a lot. Each time we would have the talk about making sure he was sitting flat before starting to go potty, because usually he would wait to long and than be starting to go before he was actually ready.  So I was cleaning up yet another mess and I was really frustrated. I hadn't even said a word to him, but was basically fuming inside and the following conversation happened:

Bentley: "Mom?"
Me: "What Bentley?" (probably not said in not a very nice way)
Bentley: "I just love you so much. You're the best mom"

Well played son... well played. I could no longer get mad at him after that sweetness. He knows how to melt my heart like no other.  :)

1st Day of 1st Grade!

I was NOT ready for school to start, and I was NOT ready for this sweet girl to start 1st grade! She was nervous, but excited and I was just plain nervous for her! 

We were able to go to the classroom the day before, and meet her teacher. I had a great feeling about her, Ms. Raymond, and Eden really like her, but I was just so uneasy with how Eden would make the transition! Starting kindergarten last year was really hard, and so sad for her. We had a lot of days where I pulled her off of me crying so I was just so hopeful that this year would be easier for her. Let me tell you, I was a big ball of anxiety as we got there that morning, and Eden was nervous, but totally fine! She lined up with her class and immediately turned to the girl behind her and starting talking to her which was HUGE for her to do! It brought so much relief to me - but I'll be honest, I still cried like a baby! Her class starting walking away and I lost it. All that built up anxiety and nerves for her came right on out and it was rather embarrassing. ha ha  

I miss her so much because she is gone from me for so many hours - it's really sad! But she has adjusted so well and really loves her teacher and the routine.

I love you Eden and I know you'll have a great year! I'm so proud of the incredible progress you have made!

Look at that cute pose. Day two and pondering about who knows what!

10 Year Anniversary Date!

Just a few days shy of our actual anniversary, it was fun to take a picture together where it all began 10 years ago! What a crazy ride it has been. We have grown up together and created an amazing family and an amazing life. I can't imagine making it through the past ten years without Brad by my side. He is the best husband, father, and friend that I could ask for. I'm so grateful.

Once the vacations were done and life was a bit settled again, we snuck away on a Saturday to celebrate our anniversary. On June 15th, ten years ago, Brad proposed to me after we had gone up the tram. What better way to celebrate that heading back up the mountain! We had such a fun day together and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and hiking around a bit on the top of the Sandia Mountains before we came back down to a delicious mexican food dinner.

We also got massages and went to a movie that day!  It was so much all in one day, but so great to just be together. We are so grateful for good friends who were happy to have our kids over while we celebrated. I'm so glad we got married all those many years ago.  :)

Bro-Date

Bentley LOVES when it's his turn for a date with daddy. These two always have funny stories to tell when they go out. Looks like they had a blast this time at the trampoline park and McDonald's (or Old McDonald's as Bentley calls it.)

I sure love these boys of mine!

San Diego Temple....

On our way to the airport after leaving Legoland, we were able to make a quick stop at the San Diego temple. It was fun telling the kids about our wedding there TEN years ago!

Brad, we have built an amazing life in these past ten years. Look at this amazing family we have!