Grandma's Birthday - A Day in the Mountains

 Today was grandma's birthday and it was such a fun day to spend time together and celebrate.  Grandma also loves to be in the mountains so we took her up to the fun spot at Sandia Man cave where we could explore and spend the day outside.  But first, she had lots of cards and homemade gifts from the kids to start the day.

Grandma hates caves, even more than me, but she was brave enough to enter into the mouth of the cave with the clan.  Here's the inner cave birthday photo!

The kids found a little baby bat clinging to the wall, they were excited about that.

Brad was the gifted photographer who got these awesome cave shots.  Thanks Brad!

Well done in that cave today grandma! That was a birthday activity to remember!

It was a beautiful day up there.  After the cave we hiked a trail, ate a picnic, and found a creek to play in.

Eden showed us her skills in making flower crowns.  Well done Eden!!

That night we had grandma's favorite dinner from the restaurant Hot Tamales.  Then donuts for dessert! Yum!

Happy birthday grandma!  It was such a great day to celebrate you!

Fun Day with the Haslams

Today we spent the morning out in the mountains exploring Sandia Man Cave.  I was perfectly content staying right outside the cave, but the kids all thought it was great!

After the cave we had a picnic lunch and spent some time exploring and playing in the great outdoors.

Then we finished off the day with a nice swim back at home.

What a perfect day...

Turtle Intrusions

 If we leave our backdoors open- we are bound to be invaded by a turtle.  Sometimes we see them coming and watch to see what they will do as they enter and roam around.  Other times the doors get left open and we don't know and will later stumble upon a turtle in the house.  I have no idea why they want to come in here, but it's a little frustrating because the weather is beautiful and I love letting the natural air circulate through the house.  Fortunately, they don't usually wonder in too far before someone discovers them.

We love our turtles!

Expanding the Quarantine Bubble

 It's been two months now since we have seen anyone in person, other than grandma and grandpa, and the Reidheads. Such a strange time!  Though we are so grateful to have not been completely alone in our quarantine, it is time to start expanding our social bubble a bit.  COVID is far from over, but as summer is drawing nearer, it does seem like cases are going down a little.  We are still concerned (especially for Eden) and there are a lot of unknowns about this still -  but what we do know is that we need our friends!!  This week, we were finally able to have Picketts over one day to swim, and then the Haslams came over one day to swim.  It was good for our souls.  Welcome back friends.  We are not meant to be alone.

YW Zumba Activity

 All young women activities are being held over zoom. We are trying to be creative and engaging for these girls who miss socializing so bad.  Today we had Polly Andersen teach us all some Zumba dancing.  Karly and Olive were so excited that they could join and dance with us too.  Fun times!

"Parents Day" from the Kids

The kids surprised Brad and I by secretly planning a "parents day" party.  We had a dance party, treats, and they wrote us the sweetest notes.  It was all so cute and special. I love these babies.

This cute collage and list came from Eden:

Things I love about my mom and dad:

1. They make food for us, and keep me healthy

2. They help teach the true Gospel in our home

3. They keep our family together

4. They love us

This letter from Bentley that says, "Dear mom and dad,  We are  extremely grateful for you guys. You care almost more than anyone can care about us. You are both really smart, funny, and sweet. You are the greatest parents in the world. Your hearts are so bright and loving. You love us more than anyone can. You always make us happy in every way. We hope this party for you guys is very fun that I organized. We Love You." 

Olive and Karly drew us some really cute pictures.

Then Bentley had another note for each of us, that when put together made a heart.  This guy - so thoughtful.  His letters said:

"Dad, being my dad is such an incredible blessing. You are always filling my love tank up when you wrestle me. It makes me so happy that you are my dad. You're the best guy in the family. You're definitely my BFF. I love you times infinity. I love you so much. Love Bentley"  

"Mom, Sweet, kind, loving, caring, and grateful. You are always making me happy. You have such a kind heart. You are fast, and extremely smart. I'm ssooooo glad you're my mother because you are the best anyone could ever have. I am really, really, REALLY lucky you're my mom. I love you ssssssoooooooooo much and I want you to know that. Love Bentley"

We really got some good ones when God sent us these kids.  I love our family, and it seems like they do too.  Thanks for the "parents day" party my loves.

Hockey and Swimming

 The weather is beautiful, the schedules are free, and we are spending a lot of time outdoors enjoying each other and our yard.  It's the best.