Moments and Memories

I have a love/hate relationship with our blog. I LOVE looking back and re-reading posts. I love the memories, the stories preserved, and the way I can see the Lord's hand weaving in and out of our lives. But, I hate trying to stay on top of the blog. I sometimes get hung up on a post because I struggle to put things in to words or I'm trying to gather the right pictures. While I'm waiting to finish a post, I feel like I can't post something else for fear of ruining the order and soon I'm weeks or months behind. 

So, I'm liberating myself from all blog stress and guilt. No longer will out blog be like the large plates of Nephi - a greater record of our history with all the stories, trips, etc. Our blog will now be like the small plates of Nephi - a place for our most precious moments and memories. A place where I can record the things I don't want to forget and which will be most meaningful for my children someday. I'm so excited! 

Without further ado, some of our best recent moments and memories... 

One night at dinner, Michael cooked something Walter loved. He paused eating to clearly sign "thank you Daddy."

On Valentine's Day, Orson - ever my early bird - was up at the crack of dawn telling me I couldn't come in to the school room. Before I knew it, he had placed this on my dresser. He painstakingly cut from chicken wire "I Love You Mome." I have know idea what gave him the idea, but it is by far the best Valentine I've ever received. Thanks Orson! 

Walter now has a name sign! Michael realized how much he loves fires, so he combined the sign for fire with a W to make a really cool, unique name sign for him. I love it, and I think he will too!

Last, but not least, is there anything more wonderful than a sleeping baby? This boy is such a joy in our home! I feel incredibly blessed to have him. I'm grateful for the prompting that someone was missing and the courage to welcome another sweet soul in to our family. It's been hard at times, but it's also been so, so wonderful. 

1,000 hours outside, take three

The past two years, we've set a goal to spend 1,000 hours outside. With being pregnant in 2022 and having a new baby in 2023, we've only made it to 850-900 hours each year. These have still been wins in my book because that's way more time outside than we might have spent otherwise! But this year, I'm determined to make it all the way to 1,000. Nothing lifts our moods, aids our exercise, burns off excess energy, drives away the grumpies, or brings us together like time outside. Already we've had some wonderful adventures this year.... 

How do we do it with Walter? We dress him for the weather and bring him along. He LOVES the outdoors and is always calm and relaxed in nature (as long as he's not cold). 

Forest School is always a favorite way to get outside. 

One Sunday before church we visited a park in Provo that the girls used to love when they were little and we lived there. As we walked up, the ducks mobbed us looking for food. 

Michael and Orson got to enjoy some time shooting. He says Orson's getting really good! This is the first time he's shot standing up. 

Walter LOVES to eat snow. 

Another Sunday we built the cutest snowman! 

We found Hazel's street! 

And enjoyed the BEST way to spend time outside in the winter! 

One afternoon while the big girls were at book club I took the younger kids to the pond and we spotted a baby turtle! Can you see him in the water? Plus Mom and Dad on the roots?