Sweet Reminders

Sweet Walter just learned to fold his arms for prayers. Over the last few days, any time he's seen me folding my arms for any reason, I see him fold his and look at me expectantly. A few times, he's just folded them on his own and stared at me. So naturally, each time he's folded his arms, I've said a short prayer with him. At the end, he beams with a huge smile then moves on with his day. This has been such a wonderful reminder to me to pray more often throughout my day, and to truly pause and appreciate each prayer. Thanks Walter for teaching me! 

As I sat down to write this post, I was thinking on some of the other quiet lessons my kids have taught through their actions over the past few days. From Conrad, look for life and goodness even in unexpected places. He found this tadpole in the murky brown water behind him. There is more than meets the eye with people, situations, and murky puddles. 

From Hazel, always take time to slow down and read a book! And don't forget to add a dose of magic and fun when you can.

From Orson, try new things! And give whatever you try your all. 

From Eliza, slow down. Take time to notice the little things and of course take plenty of pictures. She felt we HAD to document Walter's baby mullet in the wind, and now looking at the picture I see how right she was. Don't rush through life so busy with keeping things flowing that we forget to stop and observe and record and consider and feel and find joy. 

From Lenora, make sure you help others along your way. What's life if you're not giving of your time and talents to bless the lives of those around you? 

Thanks babies (and big kids) for these sweet reminders! 

Tulip Festival in Pictures

Just a few of us made it to the Tulip Festival this year. We squeezed it in the midst of tech week for Shakespeare (more on that coming), so it had already been a jammed packed week. Eliza was exhausted and decided to stay home and poor Conrad was sick. Still, those of us who went had a fun time. 

Highlights of the day for me included: catching Hazel and Orson playing, Lenora's excited voice describing tulips to Walter, the beautiful scenes, Walter's excitement over the waterfall, and a fun break in a busy week to spend with these cuties. 

I just realized very few of these pictures actually include any tulips. Guess we were there for the memories more than the tulips, and I'm okay with that. 

Goblin Baby

Nice weather one afternoon found us up the canyon for a few hours at our favorite picnic spot. While the older kids played in hammocks and explored, Walter was crawling and walking around near one of the fire pits. Of course he ended up covered in ash...

He was getting tired and started grumpy walking over to Hazel and I when she happened to snap the perfect picture of him in all his dirty, cranky glory. And then to top it all off, she named him Goblin Baby. 

I die laughing every time I look at this picture. His face is hilarious, and even better is Hazel's name for him. Teenagers and babies really are a winning combination! And don't you dare disagree or Goblin Baby will come for you. 

March Moments

Best moments from the last few weeks... 

An adorable sleeping baby holding on to his crib.

Conrad's "I love you" strawberry, and his new gap-toothed smile. 

Watching Orson work on the farm feeding baby goats, filling water troughs, and milking goats in his bucket hat that he loves. 

The delicious cake Lenora made as part of school (then insisted on photographing). Maybe she has a future as a food blogger? 

And this sweet picture Alicia captured of her with a rolly-polly. 

The cute pictures I find of this girly on my phone (even though they're usually accompanied by pictures of Ember or a chicken).

Watching Hazel read the full version of Les Miserable (skipping the long-winded parts of course) and her cute outfit for the corresponding book club. 

Watching this awesome man take it upon himself to learn more car repair skills from YouTube.

Happy Birthday Walter!

Everyone's favorite baby turned one last month! How did the past year fly by so quickly?!? Walter, you've grown and learned SO much. 

We started your birthday celebrations with waffles, strawberries, and whipped cream. You're learning to love food, so you were really excited! Too bad Mom wouldn't let you touch the candle. It's my party - I'll cry if I want to. 

Presents were a pretty big hit though. The kids wrapped up various teddy bears and things they'd like you to have. Mom and Dad got you a carseat, some new clothes, and peach cups. Is it obvious that you're the sixth child? Yes. Were you sad about it? Not even a little bit! 

Gram came through with some awesome sand toys that you love! 

And Aunt Jamie found you the coolest shoes. Hopefully you learn to like those. So far, you're not a big fan. 

You loved your cake! 

Something you often try to do is share. You like to share your food, your toys, and even your binky. In fact, if we don't take something you're trying to share you get sad and cry.

You LOVE Daddy! Something unique is how well you seem to understand that you should sign with Daddy. You love to sign babble long stories to him, and he loves each one!

You also LOVE watching the big kids. You have a front row seat to so many different kids, older kids, and teenagers. They all adore you, and you adore them. What a lucky baby to grow up seeing so much of life. Almost nothing surprises you. You tend to just go with the flow. 

Of course you LOVE Mommy! You've mostly weaned yourself. In fact, you really only nurse in the evenings. If we're out of the house, you're sure to fall asleep in the carrier snuggled up by Mommy. 

You LOVE life! You're usually all smiles and giggles. You love people and are usually happy to get passed around. You love when people play with you, especially outside.

You LOVE baths and bubbles. You just learned to sign bubble and make the "ba-ba" mouth motion every time you sign it. It is so cute. 

You LOVE animals especially "Lizzy" (aka Ember the bearded dragon).  You like trying to pet Hailey and watching the chickens out the kitchen window. 

What don't you like? Mostly you just don't like being tired or hungry. You also don't like going to bed without your binky and Lamby. 

You're doing so much more every day. You're talking more. One of your favorite things to say is "I did it!" You're also signing a ton. Your favorite sign is definitely "Dada" followed closely by "I love you." 

About two weeks after your birthday you started walking! 

We honestly can't imagine our family without you. This past year with a newborn and teenagers has been a unique challenge, but it's be SO wonderful! All of us have gotten the joy of watching you learn and grow, and we all love you so much.Happy Birthday Walter! 

Family Ski Day!

We finally got all the kids up skiing! The kids said this was the best Christmas gift ever, and I have to agree. We all enjoyed our two days of skiing at Nordic Valley (such a great and affordable family ski area!) along with a night in a cute mountain AirBnB. Highlights of the trip included: 

Getting Hazel up skiing for the first time since she was 5. After a rough first run, she figured it out and loves it!  Also, she didn't (barely) didn't hit a tree - whew.

Seeing Conrad figure out skiing too. He was so cute going up the magic carpet and down the bunny hill time after time on his own. By the end of the day, he was doing great! Both he and Hazel will be ready for blue runs next time. 

Having Daddy join us! He snowboarded, but decided he'll ski next time. He says he's getting too old for snowboarding. It's only taken 17 years, but I've converted him! 

Watching Eliza help out. We had Walter with us so Michael and I were trading off on the mountain. Eliza was so great about taking Orson and Lenora, or Conrad with her. After a morning of helping those around her on the green runs, she and I slipped away for a few harder runs and had a blast. She's a great skiing buddy. 

Having Grandpa join us for the second day! 

Great views with all my favorite people. 

And for all of our entertainment on the way home, Walter brought his cutest faces.