Covered in white

The snow falls all around us.  Last night it snowed two inches and we awoke to our world much changed.  Covered in white, glistening, glowing, reminding me of change.   Change that takes your breath away because it happens so fast.

While everything outside changes and we welcome winter, I feel the changes inside also.  The tightening muscles of a contraction.  A pink diaper bag packed and ready, a new car seat sitting in the hallway.   Reminders of the change that is coming.

This change again takes my breath away.  Sometimes feeling excited.  Sometimes scared.  Knowing that it all happens too fast and at the same time not fast enough. Waiting each day for our little girl who will touch each of our lives. 

I embrace this time.  This time of waiting.   I look out across my yard covered in snow and welcome the changes.  I welcome them because I know above everything else this is God's will for our family.  Through all the change and the fear and struggle, in end this is all that really matters. 

Winter has come and with it is bringing new life into our family.  And, like the snow outside my window we are covered in God's blessings.

P.S.

Please pray for my family.  A safe delivery.  And, for the days ahead as we welcome our little girl home.     

Gabe's Birthday

Somebody turned 8.  8 years old. 

To celebrate, we blew up the jumpy castle and had a few friends over.

Gabe designed his cake.....NINJAGO......and our dear friend, Judy, made it from his design.   It was perfect.

The kids had a great time playing!

And, no party is complete without presents.  

Gabe's favorite gifts were his new ipod from is Aunt Megan and Grandma and a web shooter.

Happy Birthday to a wonderful 8 year old!

First day of school

Two Dahl boys are starting school this year. 

 One in Second Grade

 One in Kindegarden

Unable to contain their perfect poses for long.  They have to start tormenting each other.

Then, we load the other Dahl boy into the stroller for our walk to school.

What a beautiful first day of school.

 

And, when we arrive there are friends waiting for us.  Jake and Reese are waiting for Owen before their teacher opens the door for their first day.

The first day of school is always exciting!

A fall day

Graditude on an ordinary day.

A morning bike ride before school.

A 5 pound little girl who is kicking and moving.

 Leaves that were crunched, thown, and stomped.

The sound of the garage door as Daddy comes home from work.

sloppy joes for dinner.

 

It's these little things that I miss if I don't intentionally sit down and think about my day.

Visit from the girls

There is nothing that can compare to a long weekend spent with your best friend and your sister.  I cherish the long nights we stayed up talking and laughing long after the kiddos went to sleep.  Laughing over childhood memories that no one else would understand. And, watching our children play, laugh and fight with each other.  We had a great time no matter what it was we were doing.

Like the morning that the kids decided it would be a good idea to ride down the stairs in a box.

No need to worry.....they put couch cushions on the bottom of the stairs to help with the head injuries.

 

And, it was great fun until the babies decided to join the big kids....and that was when Megan and I both agreed to take all boxes away from the older children.

 And, so the babies decided to climb into a laundry basket together and pretend it was a boat.  This was a much safer game.

 

Until Addie fell out....good thing she is really tough.   Look at that smile.

But, our most favorite thing to do was to "paint nails".  It was the highlight of our weekend.  Everyone got a manicure and a pedicure!

When our time was over....it was hard to say goodbye.  But, I can always look at this picture and just smile.  These are the two cutest babies in the whole world.  I just love it.

Grand Lake

In the heat of the summer, cousin Britt came for a visit.  We were so glad to have her come all the way from Jersey City.  She was able to stay in Colorado for several days before her adventure to Wyoming and I cherished the time that she was here.  She spent time with the boys and helped me as I packed and took several long afternoon naps.  Thanks, Britt....for coming to see us and helping me so much while you were here.

My mom and I decided to take Britt to the Colorado Mountains for a little adventure.  And, we found a magical place in Grand Lake, Colorado called Grand Lake Lodge.  It was beautiful!  We rented a little cabin and could walk down to the lodge for a swim in the pool and a meal in the restaurant.  We just had such a great time.  Here are some shots of Grand Lake Lodge and pool.

We also explored the lake.  The boys, of course, couldn't stay out of the water.

 Here are some shots of Britt teaching Owen how to swim.  Good job, Owen!!

Next summer, we will get to travel to Connecticut to Britt's wedding.  We are already looking forward to our trip and many more adventures with our cousin Britt.

River of joy

Just as we pull our car into the driveway big raindrops fall from the sky.  Thunder cracks.  The boys jump out of the car and run in the house.  Eli sleeps in the backseat.

I stand outside and feel the rain as it starts to fall.  Soaking my hair and my clothes.  I run back inside to get the boys.  Wanting them to feel the pleasure of a warm summer rain.  "Come outside, boys and see the rain" I say.  They complain.  They are starting to play a game and don't want to be bothered.  As their mother, I don't give them a choice.  "Come outside, NOW" I say.

We run outside and it is pouring rain.  We watch it for a few minutes.  Those two boys can't stand it, they run back inside to grab jackets and other gear needed in such a rainstorm. Winter gloves for some reason were a necessity for this adventure.  When they return....the rain stops and we have a small river in our front gutter.  Pure joy for little boys.  They run and scream and splash and get each other wet. 

They are having so much fun they have to run over and get their best friend to join in.  They can't have all this fun without Daniel.

For a few precious moments, the river and the boys run freely.  Even little Eli wakes up just in time to play in the water.

Aren't these the moments in childhood that you never want to forget!  Warm summer rain, getting wet, and laughter.  The pure pleasure of an unexpected storm that brings rivers of joy.