Arizona evening

As the sun went down in Arizona tonight, I left the dishes on the counter, grabbed my camera and took my little ones for a walk.

I slowed down and savored all the little things.  Able to see the beauty in everything and I drew in a deep breath.   A deep breath that has been a long time coming.

I was able to see clearly

Yellow flowers in my yard

A sunset that wrapped my world in color.

A three year old.   The one holding the car keys and want to "lock it" over and over again.

A 9 month old.   Putting everything in her mouth and anxious to start walking.

Little fingers working a lock.

And, as I stepped inside my outlook was different.   Brighter and more focused.

We had work to do.

Gabriel designed and baked a "rainbow cake" earlier in afternoon.   It needed some frosting.   

I just stood and watched my boys.  

And, so my night ended in sunsets and sweets.    And, I am beyond thankful!

9 years old

 9 years ago, on this day, I was baking in a hot unconditioned house in Arvada, Colorado.   As the air filled with a sweet smell of blueberry muffins, I knew the time had come for me to be a mother. Gabriel, my messenger, was born in the middle of the night and my world changed forever.

Gabe,

You have had an amazing year.  You have grown and changed so much.   I really can't believe how tall you have gotten and how much you can eat!

I have been very proud of you this year.  

You played tackle football this year and loved it.   You loved it even though you were the new kid.  The smallest kid.  The one who didn't know exactly what you were doing.   None of that mattered.   You gave it your whole heart and you played with all the passion that makes you who you are.

You learned to play polo.   Trotting Grace around and hitting the ball.   Getting comfortable in the saddle and riding off on your own.   You quite the little cowboy.

You became a big brother again.  This time to a little sister.   You have embraced her and are so good with her.   Most mornings you go up and get her from her crib.   You lift her high into the air and pretend she is famous.   You make her giggle and laugh.   You help me with little Grace more then you know.   I don't know what I would do without all your help.

You not only just played baseball this year.   You were an exceptional player.   Every time you were up to bat, you smacked the ball.   You played a great short stop and catcher.   It was amazing watching you mature in this game over the past year.

And, you have been so brave the past couple of weeks during our move.  You are ready and willing to start something new, make new friends, and find out where you fit in here in Arizona.

I love you, Gabriel.  Very much and I can't wait to see what year 9 has for you.

For your birthday this year, we worked on a project for you.   A project that will give you and your brothers somewhere to play and hang out.  A place to go and do your homework or sit and read a book.  A special room that was organized and decorated just for you.

 I hope you love it!

This year you had to have a Minecraft cake.  I guess that only makes sense since you have spent many hours building and surviving in your Minecraft world.

You and Grammy worked very hard together to build this special cake.    It turned out so awsome!

Happy Birthday to my big 9 year old.   My messenger who teaches me love, patience, and passion for life everyday.

June trip to Wyoming

We made a trip up to Wyoming in June.  Before the heat set in.   When everything is green and summer is just starting.  We attended a wedding of a close friend and rode horses.   He hung out with cousins and let the days slip by without a care in the world.

Here are some shots of the kids keeping busy in Wyoming.

Addie and Eli loved feeding the horses.  One straw of hay at a time.    They run into the barn for a handful of hay while the horses wait ever so patiently for them.   Cutest thing ever.   And, you see we have to wear our pretty princess dress out to Grandma and Pop's.  It just wouldn't be complete without wearing our beautiful dress.

Owen and Gabe like to spend time with Pop's horses also.  And, no matter what we are wearing we have to wear our new blue cowboy boots.   Love it!

We also spent a lot of time on the swing.  Everyone loves to swing.  Right side up or upside down.

And, Bridger.   Good old Bridger.

This would be a picture of the two oldest cousins.   This picture just says so much about them.  Priceless   Oh, these two.   Like brother and sister.

The four wheeler.  Watch out world cause when these little ones drive they need lots of room.   Good thing Pop has a few acres.

We had a wonderful time with family and got to do so much together.   Time we can always remember.  Here is Gracie waving goodbye.  So cute.

Rancho Mucho Dinero

 Every cowboy's dream.  A beautiful little ranch at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains.

  A place where you can park your new horse trailer. 

 

  

A place where the horse trailers are new but the tractors may not be.

. A place to saddle your horse for an afternoon ride.

A place to get those horses ready for the polo season.

A place to learn how to hold your mallet.

 

And, when your done it's a place where you can hang your hat.

What a blessing to have such a beautiful place to come and visit Grandma and Pop!