Tuesday

Favorite part of my day.   Peeling shrimp with Grace.   Her little fingers worked fast and she peeled the shells from those little guys.   We were so engrossed in what we were doing we didn't look up for a long time.   Then I heard a little voice say, "mommy this is fun".   "I love taking the legs off these shrimp with you".    Deep breath.  And saying back. "Me too".

I loved being with Eli as he watched the Rockies.   They lost again but he loved every play.    Always sure they would win at the end.  

I loved beating Gabe at a multiplication race.  He doesn't know his 4s as well as he thought.   More races to come tomorrow.  

I loved getting into a discussion with Bryan after the kids were in bed.  He may not know it but it feels so good to talk adult talk.  To be able to have an opinion.  It just made me feel important.  Validated.  Loved. I only hope I do the same for him.

Rancho Mucho Dinero

Rancho Mucho Dinero happens to be everyone's favorite place this summer.   Mostly because they have a river behind it with fish.   Yet, there are other reasons we love Rancho Mucho Dinero.    We love helping Pop on his tractor and just spending time together.

We also like to hang out together inside where we can do crafts and take a break from the sun and the river.

Grammy's walking trail

Years ago I found Eva Knepper walking trail close to Grammy's house.  When Eli and Grace were babies I would take Gabe, Owen, and Bridger down to the trail and the boys would spend hours digging in the dirt and getting their feet wet in the little river.    The grass is always really tall and Bridger would run ahead and get lost.    One afternoon, Gabe and I found a log to cross.   He was scared but he overcame his fear and we both crossed several times.  It was a very special moment for me.   Each time I walk down this trail it reminds me how much everyone is growing and changing and all the memories we have shared in this place.

On this day, it was just Grace and Eli.   They boys had fishing plans and that was more important.    I thought of Bridger the whole walk missing having to yell at him to come back.

Neither child really wanted to have their picture taken and I finally had to give up.

Oh, let me tell you about Grace and her gum.   Gum is her favorite thing in the whole entire world.   Last Christmas Santa brought gum.    Every time we go to the store Grace begs for a pack of gum.   She never grows tired of it.    Silly gum girl.

An afternoon Hike

We all wanted to extend our time together in South Dakota.    We weren't ready to head back to Wyoming and Colorado.  We headed into Spearfish Canyon for an afternoon hike before the long drive home.   A hike to see the falls and to see the green beauty of the Black Hills.

I love it when I capture a picture of these two.     Gramps and Eli's souls share a special place.   They are so much alike and love and understand each other more then I ever thought possible.    I love that I caught them sitting on this bench together with the same expression on their face.     

It is rare when Bryan and I get a picture together.    I love looking back at pictures of us together.    It's nice to have a moment stopped in time when we are together and and it's just him and I.  A reminder of what is the most important thing.   A reminder of the couple that we have become.  A reminder that there is moments just for us.

Lunch with Great Gramps

The afternoon we spent with Great Gramps at his Assisted Living will always hold a special place in our hearts.    Great Gramps has a big yard to play in and a nice gazebo to sit under.    We always enjoy every moment we get to spend with him.

Weekend in SD

First week home and it was time to pack up and head over to Spearfish for the weekend.  Gramps and the boys played in a golf tournament on Saturday while we enjoyed all Spearfish had to offer.

Grace, Eli and I headed over to a carnival.   We had so much fun jumping on the bouncy houses and eating cotton candy.   And the older boys?  They choose the water park and swam all afternoon with Grammy.   It was a beautiful day in Spearfish.

Visiting Spearfish wouldn't be complete without our annual trip to the Fish Hatchery.   We always have a blast.

I remember when Gabe and Owen were this age.  We lived in Sheridan and would run over the Spearfish for a weekend just to feed the fish.   Gabe and Owen never, never grew tired of throwing fish food.   In fact, Great Gramps had started buying us Fish Food by the pound.   He had a friend that worked with the city that would sell him these huge bags and the boys could have all the fish food they ever wanted.

Eli found a friend to talk with.    Just two little boys swapping fish stories.   So cute!!

I love this picture of me and the little kids.    A moment to enjoy each other and spend time together.   In a very special place that holds a place in each of our hearts.  A place that brings us together as a family.