Botanical Gardens

The beauty of the desert is magical.  I am always amazed by it.  Everything blooms here at the most unexpected times.  I will walk by the same cactus day after day and then one day it will be in full bloom.  Amazing. 

 The Botanical Gardens is a place where we can go and learn about the desert.   We can learn the names of all those beautiful cactus and when they bloom.  So on an afternoon when Bryan and Von were elk hunting, Grammy, the kids,and I went to explore the desert.

 It was hot that day in September yet we made the most of it and had the best time.

This picture cracks me up.    I made my kids sit in an ant pile and tried to get their picture.   They kept telling me that something was biting them and I just keep trying to get them to smile.   Oh well, a few ant bites didn't kill them.

After all the hot Arizona sunshine we went inside for some icecream.

Grace has a special way of enjoying her icecream.

It was the perfect end to a hot day in the desert!

Hunting

Hunting is such a huge part of our life.   Bryan and the three boys have something in their genes that longs for the outdoors.   I don't understand it all but, I love so many things about it.   Most importantly, I love the meat!  I love that my boys are outside and spending time close to God's creation.   I also love that they are spending time with each other, learning from each other.    Bryan and Gramps are passing knowledge onto our boys that will shape them and make them into strong, capable young men.  

This year Bryan drew an elk tag in Arizona and Grammy and Gramps came all the way from Wyoming to help Bryan with the hunt. 

We were so excited when he brought him home.

 

And, while Bryan and Gramps were up hunting we got to hang out with Grammy.

We got to play games and go out to lunch. 

We had such a good time when Grammy and Gramps came and we can't wait until they come back.

Just cuteness

Just needed to post some pictures of all the cuteness that goes on around my house....I mean the cuteness and loves that are between all the whining and the screaming.  Those moments when everything seems to be quiet and I slip out my i phone and snap a picture.   The moments that make everything seem OK.

Owen is still so sweet to his sister.   If there is anyone ready to help me entertain Grace it will be Owie.  Even snuggling with her as she finds her thumb and her Butty.

The quiet doesn't last long around here as we are ready for another adventure.  A sweet little 2 year waving goodbye.

After School

Every afternoon at 3:00, I load Grace in her stroller and we walk down to the school to pick up the boys. 

 3 tired boys ready to come home and have a snack.

3 backpacks hit the floor, 6 pairs of shoes and everyone runs in the kitchen to see what there is to eat.

Popcorn!

And, sometimes bananas.

And, we have homework to do and chores that need to be completed.  Yet, my boys have been gone all day and they have worked hard at school.  They just need time to rest.  A place to just relax.  We take off our clothes in the heat and settle in.

A time to just be together.  To read and play and rest before dinner starts.