Her First Year

I'm going to be really honest here.  It is very bittersweet for me to look at these photos.  I LOVE newborn babies and it just feels like it went by too fast this time around.  I feel like I spent the first couple months with her trying to figure out how to have a newborn again and at the same time keep up with the boys.   On the other hand, I can't get enough of this little squishy one.  She has been such a blessing to our family.  I couldn't have asked for an easier baby.  She is full of life, easy going, independent, and  so happy!  The thing I love the most is watching is how much the boys have grown to love her.  They are so doting and can make her do a deep belly laugh like no one else.  Happy 1 Year sweet Lily Grace!  We love you "forever and always"!

PS.... I got this cute idea from this amazing blog http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/

Afternoon in Fontainebleau

Our second day in France.  We are still adjusting to the time zone after our long trip, but  decided to take in some sites of Fontainebleau, the small town where my cousin and his family are living.  It was nice to be out and about!  They will be moving to Tours, France while we are visiting Germany.  We explored Chateau Fontainebleau, walked downtown, and rode on the beautiful historic merry go round.  It's good to be back.  I LOVE France!

4.5 year old conversations

I turned off the radio tonight because I was so intrigued by what N was saying:  I just love his thought process, how innocent, but complex, and without fear and expectation.  I wanted to write  down what he said so I could come back to age 4.5.  It makes me smile!

N to J: "I want to live even after everyone I know has died. "

J:  "You don't want to do that."
Me:  Wouldn't you be sad to have all your friends and family gone?"

N:  "Nope, I would just eat more and play longer.  I would eat so much and play for the longest time ever."

Me:  Well, ok! 

N:  "The tree that doesn't get the most water and the most sun is the smallest.  It's good to be the smallest because then you don't bend."

He heard the word fortunate on the radio.  

N:  "Mama, what does fortunate mean?  

Me:  "Lucky."

N:  "We are so fortunate.  We have a warm house, lots of toys and plenty of food to eat."

Baby Colton

I took these shots of little Colton at 3 weeks.  I loved how bright eyed, snuggly, and irresistible he was.  He has 2 adoring parents and one great big brother to lead the way.  Congratulations guys.  He is wonderful!

littles on skis

After a ski trip with the 5th graders at my school, I was itching to get the boys up and try skiing for the 1st time.  I naively  thought I would be able to teach them myself.  We had a great time skiing with them in front of me, but it became really hard for me to teach them how to snowplow.  I think they need a ski lesson!  How cute are they?  One of my favorite things ever.  Little people on skis!  Oh, and the other little stayed warm with Matt snuggled and buggled (as we like to call it) in front of the fire in the lodge!

birthday

It's funny how excited my boys get when they talk about their next birthday.  I usually dread my birthday because it means I am getting old and this one puts me on the downhill to 40.  One of my girlfriends, also a mom of twins invited me out to dinner last night and she said something that has changed my outlook on this subject.  For every year I get older, it means another year I got to spend with my husband and children, friends and family.  It is also another year of growth and change.  I'll take that any day and I feel truly blessed.  The boys made me a yummy homemade birthday cake decorated with a pink pirate ship!  Matt and I were able to go out to dinner to one of my favorite restaurants Lola and he snapped this picture when I wasn't looking.  I kind of like it!  

Eisenbrandt Family- Red Rocks

It was a delight to meet up with the Eisenbrandts again.  I have loved watching these 2 boys grow and change.  They are just adorable.  We decided to meet at Red Rocks and it was an awesome site for photos.  We got lucky with a glorious sunny January afternoon, just before a crazy arctic cold front swept through CO.  Melissa and Doug (not the kid's wooden toy makers - I'm sure they get asked that all the time!)  are  easy going and fun to be around and their love for the boys and each is other is so genuine.  Thanks for our time together guys!

happy heart day