Colorado

For Spring Break we piled in the car and took off to the west. We love the mountains! We love visiting our family! We had lots of chances to visit with the fam and lots of chances to be outside enjoying the beauty. There is something about Colorado that truly draws our family there. We love the hiking trails, the views, and the way it all makes us amazed by God's creations. So here are a few of our fun pics.

Hiking with Grandpa and Dad

Easton and Pikes Peak

We went with Grandma and Grandpa to Garden of the Gods. One of our favorite places to be.

At the zoo - the boys with cousin Hannah.

With our Colorado Cousins.

My brother told us about this great museum just outside of Denver called Wildlife Experience that we loved! It was so well done and lots to learn.

This was an exhibit about butterflies. The boys along with Grandpa were learning what is feels like to creep along as a catepillar would.

One Decade

So as I am far behind on blogging I need to blog about my amazing son who nearly a month ago turned ten. He told us many a time on his big day that he was a decade old (which also made his parents feel a bit older). Mason has a love of learning and reading. He has an amazing talent for the piano. And an even better talent for being a big brother. I love his sense of humor, I am often blown away at his quick wit and use of words. Love you little guy!

Happy 1st Batman!

So much fun to celebrate this little guy! We feel so blessed to have him as part of our family. He gives lots of loves and smiles. Our family, along with some wonderful friends celebrated with cake and ice cream. Easton loved the cake. And the mess didn't occur until he was convinced with lots of actions and cheering from the crowd (three eager brothers) that it was the thing to do. Even with all the mess...notice the tray at the end has very little left of a very big piece of cake. He loved it to say the least!

My Five Year Old

We celebrated Drew's fifth birthday a couple of weeks ago! He had a great weekend both with friends and our family. Drew celebrated with his first friend party.

Drew enjoying the party(giving a big push)!

I had lunch and birthday treats at preschool with Drew.

My five year old.

Drew has always been a go with the flow type. Though lately we are definitely seeing a stubborn streak. Drew and I do a lot of hanging out together and I love it. He is so helpful and he has this sweet smile. He is very watchful of people, he notices the little things. I love how he notices the good in things. We love you Drew!

11 months!

Today marks 11 months for Easton. I find myself mourning just a bit that my little baby is now all over the place, playing with toys, using his chubby little fingers to pick up anything and everything and insert into his mouth, and being mobile. Part of me clings to the little baby I brought home from the hospital nearly a year ago. That being said, Easton is a sweet little guy who pretty much goes with the flow. He loves his brothers and they adore him. He loves to be held and he refuses to hold his own bottle or cup. It must be fed to him and I have happily obliged this in order to enjoy those moments of holding and cuddling him.

Winter Break

Snow, snow, and more snow, and a blizzard.

Football with half-time entertainment

Hives consisting of lots of benadryl and very swollen ears.

Legos

Iowa's Childrens Museum

Learning to Ice Skate. I got to share something I learned as a kid (thanks Dad for all the shoveling you used to do on the pond so we could skate).

A Season of Joy

Christmas Eve

Easton's first Christmas - it's all about the paper!

The timing was perfect on this picture.

Christmas Eve we spent together doing our family traditions (a good mix of Mark and I's upbringings). It's always a very special time together talking of Christ and the gift of His example and love that He shares with us.

Christmas day was so much fun! I love being the parent and seeing it all through my kids eyes. As a kid I thought the fun was getting the presents, as a parent I realize the true fun is in watching my kids. We spent the day in our PJs playing and enjoying each other.