memorial day flag rock hike

I love when Pinterest has things like - 10 of the best hikes for families in Utah, or 15 must see hikes with your kids, or hikes to do before you die...I am a sucker for those kinds of pins. The one that stood out the most for me was Flag Rock in Farmington. The hike represents the height of the twin towers. As Memorial Day was approaching I knew that was the right place to go. The information about the hike made it seem like we could be done in about 2-3 hours, plus there was a cool mine along the way.

The hike lasted 5+ hours. Mostly due to not knowing exactly where we were going. It was really hard, the kids were incredibly tired, and it was exhausting and steep in some areas. Justin is really good at hiking with kids. Not only does he carry half of them, but when they start complaining, he comes up with ways to distract them and lift the mood. Today he came up with a winner. We had to find a cool rock, pick it up, and keep walking and as soon as you see an even cooler rock, set the one down, and pick up the new rock. By the time we got to the top, we oohed and aahed over everyone's awesome rock. It worked like a charm!

The sight of seeing that flag was breathtaking. It made the whole trip worth it. I was left in amazement as I thought about this country and about those who give so much of themselves. They have provided a place for me to live such a happy life with some pretty awesome freedoms. I have been thinking about that a lot lately!! My life is simple and the rights that I have are amazing! There are times I know I take that forgranted and don't realize just how lucky we are to live here! My goal is to never forget that and teach our children to never forget.

This hike, as hard as it was, taught all of us some really good things. But most important, we can do hard things and there are amazing people who have done some of the hardest things of all so that we can be free. Pretty awesome!

I would say that 5+ hour hike was worth it. 
(however, the boys would probably disagree)

 :: I loved that Corbin suggested we put our hands on our hearts ::

(Taylor was just so thrilled we made it...and almost, Levi!)

january moments- yes I am going that far back

:: obsessed with Adeline and hanging on dad, that's pretty much how it is everyday ::

:: even though you can't see her, I just love this picture ::

 :: appetizer party at grandma and grandpas ::

 :: I just really love this picture ::

 :: our fhe activity came in the mail, so we spent the evening putting these new kitchen chairs together + a lot of computer work going on ::

 :: reading Peter and the Starcatchers to the boys in their hammock ::

 :: first official dentist appointment and those lights were way too bright ::

 :: Adeline and I decided to relive her blessing day ::

 :: these late afternoon naps have got to stop ::

 :: after we put together our new chairs, we had a chair smashing party with the old ones. those chairs just had to go! Justin glued and glued those things together for so many years (they were literally on their last leg) ::

 :: after Christmas the boys ordered knock off legos from China with their money from grandparents. after several weeks, it finally came in the mail! ::

 :: nightly homework ::

 :: watching a January snow storm ::

 :: sister day + two of the cutest babies! ::

 :: these two!!! ::

 :: Rudger loves to bring his toys to Adeline and pretend she is playing with him ::

 :: dance party in the kitchen ::

 :: cup of noodle time ::

 :: I told myself I was going to make fancy rustic bread all the time. I made it once ::

 :: bedtime stories ::

 :: clean diaper and baby magic smell ::

 :: treat night with our favorite friends! The Worthen's just got back from Florida so we were oohing and ahhing over all their pictures. I really love this picture ::

:: January was a good month ::

our weekend

 :: batman movie night (I didn't realize someone took tons of pictures of the movie until I loaded them on my computer this morning) :) ::

 :: home depot date! deciding on a pathway between our trees, and we finally found something we both agree on ::

 :: yard work saturday, the boys worked in shifts on helping us put the rest of the drip system in the garden ::

 :: rudger really, truly loves to help ::

 :: beautiful saturday afternoon nap outside ::

 :: these boys woke up for a 7 am priesthood meeting ::

 :: sunday morning nap ::

 :: sunday church nap ::

Obviously I love to take pictures of Adeline napping :)

Unfortunately this weekend we didn't get a very good Saturday adventure in because we were working on projects most of the day. We had our garden to finish planting and the new sprinkling system to build. Justin and I also went to the Home Depot to buy all the wood for our picket fence, arbor, and gate that will go on the side of the house in front of our fruit trees. I am so excited about it!! But it also means we have many hours of work ahead of us. It's okay though because we are crossing things off our yard to do list.  Saturday night daddy and the boys spent a couple of hours playing Mario (that was Justin's way of making up for the fact that we worked all day) and I cleaned the whole upstairs. 

Sunday was a good day of rest. We also had treat night with our good friends. Then we came home to try to get to bed early, but we are finding it harder and harder to get to bed at an early hour.

We are down to just a couple of weekends before summer break! It seems like we have been in school for.ev.er... yet I can't quite wrap my brain around the fact that in a couple of weeks these kids will be home all summer!!! I can not wait!

tuesday tidbits

:: corbin ::

1. Corbin is coming to the end of 6th grade. He is almost done with testing and then it's pretty much a party at school everyday.
2. He has been helping our cute next door neighbor with yard work. He planted Petunia's yesterday with his good friend Mikaila.
3. Pajamas are his most favorite thing to wear...obviously.

:: taylor ::

1. Taylor loves reading Harry Potter. When it's time to go to bed he is always the first one to go, because that's when he can climb into bed and have an amazing reading adventure.
2. Piano recital time is just around the corner and this kid has been working so hard on his song.
3. Lately Rudger constantly says that Tay is his best buddy. Taylor is so good to him.

:: levi ::

1. Levi loves Mario. The good old fashion Super Mario. He is the one that passes all the really hard levels.
2. One of his good friends at school is the cutest little girl from the Philippians. They got to play on Friday and seriously, she is adorable.
3. To say that he is obsessed with Adeline is a huge understatement.

:: rudger ::

1. Rudger thinks its the greatest to use markers. On his face, on the wall, on his arm, and all over the bathtub. I really hope this phase passes really fast.
2. This boy lives for milk. He loves it in a sippy cup and warmed up 39 seconds. Yes, that is the exact amount. Few seconds more or less and it is not right...and he can tell by the touch and then refuses to drink it if it's not right. I know.... 
3. But when he smiles and his eyes twinkle like they do...I am putty in his hands.

 :: adeline ::

1. Adeline is sitting up so well now. She can go a good minute before she tips over :)
2. Biggest mama's girl there ever was.
3. She loves to reach the top of her head and then slide her hands down towards her face bringing the headbands with her. I continue to put the headband right back on her head. I am so mean.

mother's day

Today I feel so grateful for these five kids that call me mom. I feel so grateful that I get to be a mother. I feel grateful that the dreams I had as a young girl have come true. I have had really, really good mom days and really, really bad mom days, and then every other kind of day in between. And honestly, I am grateful for each one of those days. Those bitter days sure make those sweet days incredible.  

Yesterday was definitely one of those sweet days! With Justin's help, the youngest three emailed a special Mother's day surprise.

This is my first Mother's Day with our sweet Adeline. It has been over six months and I sometimes still can't believe she is here. I find myself often squealing with delight knowing she is in this family of ours! Her gift to me is wanting me...all. the. time...and I love that gift.

When I opened the email from Rudger the words "I love you with my biggest smile and as much cuteness as I can muster!!!" were attached to this picture. I died. He knows just how to steal my heart.

A couple of days before Sunday, Levi came home with a surprise in his backpack, but he ran to his room to make certain it was well hidden. After being sad for a little bit in the morning, he came quietly into the family room and handed me his gift. I love it dearly. And this picture cracks me up with the mustache he drew on his face :) Levi is FULL of personality and that makes my heart happy! And his message... "I love you so much Mom! It's my day to give you lots of hugs and kisses"...love!

Taylor gives the best hugs and that's what I wanted most from him. So to read on his card that I make him feel good when I give him a hug made me cry happy tears. I loved the cards and the adorable gift he gave to me! 

Corbin has a very kind heart, and has shown a great amount of that kindness these past few months. I believe this boy knows my love language is service. There have been multiple acts of service he has done for me recently that have made my heart swell!

And of course, I believe it all begins with the dad. Justin continues to show gratitude towards me. He is completely patient with me as I fail time and time again. He never gives up on me and continues to encourage me to be my best. It is no wonder the children are following in his footsteps. I am so grateful to be partners with him on this parenting journey.