week forty five.

 

 

With Sam's schedule and Mabel in school we haven't had a whole day together as a family in awhile. Everyone was home for Vetrans Day so we decided to take the kids into the canyon and hike West Fork. It's truly one of the most beautiful places in the Sedona area especially this time of year with the leaves turning and falling. We are so lucky to live in such a place. We packed a picnic and took our sweet time. It was such a lovely day. 

Mabel: A couple of times on the hike you have to cross the creek. Each time she insisted on doing it on her own. It was so cute to watch her hopping from rock to rock or balancing on a fallen log. 

Gus: He had a blast exploring the old chicken coop and whats left of the historic houses in the area.

fathers day.

 

We love you Daddy. Thanks for all you do!

week twenty three.

 

It's been too hot to do anything outside other than swimming. I'm grateful both my babies love the water. I love watching them splash around and have fun together.

week twenty.

 

 

Before heading to North Dakota, we spent a couple of days relaxing at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix. We spent the whole day relaxing by the pool and playing with the kids. Usually when we travel its so rushed. Taking this little vacation if you will, before our actual vacation is one of the best ideas we've had and we will definitely do it again.

Mabel: I love her serious look in this picture. You wouldn't even know she's flying up in the air and about to go under water. 

Gus: He does not like sunscreen. At all.  But once he gets in the water he forgets all about it.

Polar Express 2012

In the spirit of continuing traditions, last night we headed to Williams, Arizona to board the Polar Express, aka the Grand Canyon Railroad, en route to the North Pole. This year with an extra baby in tow of course.

  

Gus didn't really say much about the experience other than a few moans and cries when it was well past his bedtime. If I had to speak for him I would say he mostly enjoyed the sugar cookie he stole from his sister that I was too preoccupied to take away from him.

Mabel on the other hand enjoyed herself so much this year, she's still talking about it. It's quite an experience really. Santa, kids, cookies, hot cocoa, Christmas carols, dancing chefs, kids, and more kids. She was adorable and I cant wait until next year when both of them will be able to understand and enjoy it. It's such a great kickoff into the Christmas Season for us.

Both babies came away with their very own Polar Express bell from Santa himself (that's the point of the whole thing really, see photo above) and of course we bought Gus his very own Polar Express ornament so that he'll remember it always :) Tis the Season!

 

Breakfast with Santa & not one tear was shed!

Sam and I took the kids to a "Breakfast with Santa" event this morning. To my surprise both kids sat perfectly on Santa's lap. Gus was in complete shock when I handed him off to the big guy in red. Mabel told Santa she wanted, "a piano, OK!?" She also said, "Thank you Santa, see you soon" right before she jumped off his lap and ran to me. They are both so cute.

A few bits + pieces from around here.

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

1. Measuring up

2. Sitting and waiting

3. Gus the baby, Gus the mouse.  (They sort of look alike, no?)

4. Brushing, brushing, brushing

5. A little girl that loves the rain

6. Bananas for baby brother

7. New roomies 

8. Sweet boy

9. Darling girl

10. Wishing he could run and play with Sister.

  

                                                      

Our Summer in Snapshots- June & July

 

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

1. Happy Gus
2. Splash pad fun
3. Library concert
4. Cousins vist
5. Wide awake baby and a sleepy Daddy
6. Baby horses
7. Walks with Grandma and Greg
8. Relaxing with Uncle Josh
9. Fun at the pool
10. Ice cream date with Ali
11. Learning Grandma's secret caramel roll recipie
12. First boat ride
13. Pedicures with Ali
14. A sweet little deer
15. Some brother/sister love
16. Little prince is 4 month old
17. Cooling down
18. 4th of July
19. Auntie Ivy's annual visit
20. Potty Practice
21. Big Boy
22. Big personality