Sweet moments

I sat and watched while A & A sat in the rocker reading books together. I wondered where the last three and a half years had gone. That rocker brings back so many sweet, sweet memories of feedings and snuggling these precious babes into the wee hours of the night! I'm thankful these memories are forever etched in my heart and mind!  I'm happy that my kids are growing and developing like they should be, but it feels like sand slipping through my fingers - much too quickly!

So, I'm going to be better about sitting back and enjoying every minute of these two amazing blessings! 

Some pictures of my little mermaid and prince charming!  :)

Painting Parties

We did a lot of painting this weekend.  It was a fairly low-key weekend for us so we decided to mix it up a bit by painting.  Abram doesn't last very long in the highchair unless there is a good amount of food on that tray. He decided to give the paint a little taste, but was sadly disappointed.  Adi has been a lot more interested in painting, coloring, and art projects in general.  She seems to go through phases, but her attention to detail and improved fine motor skills reminds me she getting older and older. 

Bath time painting was something I had done a lot with Adi, but not as much with the two of them.  These guys had a BLAST.  We'll be having paint night in the tub once a week now! :)

Paint on!  :)

A whole lot of LOVE!

There has been a whole lot of LOVE floating around our house today.  I know some people don't particularly love V-day, but a day dedicated to reminding us what we all need more of and what we need to share more of is a great day in my book.  God has blessed me beyond belief and has showered me with an abundance of love.  I love, love, love these three people with all my heart!

Enjoying his heart pancake!

A little bit of love before school!

Spent a lot of my morning loving on this man.

Brandon plays a pretty darn good cupid!  He is such a thoughtful gift giver and brought us all special presents from Japan. 

 

My very own LV is something I would NEVER buy for myself.  The mans ability to give loving thoughtful gifts constantly amazes me.  Thanks babe - LOVE YOU so very much!

Visiting AZ & CO

We spent about a week and a half in Arizona and Denver while Brandon had his "last" trip to Japan.  It was a bit of a whirlwind, but we had a great time and really enjoyed seeing so much of our family and friends!!!  The first few days in PHX rained, rained, and rained some more.  We bummed around for a few days, which really wasn't such a bad thing since we were all getting over the stomach flu anyhow.  We did a lot in a short period of time!  My kids definitely enjoy being on the go.  I feel like they have grown a bit accustomed to constantly being on the go.  While they like to be on the go sometimes their little bodies just can't seem to keep up.  I feel like our family has been sick a lot this fall/winter and I'm pretty sure it is from being shuffled around.  I think we need to stay close to home this spring and put some hours in on the garden.  I am very behind on my planning this year and am committing myself to a garden post in the next week!

Abe on my mom's very old rocker - he LOVED it.

Adi snuggled up while we waited for the rain to stop!

Grandpa and Abe watching the rain

A & A at the museum

Gigi and Adi in jail

Panning for gold

It was such a nice afternoon and dinner with Uncle Mike and Aunt Caitlin!

We loved seeing Uncle Jim, Aunt Jen, William, and Kate!  The kids had a BLAST.  It made me sad to not be closer - the kids thoroughly enjoyed each others company!!!

Next we were off to Denver for the weekend!  It was Sophia's first birthday, and I was so happy we were all able to make it for the celebration.  It was great meeting Uncle Ryan's parents finally.  It was quick, but packed with fun!!!

The three cousins reading!

Sweet little Soph!

These two totally hit it off.  It was fun seeing Adi with a little one (that's not her brother).

Sophie and her mama

Adi "helping" her open her presents.

Uncle Ryan and Abe chilling

The kids had a blast at the park after the birthday party!

Uncle Ryan, Sophia, and Aunt Kiki (don't know why this is out of order)

Swimming at the hotel before we left on Sunday!

Abe thought splashing Grandpa was HILARIOUS.

 

Sibling LOVE

Adison and Abram's relationship has really changed.  It is so fun watching their relationship flourish and grow into something beautifully loving.  Adi thoroughly enjoys making him laugh and has had such a sweet demeanor with him lately.  If he is getting in trouble (usually for climbing on something like the kitchen table, desk, or shelves have been a new interest) she goes over to him and talks so very sweetly to him.  

It's a new year - lets go to the MUSEUM!

I've decided that I am getting out and going in 2013.  In reflection, I loved that we were always on the go when we were in the Japan.  It seemed to be better for everyone.  The kids enjoyed seeing new places and experiencing new things, and I also felt it was much better for my mental state to be busy with my two little love bugs.
So, today we went to the museum early this morning, played outside for a good hour and a half, and played with babies and raced cars this evening.  By 5:30 Abram would have been glad to go to bed.  I don't know if I have ever seen that boy so tired.  M-A-Y-B-E he will sleep later then 4:20 tomorrow!!!

Here are some pictures from the museum :)