A small change

I feel like blogs have kind of faded out a bit, but I love keeping a blog and looking back at our family adventures from the different places we've lived. Having a blog has also helped me stop and recognize the small blessings and happy times there are in motherhood. 

Anyway - I'm not sure who really reads my blog or wants to continue following along, but I've decided to change my blog to private. I'm happy to invite my friends and family that still read so if you'd like an invite, please send me your e-mail address and I'll add you to the list! :)

P.S. Love these little sidekicks of mine. This is a common activity at our house as I'm cooking dinner.

The week

Last Monday after our morning at the museum, we stopped by Alex's house and had cousin time. Eli tried out the roller skates. 

We frequent the pet store regularly. It's the perfect pit stop between errands.

On Wednesday we met up with my Chicago friend Sandy and toured the Peterson Air and Space Museum. These little boys loved having Sandy around. 

Thursday we did yard work and then my thoughtful visiting teacher brought over dinner - Thai Curry. I texted Aaron this picture and he was shocked thinking I had cooked this. Hahaha

Friday we enjoyed the temple with my extended family. Aunt Marilyn is turning 80 this year and she amazes me with all that she does! It was extra special being in the temple with her and it made me miss my grandparents dearly. Oh what a sweet reunion it will be someday when we're all together again.

Sunday was my last day teaching this great group of youth. They're off to missions and college and I know they'll do amazing things. As a mother, I've had a prayer in my heart and mind constantly about how Aaron and I can raise a righteous family. Since becoming a mother 3 years ago, I've had many answers come along the way through conference talks, prayer, scripture study, Sunday meetings, but the biggest answer has come through teaching these youth for the past 5 months. Their testimonies and love for the Savior radiate from them and I pray that my boys can be just like them someday. They're happy and eager to do what's right. I cried telling them goodbye! And now I'm off to working in Primary and I'm looking forward to it. I've already had two meetings since Sunday and I know this will be a calling I'll love - almost as much as teaching my youth Sunday School class. ;)

{I love how Austin snuck into this pic as well!}

A day in Denver

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science was free on Monday and we had the best time exploring everything it has to offer. 

Aspiring Astronauts. 

This toddler space suit was too much cuteness for me to handle. 

Just collecting rocks on the moon.

After the museum, we walked to Chick-fil-a and used a gift card Aaron won at work and kindly gave us. We discovered this beautiful tree on our way back to the car and it made me homesick for the cherry blossom festival in DC.

Denver! So nice to get to know you better!

Mother's Day 2016

Love being a mother to these two handsome boys! 

Aaron left early Mother's Day morning for training so we attempted to snap a quick family picture the Sunday before - the boys weren't happy about it, but it's the memory that counts, right?

And this one was on actual Mother's Day and it's blurry, but again, for the memory. ;) The boys were great during church - the best gift of all.

Saturday morning before Aaron left, we started the day with breakfast at Kneaders where Mothers were given free french toast!! Then I went to a women's conference and was spiritually uplifted. I came home to this surprise...

Eli also gave me this... dandelions from our backyard in an empty bubble container. 

I'll treasure this memory forever.

And Eli made me this card in nursery.

I spent the day thinking about my own mother and how she inspires me daily to be a better person. If anyone knows my mom, they know how obediently she lives the gospel and she's happy because of it! Love you, mom!

Cliff Dwellings

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings have been on our list of places to visit so after a promotion breakfast with Aaron (more to come about this later!), the boys and I stopped by the museum. The dwellings were the perfect toddler size play houses. 

This is Colorado!!!

Twins. On purpose. My twin self can't get enough.

His pointed finger at the rocks. :)

And now we're obsessed with Indians. Hahaha - Eli tends to be obsessed with whatever we explored that day. I love our exploration days together. Being a mom is the best!

Cabin Fever

The weather has been playing tricks with us and when it snowed the weekend of Eli's birthday, we were kind of over it. When the high hit 70 degrees last week, I filled up the water table and boys jumped right in. It was a snippet of the summer days ahead and these boys are going to have a blast together. I can already tell! Their clothes were soaked, but their smiles made up for the fact that we changed clothes mid-day.

Grandma Pav's award

My Grandma Pav was inducted into the Adam State Education department and we made a quick afternoon trip down to the valley to be there with her! This was one of the moments that I love living close to family. My grandma drove to Kansas for my high school graduation, mission farewell, mission homecoming, wedding reception, etc. etc. etc. so we wanted to be there for HER this time. On the drive down, we couldn't get enough of the snow-covered mountains. 

Running to Grandma Donna!

My aunt Delzia introduced my grandma and talked about what an incredible mother and teacher she has been to her.

My grandma gave a brief expression of gratitude for others that have influenced and taught her along the way. My grandpa passed away after only being married to my grandma for 5 years. She's such an example to me of strength and perseverance. You deserved this grandma!! 

True we spent more time driving in the car then actually being at the event, but we loved celebrating the evening with family. My mom drove back with us and we were exhausted, but grateful we made it home safely. Nothing beats a good morning grandma hug after a long evening of traveling!

Eli's Birthday!!!

Eli's birthday was on Saturday so spending the whole day together was a dream come true for all of us!

We woke up and had sprinkle waffles and then ran to take our turn to clean the church. 

After breakfast, presents and church cleaning, we ran to Colorado Springs House of Bounce.

The side by side roller coaster ride was a hit.

    

Lunch at a BBQ place close by where they sang Happy Birthday and gave us all an ice cream treat!

My parents joined us Saturday evening and spent the night and went to church with us! It was the best treat of all.

And here's his birthday gift from us. He's already a pro. ;)

Love you big boy! You'll always be my baby!