Mom CAN Do It!

This all started a couple Mother's Days ago. I had wanted to go to Tahoe to enjoy the day since it was too hot in EDH. I said I'd love to go for a walk with the kids. I was envisioning a cement path (like sidewalk) that goes through the beautiful forested areas with views of the lake. I have since learned those don't exist. Anyway, on the way there we saw signs for Horsetail Falls and Kyle says we should do that hike with the kids. He had heard it was beautiful and leads to a waterfall and it was about a half hour closer than going all the way into Tahoe. I was convinced and we pulled over to start my beautiful Mother's Day walk with the kids. Not long after we started on the very natural trail (meaning dirt, bugs and sticks), just a way past the stinking bathrooms, we arrived at a beautiful rock area with a gorgeous water feature (not sure what nature people would call it). After a good photo opportunity and a near death experience with a small animal on my flip-flop covered foot (and a bit of screaming and a bit of Kyle embarrassed of me) I was done and ready to go home. The kids and Kyle were annoyed because I guess we hadn't really started the trail yet. I insisted it was Mother's Day and I should decide. So with tearful kids and a frustrated husband we drove home silently.

That brings us to the day I conquered the hike. I decided it was a beautiful day, the weather was gorgeous and slightly cool (which I love). I told Kyle I'd like to do that hike again. He kind of laughed and then when he realized I was serious said "let's do it". The kids invited Grandma Jenny, Uncle Ty and Sarah. I wore shoes to protect me from the scary animals found all over the ground and we were off.

Now that it is over, I kind of laugh. It was fun. It was beautiful. I really enjoyed being out in God's amazing creation, with people I love, and would do it again any day - well as long as it was cool outside. Here are some pictures of what I conquered. And before you judge me too hard, know that I have hiked half dome. Did I love it? No. Do I think I might actually enjoy it now? Yep. Well, that is if I could physically do it, but the point is, if I could, I would. Of course, I'm not in the pictures but just know I had to be there to take them.

This picture was taken purely to make Grandpa Paul jealous.

We were a bit surprised but so excited to see patches of snow all over the place.

My HANDSOME boys!

Feelin' Proud

Sarah, the big sister that all the kids adore!

Love it!

Yes, Kenyon jumped in the freezing water... and yes, that is snow all around.

Aww... brothers are cute!

Adison was amazing out there.

She had a blast and looked gorgeous the whole time.

See, I was there.

THE END!

Avery's Piano Recital

Avery had her piano recital just the other night. She did a great job and it was fun to see her start the program off wonderfully. We are very proud of her and love watching her develop this talent. I can't wait to see how she uses it as she grows. Her teacher Mrs. Wanda is a beautiful woman with a heart for God and is so good with Avery (and Adia who she taught for a semester as well). Thank you Mrs. Wanda for being such a great teacher and thank you Avery for all your hard work!

Sorry the video is so dark but the lighting was bad and my new camera is AWFUL!

Happy Ascension Day

After Jesus conquered death, I love that he spent some special time with his followers, before going back home with his Father, where He belongs, seated at the right hand of God. It makes me feel so loved that after all that pain and sorrow, He was still willing to be with us. He knew they/we still needed their/our hands held a bit and He is always so willing to do that. I feel so loved and had to honor Christ's overwhelming love for us with my gang Thursday night. We had a very special time and the sky couldn't have been more beautiful. We found the highest hill near our home and we read the story in Acts 1. We talked about the power to witness, that Jesus gives us, we talked about how differently we might live if we knew He would be back this week, and we talked about people getting ready because Jesus is coming! It was wonderful and a new tradition for sure!

Kyle, getting ready to have a blast!

The beautiful sky we sat under that so perfectly fit the occasion.

Adison and her beautiful face and craft.

Here is Avery's. She said it is her praying to Jesus while she waits for Him to come back and looks up for Him. She also told me that if we knew for sure He was coming back tomorrow she would call every phone number she could think of and beg people to please believe in him. It was cute!

Happy Ascension Day!

(some people choose to celebrate it on Sunday even though it is technically 40 days after the Resurrection)

Next is Pentecost... still dreaming up a beautiful way to celebrate that HUGE gift we were given.