{independence day}

we are so blessed to live in this land of america.

blessed to have freedom.

blessed to worship how we may.

blessed with opportunity.

celebrating independence day is one of my favorite summer activities.

there is just something about wearing patriotic colors, flags waving in every yard, BBQ food, watermelon, family, swimming, fireworks, etc.

it gives me all the feels.

i dare say, for a two year old, he has some of the best lips out there.

remi girl got her first helping of potato salad like a true american and she LOVED it.  she went to town and ate it all.  she loves food.

proud to be an american.

cabin getaway.

 back in february, we took a long weekend and headed to cascade, idaho for a cabin getaway.  my cousin, tracy and her husband, sean were kind enough to invite us along to their family cabin.  we brought rachel, drew, and avery with us and it was a party.

we spent the weekend eating food, playing games, skiing, watching movies, playing outside, and exploring the local town of McCall.  it was the winter festival and we were able to see some pretty cool ice sculptures.

the weather wasn't the greatest for skiing, as it's been an unusually warm winter, but that didn't stop us from having fun.  matt had a little too fun.  one day when he was skiing, he was executing some sweet jump and his ski clipped a branch causing it to fall off.  when he landed his boot dug into the snow and his right leg bent backward as his body continued forward.  needless to say, he was done skiing for the day and had to take a six week break from sports and physical activity while his knee/hip/groin recovered.  it's not a real party unless someone is injured.

other than that it was a good time had by all.

 

the occasional weekend getaway is necessary for surviving reality.  especially in the ugly, blah winter months.  we had so much fun and can't wait to go back again. 

easter {2015}

at the end of this weekend, my heart is full.  

full of love for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

full of love for my little family.

full of knowledge that the gospel is true.

full of strength, hope, and desire to become something better.

easter + conference weekend = perfection.

easter sunday, we woke up to an egg trail from the easter bunny...

it was quite funny explaining to brooks to continue picking up and following the eggs as we go.  he just wanted to stop and open every single one right then and there.  at first he was a little confused about the baskets, but once we showed him which one was his he was pretty excited!

he's been very into coloring lately so crayons were a must! 

this girl was pulling some great faces all morning long for the camera.  she is OBSESSED with food and if she sees it she just whines and whines until she gets some.  

just taking a candy break... of course!

my cute little bunnies.

after the excitement of the easter bunny, we made some breakfast and sat down to learn about the real reason for easter.  our kids are still so young and don't understand much so we watched a few videos on the mormon.org channel about Christ, his life & ministry, and His resurrection. 

THIS is one of my favorites.

the rest of the day was spent with family, watching conference, and stuffing our faces with deliciousness.  #OURdietstartsmonday

(cool points to you if you know where that quote comes from...hahaha)

Because of Him, I have the opportunity to be a mother and a wife.

and for that, i am truly grateful.

He is risen & He lives, for I have felt His hand in my life on a daily basis.

i vote easter and conference fall on the same weekend every year :)