Canyon's first shower

While eating dinner last night Canyon was being his usual hilarious self. He decided that after he ate he needed to take a shower. Not a bath. Not a shower with me or Gary. But one all by himself. So we cleaned up dinner and got the shower ready. I sat near by the entire time and just chuckled as he washed and rinsed and sang a few songs. He stuck his head out a couple of times just to make sure that I was OK and to let me know that he didn't need anything.

Gary returns

Fully bearded and no shower for 17 days our Daddy & Husband returned. Canyon was thrilled, Trek was a bit nervous at first. But none of us have left him alone since he got back. Canyon has been hollering "Dad I need you," "Dad lets play punch," "Dad I need water;" and many other commands. Trek has spent his time in Gary's arms with his head nestled on Gary's shoulder smiling and saying "Da, da, da, da." And I have just been enjoying having my sweetie back around the house and playing with my boys.

(Stay tuned for a full post about his trip)

What we've been up to...

Gary has been gone for 2 1/2 weeks. We have missed him A LOT and can't wait for him to get back, BUT we have been having lots of fun. And I clearly have the best mom and sister EVER. Skye came up for a week to help me with the kids and hang out. On work days when my mom had the kids she made sure to bring them home in the evening to give them bath and bed in their house. I couldn't ask for more & I can't imagine life with out my mama. We are very thankful and truly blessed for the family we have.

Skye took Canyon & Trek to Woodland lake with her friend & kids while I drove Paho & Leigh to the Grand Canyon to meet up with the River runners:

Calvin, Canyon, & Andrew (Skye's friends kids) eating popcorn & watching a movie:

Trek loving on Uncle Paho or Uncle Paho loving on Trek:

Grandma hugging her littlest Grandson--she is the best mom ever:

Trek eating a St. Patrick's Day goodie from Uncle Mark & Auntie Skye:

Canyon enjoying his cotton candy:

Canyon sharing a popsicle with Trek:

Skye, Canyon, Me, Trek--hugging Good-bye:

The stack of homemade cards that me, Skye, & my mom made (mostly made by Skye):

Me & my big sis. She is amazing, caring, organized, helpful, wise, fun, and my Angel. I couldn't have done it without you:

My baby...

Sweet & Silly

After putting Canyon to bed a couple of nights ago he came out of his room saying he was scared. He was afraid some barking neighborhood barking. I scooped him up and told him I would always be there to keep him safe. I told him sometimes I say a prayer when I am scared and offered to say a prayer for him so he would feel safe. He wanted to say the prayer the is what he said:

Heavenly Father. Not bless the food. Bless the dogs not bark. Bless me not scared. Name of Jesus. Amen

Gary wrote Canyon a series of letters while to read while he is on the river. We open a letter each night before bed. I read the letter and then Canyon likes to read it back to me. This is usually what he says the letter says.

"You're the best boy ever. Take care of Trekker. Never go on a trip again."

The first two interpretations are pretty accurate to what the letters say. The last came from Canyon. He misses his dad.

Canyon was searching the freezer for ice cream. He didn't find any. About a half hour later Gary went into the kitchen. The freezer door had been open the entire time. Gary called to Canyon and said "Canyon you can't leave the freezer do open." Canyon rushed into the kitchen and said to Gary, "What I do Dad, What I do?" Gary said, "Don't leave the freezer door open." Canyon replied. "Whatever," and walked out of the kitchen.

{CeLeBrAtInG 3}

Our sweet Canyon boy turned 3. I can't hardly believe it. He looks and acts like such a little boy now. I feel so blessed to have such a happy, healthy boy who is growing and learning perfectly. On his birthday he was showered with love {and presents}. I reminded him all day that his birthday is so special, because that is the day he made me a mama -- a gift that I am indescribably grateful for.

Birthday Breakfast:

THE PARTY: A PIRATE ADVENTURE

And he's off...

After many months of preparation, multiple UPS and FedEx packages, countless trips to sporting good stores, lots money spent, hours You Tube-ing and Internet searching Gary left yesterday for the "trip of a lifetime" (for the 2nd time). He will be rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon for 16 days. We will miss him terribly. We will pray for him daily.

This is what he is up today:

Gary wrote Canyon a letter for every day he is gone.

Giving Trek hugs good-bye.
Giving Canyon hugs good-bye.

The Chipped Tooth

THE CHIPPED TOOTH

It was a dark, wild night at our house. I was flying through the air. Dad was wresting us to the ground. Mom was taking pictures. There was lots of laughter, but a feeling of wordiness lurked in the room. Then it happened. My landing went bad. My tooth was never supposed to strike that hard, but it did. Dad's head was ok, but my mouth was sore. Mom held me while I cried. At first I thought it was my chin, but Mom later discovered that it was really my tooth. I had chipped it. It resulted in a trip to the dentist. I wasn't scared. I didn't really need my mom there but she went anyway. They cleaned my teeth with bubble gum flavored toothpaste and let me wear green glasses so the light didn't hurt my eyes. I sat in a special chair and they took pictures of my mouth. I was so big and so brave. Mom was proud. When I was done they gave me my own toothpaste, a new tooth brush and some floss. I think I'll go back, but I will be more careful when I practice flying with my Dad.

Snowboarding

Skye and Mark volunteered to watch our boys if we took their boys snowboarding. I have to admit I was a bit nervous. I hadn't snowboarded since before I was pregnant with Canyon. But I knew I would be hanging with Matt who had only been once before, so I hoped for a mellow day. Matt did awesome. Way better than most people. He had a great attitude and picked it up really well. I think he'll go again. I managed not to hurt myself and Jesse practiced some tricks. It was a FUN, FUN day. We returned home to GREEN CHILE stew and to extremely happy babies.

The HOLLY boys.

Jesse, Matt, Me, Gary--I am the only one COOL enough to smile.

Jesse.

Matt.

P.S. Gary is too fast to capture. :)