Muddy Boys

Because warm weather is taking it's sweet time to arrive I took dirt from outside and made warm mud in my house for the boys to play in. They thought it was great!

Happy 1st Birthday to Trek Blue

Trekker Blue turned 1 today at 12:18 pm. I kept thinking I would notice on the clock when the time hit 12:18 but I didn't, I was too busy playing with my baby. Too busy laughing & hugging & chasing my boys around the house. I spent today spoiling him, holding him, kissing him (I really do this every day) and explaining to Canyon that it was Brother's birthday (I am not sure he really understood this--but he tried). Trek took his time coming into this world, but when he arrived he came quick and with determination. Labor was short and I was overwhelmed with happiness to be holding him in my arms--I still feel this way. I am humbled when I think about what a blessing Trek is in my life, in our lives. He has made me a better Mama, Canyon a big brother and Gary a Daddy to two amazing boys. He fills our house with sweetness, laughter, and fun. He loves to cuddle (especially me); he loves to dance & make music; he is very determined to get what he wants; he loves to eat & play; he is growing &changing every minute; he is funny & loving; and has become quite accustomed to being the baby of the house--and we wouldn't have it any other way. We LOVE our baby. We love YOU very much.

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday dear Trek,

Happy birthday baby Blue.

Birthday breakfast.

Birthday present (along with a sock monkey & a set of tambourines).

Gary's Grand Canyon Trip 2010

These are a few of many pictures that made the cut to document Gary's Grand Canyon rafting trip. This was the second time Gary had the pleasure of such an adventure and he cherished every moment siting it as "the trip of a lifetime." His hike down started with snow and it rained for quite a few days, but Gary adapted a motto for the trip "A rainy day on the river is better than a sunny day at work."

South Kiabab trail head: The start of the 17 day adventure with 6 inches of new snow.

Gary in the Ducky raft; a single person back-packing raft.

On the river.

The group on a day hike at Travertine Falls.

Walking across Havasupai creek to meet up with Paho & Leigh.

Havasupai Creek.

Gary rowing the boat; he did this every day of the trip.

Gary at the bottom of Deer Creek Falls; 190 ft.

Gary & Billy at Thunder River Falls.

Gary & my dad on another day hike.

Gary.

Camp.

Just so I don't forget...

Canyon:

Canyon has been in to volcano's. We made one. He thought it was fantastic and now refers to wal-mart as the baking soda store. He wants to go there often to get more baking soda. He refers to Trek as "my baby" saying things like "where's my baby," or "my baby needs you," or "my baby wants some." --very, very cute.

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He is constantly as why, what, where, when. He is a sponge and is soaking up the world. I have to be thoughtful about my answers.

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He is super protective of Trek. He is horrified I am going to let him crawl into the street or a river. He keeps me in line and watches out for his brother.

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He feeds Trek snacks while I am driving or reaches out to hold his hand.

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He says things like "I am sick of it," "I have had enough," "seriously," and "oh, my freaking gosh."--and many, many other HILARIOUS things.

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Every night when we put him to be he gets up at least once saying "It's too hard to fall asleep." When he opens the door he has his green blanket and weasel in hand and he wont take no for an answer.

TREK:

He still sleeps in our bed. I am tired, but this is a very sweet face to wake up to.

He feel asleep in his high chair. It was double insulting to him to wake up earlier than he wanted and also have his face washed.


When he hears a phone ring he puts his hand to his ear and says "hi, hi, hi, hi." He also says hi and waves.--this is so sweet.
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He claps his hands when you sing If your happy & you know it clap your hands.

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He still crawls--very fast. He balances but doesn't really want to take a step.

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He loves music and breaks out a groove to any music that pleases his ears including ring tones on cell phones.

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Peek-a-boo is his favorite game. He loves to initiate a game.

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He loves dogs and says "da, da, da." Next to Canyon I think Aiko (my mom's dog) is his best friend.

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He plays catch.

Grand Falls

Me and my boys took a trip to Grand Falls on the Navajo Reservation last Saturday. It was a small hike to the bottom. Canyon made it the whole way and Trek enjoyed the ride on my back. The falls were amazing & the day was beautiful. It was so much fun.

Canyon at the beginning of the hike.

Gary & Canyon throwing rocks.

Canyon. Gary. Trek. Me. The top of the falls.

Looking down.

At the bottom.

Grand Falls.

Canyon loved climbing these rocks.

And hiding inside them.

Gary & Trek playing at the bottom.

After going to Grand Falls we decided to take the scenic route home and went from Winslow to Payson. We stopped by the E. Verde River for so more fun. It was beautiful and amazing as well.

Watching my kids play.
Trek desperately trying to make his way to the water.

The family at the end of the day. Tired with many layers of dirt, but so, so happy.

Springtime at Evening Star

Despite the wild wind these beauties shine through.

Easter

Finding their baskets.

Trek checking out Canyon's loot.

Teaming up to find the hidden jelly beans.

Skye. Canyon. Dad.

Mom & the boys.

Jelly beans.

Trekker at the hunt.

Canyon & Shelby.

The HANDSOME Holly boys: Jesse & Matt.