Simple Joy

I was working in my flower beds one morning and looked up and saw this beautiful Monarch Butterfly. I couldn't resist snapping a picture.
I don't know what it is about butterflys, but they make me smile. Maybe its the happy fluttering of thier wings as they go about their work.

They are so peaceful and beautiful.

Stuart Falls

Me, the kids and my family hiked to Stuart Falls a couple of weeks ago. We had a really great time and the kids did great!!!

When we got there, we stopped to have some lunch.

Grandpa and the kids.

Grandpa helping Caroline get a drink.

What a great Grandpa!!

The Girls.

Me, Carter and my oldest brother, Clint.

Me, Carter and My Dad.

Grandpa in between to of the cutest girls ever, Lydia and Kaitlyn.

My little Angel and Trooper. She carried our lunch all the way there and Bridger was to fast so I didn't get many pictures of him, but he carried the CamelBak the whole way, So that I could carry Carter on my back.

Caroline is 5!!!!

On June 1st Caroline turned 5 -- Ready or not Kindergarten......Here she comes!!!

Caroline had her first friend party this year. She wanted to do a water party, but the weather didn't want to cooperate, so the girls made these cute strawberry shortcake girls.

We just turned a cupcake upside down, stuck a doll in the middle, frosted and decorated her dress. They had a great time.

As you can see the girls were dressed for a swim party and when the weather turned bad they still insisted on wearing thier swimsuits. In fact, they did run around outside in the rain for a little bit.

Caroline has some really great friends and we were so glad they could come and celebrate with her.

Happy Birthday, Care Bear. We love you!!!

Bridger is 7!!!!

Bridger turned 7 on May 28th!!! The time just keeps flying.

All Bridger wanted to do for his Birthday is invited his buddies over and go swimming.......

The look of complete happiness....

Bridger and Gavin drying off and getting warm.

Kaitlyn and her groupies. I don't know if it drives Bridger crazy or not, but his friends LOVE to hang out with Kaitlyn.

Jared, Bridger and Caroline

Morgan had to have a picture going down the slide!! He is such a cute boy.

Boys are so funny. They are always trying to get us to laugh!!

I love the excitment on his face. Birthday parties are a lot of work, but if you can capture the excitment and happiness in a childs face, it makes it all worth it.

All the Boys (and two sisters, who just had to be there :) )

Happy Birthday, Buddy. We Love you very much.

Spring is here!!

It has been a long winter, but we were finally able to get some yard work done.
Now I can't wait for the flowers to start growing.

My little helper!!!

The Graduate!!!

It is Official!!!!

Caroline is a Preschool Graduate!!

It is a good thing Caroline's Preschool Teacher is Grandma Gear's sister,

because she gets a direct line to all the info and came rushing over to see Caroline graduate.

Caroline, we are so proud of you!!


These are Caroline's preschool teachers, Ms. Carrie on the left and Ms. GeAnna on the right.

We are super lucky to have Ms. GeAnna as our Aunt too!! We love her so so much!!

The Graduate!!!

The Graduation Treat was enjoyed just as much as the program.

Caroline: "Mom, Justin said this lollipops last 2 whole days."

Oh joy, to sticky sticky mess!!!

Congratulations, Preschool Grad!

Now you are all ready for Kindergarten.

(Is it just me or is time flying way to fast?)

My Grandpa

Words can not express the feelings of overwhelming love I have for my Grandpa Hardy.

I loved going to his home where I was always greeted with open arms, and a giant squeeze and a kiss. He always made me feel so welcome and loved.
He is the inspiration given to Ryan for digging out our crawl space.
He never doubted that it was possbile and Ryan could do something that would be so difficult.
He was always full of encouragement and ideas.

I loved listening to his stories. I could have sat forever and listened to them over and over again.

I am forever grateful to be his granddaughter and I hope I can always make him proud.

Grandpa, I love you so much.

I look forward to the day that I am once again greeted by you with a giant squeeze and kiss.

Until we meet again........