Silver Lake

As I mentioned in my last post, our family has always enjoyed going up to

 Silver Lake in the mountains.

It's perfect for kids, because it's really a nature walk around a large lake.

Just before Miles' passed away we went up there 3 times in one week.

The first time we went on a Sunday afternoon.

The kids loved it, as always.

They loved feeding the ducks.

Miles' loved finding all the "secret trails" just off the main trail.

He would quickly go on them and beat us back to the main trail.

He was so proud of himself, and having a great time laughing each time he beat us back to the trail.

Half way around we snapped a family photo of another family.

They asked if we would like one too.

We of course said yes.

It was amazing because the husband knew how to use a camera, our camera even.

So he was paying specific attention to the lighting and the scenery around.

Here is what he captured.

Our last family picture with Miles physically in it.

This picture was taken just two weeks before Miles left this physical world.

We will cherish it forever!!!

As we walked away I distinctly remember a voice within me saying "That family will never know how grateful we will be for taking our photo."

That voice was so loud and clear, I even looked back at them and smiled, I said a giant thank you in my heart, as though my soul was sending it to them.

It was a small moment in time, but one I will never forget.

It's also very interesting that just behind that peak in the background is where we spent 

our last days and moments as a family.

We finished the rest of the trail talking, laughing, watching people fish and chasing after one another.

It was a wonderful evening.

We will forever cherish those moments in our hearts.

Two days later Mark and Miles went up to Silver Lake for a father and son fishing trip.

They had the best evening.

Miles came home talking up a storm about all the fun he had, even if they didn't catch a thing.

I'm so grateful Mark and Miles got to spend some time together and a father and son.

Thank you Mark for taking time for our son.

He adores you!

The following day I took the kids up myself and met a friend and her son there.

We had a wonderful picnic on the rocks.

Miles found a squirrel to chase, so he didn't eat too much lunch after that.

He was laughing so hard trying to capture that squirrel.

Miles really wanted to take pictures with the camera himself.

Here is what he captured. 

Pretty good I would say.

Mark and I treasure all these pictures.

Most of all we treasure all the memories created behind these pictures and more.

I'm so grateful we got out and made so many memories that week!

What a blessing!

mustaches

ever wonder what it would be like to have a mustache?

 it's hilarious

don't we look great?

 looks almost natural right?

 Vivian loved her's so much she wouldn't take it off for hours

 Mark's is awesome

kissing with them is even more awesome

(but don't grow one Mark...not yet anyway)

Winter Home of Brigham Young

While in St. George we stopped by the winter home of Brigham Young.

We had a great time there.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from there.

St. George Temple

we visited the St. George Temple and visitor center

the temple is beautiful

it amazes me the architecture, building technique and craftsmanship that has lasted all these years

it's truly amazing

 Miles' pose here cracks me up!

 the kids loved climbing  the stair cases

 they are so sweet

we had lots of fun walking around the temple grounds

kolob canyon

thanks to the suggestion of John and Sara

we stopped off at Kolob Canyon on our way to St. George

it was awesome!

(thanks John & Sarah)

 the mountains were amazing as we came around the corner

breathtaking!

 honestly, that's the only word to describe it

 aren't these 3 so cute!

it was a bit windy, but we enjoyed it

this Earth really is amazing!

if you are ever heading South to St. George definitely make the stop.

it's worth it!

garden exploring

I took the kids to Red Butte Gardens

to explore the children's garden.

It was awesome!

 the kids loved these maze tunnels 

 the mazes are suppose to be the inside of a snake and you come out (or go into) it's head

so basically you are eaten by a snake

it's actually really cute

 Miles loves these huge lizards (there are 3)

first he had to see if they had tongues

i think he thought they were real at first

 these little chairs make out of stumps are so cute

especially when under an umbrella tree, making a fort

 or in this little house covered with vines

the kids loved them

 then it was off to splash a little in the fountains

the water was freezing

so we weren't there too long

 then it was time for a snack

 so back to the covered house and stump chairs

we were there for hours

i wore this poor kid out

tons of fun, we may have to do it again!

dirt

 Ever since I can remember my parents house has had a dirt pile in the corner of their front yard.

My brothers have always used this pile for jumping motor bikes and bicycles. 

One time we moved all the dirt and the pile was gone.

But only for a moment because someone brought them more dirt, thus the dirt jumps live on.

Although the dirt pile will probably always be used as jumps. 

Grandma showed my children another use for them. 

Can you say Tonka trucks!

First you should know, just in case you didn't.

Miles will never get dirty. 

He's a clean boy and doesn't like to get dirty. 

But when I left for a run I came back to 2 adorably, filthy kids. 

I loved it. 

They were so dirty I had to use the air compressor to clean their shoes.

Dirty alright.

  It's good for Miles to get dirty, and my mother has now changed him for good. 

Now when he gets dirty he just tells me "it's okay mom, it's okay."

 This girl loves to be dirty.

She loves dirt.

Why? I have no idea.

But she finds it everywhere we go.

She just picks it up and let's it run through her hands, over and over.

She is as wild as that red hair.

Love her.

it's love

Vivian loves this retro tricycle of my mom's!

It's really cool, so I don't blame her.

I step on the back and scoot her around and around.

She could ride it for hours, seriously!

Miles has also been reunited with his love...his green four wheeler.

Which he is way too big for now.

It now stays in Idaho with Grandpa's big four wheelers, for the time being.

Just a couple more reasons we love going to Idaho.

(Just found these pictures from the last visit...this is how we roll.)

Mother's Day

I got the best message for Mother's Day this year. 

I've cut some of it out but I thought you may enjoy this clip.

Vivian really had something to tell me, and I'm so glad she shared! 

I love to hear what she says, and boy does she tell me when she wants. 

She is quite the talker.... she thinks.

The video is priceless and I love it!

I can't believe Mark got this all in one take. 

Brilliant! 

Thank you Mark, Miles and Vivian.

 I love you!

Vivian is ONE

Our little girl is ONE.

We can't believe it.

Where did the past year go?

It has been wonderful having Vivian in our family.

She is so sweet, loves her dad and brother. She laughs all the time and likes to be tickled.

She loves every and any kind of animal, being outside, and dancing. 

That's right the girl has some moves already! 

So we headed to Idaho for an outdoor birthday party where the kids could run to their hearts content in grandma and grandpa's yard. 

Both the kids loved it!

 We had cupcakes to celebrate the birthday girl's birthday once we arrived.

 Needless to say she loved them!

 We had a small family party Saturday night.

It was lots of fun and low key.

Perfect really.

(I can't believe we are a family of four. It still amazes me.)

 I think she thought this was for her at first.

That's more like it. 

(Although that monkey is almost as big as her.)

Happy Birthday Vivi.

We love you so much!