The Sweet Light

Sunset + beautiful surroundings = photo ops!

 

Mountain Climbers

While we were in Torreon, we let the girls run on the golf course after-hours (shhh! don't tell the management!) It was like letting the ponies out to pasture! These girls thrive on just some fresh air and a good place to run. I love the simplicity of childhood. This was probably the highlight of our visit!

 

 Ali hitches a ride

 "Up, up, up" she says

 Nothing like some wide open space!

 How much water do I need to make our backyard this green??

 "HOORAY"!

Ali's "HOORAY"!

 Someone needs a little help.

 We made it!

Return to Torreon

We are very fortunate to have a Grandpa who likes to share his cabin with us in our beloved Torreon (home of our wedding spot!). We headed up there several weeks ago and had a wonderful time just enjoying our family. The weekend went fast but the days were deliciously slow, just like I remember spending summertime at my own grandparents' cabin. We played on the playground, searched for frogs in the pond, hit the "big" pool, had a nature walk around Fool's Hollow Lake, and stayed up late watching movies. Bliss!

 

 Breakfast on the patio! Yes, those are long-sleeved pajamas in JUNE!

 The look on her face captures the mood perfectly.

 Just enjoying a little fresh mountain air!

 Feeding daddy is like slipping treats to a monkey. He makes such a big show of it!

 Who likes the Life cereal best??

 Daddy is her constant entertainment.

that.face. I just can't get enough. sigh

Baby Legs

A few weeks ago, the girls spent a whole afternoon just climbing around on the fireplace hearth. Who knew when we bought the house that this space would be a child's jungle gym? Ali whined because it was hard on her knees, so I pulled out some old Baby Legs. I'm obsessed with these things! I wish they made them in my size! Soon after, Peyla requested some "weg warmers" for herself.

 

These girls

Love each other!

Celebrating Peyla's birthday

Growing up, my mom made a big deal out of our birthdays...not necessarily with material items but just making sure we felt special on our big day. OK...maybe our big week! ;) We jokingly referred to it as our "birthday week". I can tell from sorting these pictures from my camera, that I am definitely keeping with my mother's tradition. It may seem frivolous but I don't care, every day with these girls is a gift! I want them to always know how lucky they are for the blessings in our lives, while still celebrating the special days of the year. So on her actual birthday (a Thursday), we spent the morning with our best friends (Team Frigard) and our library buddies at the splash pad. We let the birthday girl select her dinner of choice and that led us to Chuck-E-Cheese. Then we celebrated with our closest family and friends by hosting a little water party on Saturday!

 

 If you live in AZ and have young children, you know every splash pad within 25 miles!

 Brendon couldn't help himself..."she needs to have candles on her actual birthday"!

 I think this cupcake was really for him.

 Getting ready to open her prizes.

 She received her very first nightgown, with Cinderella on it of course!

She doesn't like Daddy modeling it.

 Thomas the Train!

 Slip-n-Slide...thank you Costco!

 Adeline takes a spin!

 Peyla's Pixie-in-Crime...Rosie!

 Sweet little sister

 Someone had the bright idea (!) of putting the roller coaster IN the slip-n-slide.  ;)

 Cousin Kellen loved the roller coaster!

 Ali sneaks a snuggle.

 Ali's turn!

 The supervisors of the action.

Oh boy! Cake!

Happy 3rd Birthday my darling!

Peyla! You are three today. I can't believe how quickly time passes by. I can close my eyes and drift right back to the day you were born. The clothes I wore to the hospital. Grasping the door handle on the drive there, crying through every bump your daddy hit. After 17 hours of labor, you came into our lives- this tiny, sweet, gentle little soul. One of the most pivotal moments of my life was when you were handed to me, crying, and as I squeaked "you're so little"- you stopped crying immediately and your murky little eyes searched for me. You knew me. And I felt like we had loved each other forever. It still feels that way, only intensifying every day. You are such an incredible little human...so perfectly YOU. You remind me of the sea, deep and thoughtful. You care so much, you always have. It bothers you when you see others cry. You watch others' emotions with this compassionate, thoughtful look on your face. You're trying to "read" people. I see your spirit blossom more every day too...you have your preferences, hopes and wants. You can be sassy sometimes, which I secretly love. Because baby, it is a tough world out there and sometimes we have to use our convictions to make positive changes! You feel so deeply, I can tell already. You will need that sass to protect your heart when people or events break you down. And never, EVER give up on yourself! I love watching you reach just a little farther every day, try something new or branch out of your comfort zone. You are a force my darling girl...let your love shine more each day! Happy happy birthday to you, Peyla Pearl. We love you more than anything!

 3 years old!

 

 2nd birthday...first one as a big sister.

 

 1st birthday

 

 I can't resist that face.

 

First day in this world!