my baby's almost one! | a little video

Spring Break Part One | Estes Park!

I think Spring Break is my favorite break from school. It always gives me just the right amount of rejuvenation to finish out the school year strong (9 more weeks!) This year I was blessed to go on two adventures. I was actually lucky I was able to go on either because the Friday before break I came down with something terrible...fever, chills, aches. I laid in bed praying I would feel better by the time we left for the mountains on Sunday! 

We took it easy all weekend and took our time heading up to Estes Park Sunday afternoon to meet my parents and my older sister and her family. We found our cabin, which was pretty swanky with two levels, a gas fireplace, and several T.V.s. We spent the first day exploring outside, watching deer pass by, and getting settled in. The next day we woke up to the sun shining and the snow sparkling as it fell to the ground. It snowed the whole day and we watched the world turn white from our windows. There's just something so special about a family vacation...even with the chaos that little ones bring. It's fun to watch our own children partake in sacred family traditions and make new ones too. I hope our children always remember these times we shared together. 

And now for a little picture overload! 

Life Lately

Life has been so full lately.  We have been under a constant snow and rain cloud for the past two weeks...the earth smells like worms and the grass and trees are greener than we have ever seen them. This morning we actually woke up to blue skies for the first time in so long! It gives our spirits a little boost...maybe just the boost I need to get through the last three and half days of the school year :)  My days have been so so busy with the end of school...there are always near panic attacks and sleepless nights when I think about the list of things I have to have done by next Friday.  But somehow, miraculously, we always get it done. And then in the blink of an eye on Friday, I suddenly won't have a single thing left to do for school and there will be an instant wash of calm over me.  Now I just need a few quiet moments to begin planning my summer with my sweet little one. Friday at 11:38 can't come soon enough! :) 

hello spring {again}

Last night we finally got to go on our evening walk.  The sun was out and it felt so good to feel the warmth on our faces...it was still a little cool out, but compared to last week we weren't complaining! Winter showed herself for hopefully the last time this spring. It was snowy and rainy most of last week and my mood was starting to match the weather.  We crave our outside time, especially with a toddler who needs to move and run freely. All last week Everdeen would peek out the window and say, "Sun! Come back!"

Last night we could hardly get Everdeen back home because she was screeching and running wildly around the middle school yard, hiding amongst the big pine trees and smelling the white blossoms.  There's something magical about sunshine and warm air hitting your skin. It makes your spirit feel free and is oh so good for the soul.  

As we walked home the air was thick with the scent of blossoms.  I had an extra skip in my step as I realized that we are in the home stretch for the school year.  All of these stressful weeks and days and days of testing will soon be over.  I seriously get giddy when I realize that in 26 short days I get to be a stay at home mom and enjoy every moment of summer with Everdeen and Martin.  For now though, we are enjoying having spring back, waking up to the peaceful echos of bird song in the morning, and knowing that the change we feel in the air is filled with promise and new beginnings. 

{14/52}

"a portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2015."

Everdeen Kate: Easter morning brought many surprises! 

 Linking up with Jodi :)

An Egg Hunt {in pictures}

{13/52}

"a portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2015."

Everdeen Kate: This Springtime weather has filled you with the most contagious energy! 

 Linking up with Jodi :)

these days

These days have been so warm and so good for the soul.  I woke up feeling the cool air in our bedroom...it was the first of many nights to sleep with the window open.  Before I even opened my eyes I could hear the chirping of birds echoing in the silent morning...the mourning dove's coo is one of my favorite sounds in the whole world. Oh, how I love the newness of spring and yet at the same time it is all so familiar. 

We slowly got ready this morning and headed out on another family adventure.  This time we drove a short 20 minutes to Devil's Backbone and hiked along the red dirt paths with large towering rock formations looming above us. Everything here in Colorado is still so dry and brown...but if you look closely enough you can spot new life again.