January days

This post should probably be called “Brinna Days.” She’s at such a fun age and as my little buddy the majority of the day, my phone is dominated by pictures of her.

Like how she insisted she wore her sparkly red dress for a day. We negotiated that she could wear it to gymnastics but must take it off when she got there. When we arrived, she showed everyone we saw. She just knew everyone would tell her how beautiful she is.

I starting taking a 7 week tap dancing class. At home, practicing is fun! In a class, it kicks my butt and is too much for my brain. But I’m glad for the experience! Especially to tap with my little girl.

Some days she runs around in sparkly dresses, and some days she doesn’t change out of her pajamas. We love the gorgeous weather right now and the chance to walk through the neighborhood.


When you put Millie’s leash on and drop it, she freezes. When you hold the leash she moves around normally. But if you set it down she goes right back into this head down freeze position every time. 

Perry loves going to young men’s activities! There is one boy in particular that invited Perry to come over each week. Thy friendship means the world to Perry. And to me! I’m so grateful for good people.

Brinn had an eye exam. We are off to an ophthalmologist next. But quite certain glasses will be in her future.

Layla loves making cakes. This was a cool one she did with edible spray paint.

Brinn found some makeup. Gorgeous, darling!

Brinna’s school put on a little mom’s and muffins for m week.




Books and snuggles with my girl on Kaylee’s birthday. Her heart is so big, she talks about missing Grandma, Kaylee, and Kyler (who is on the other side of the world) all the time.

Brinna is 5

This little ray of sunshine turned 5!!

Our lives are so much better because Brinna is around. She is pure love in action. And let me tell you, she is always in action!

She started Pre-K on her birthday.


She was A LOT excited.

5 years old is one hand full (and also handful;) )

She got to go right in on her first day and wear the birthday cape.

I cam back at lunch time so she could pass out a birthday treat to everyone.

At home, we celebrated our little girl with cake and presents.

Never a truer moment captured--Perry teasing Layla so she pushes him away.

Next picture Kacin's job was to block Perry's hands. This is why we usually strategically tell everyone where to stand.

Her favorite gift (in which she did not take off for three months straight) was her Owlet costume (from PJ Masks.

I'm so glad we could celebrate our Brinna bug. 

Back to school 2022

School was back in session by the end of July. Some friends in other states and countries were just getting out of school for the summer and there we were getting back into the swing of school schedules. I don't mind. I love our modified year round schedule.

Kacin started his senior year! 

I can not believe that my little Kacin is not so little anymore. He has grown into such an amazing man, and I am full of love and pride when I think of him.

He quit wrestling (break my heart!!) and has decided to focus on working. He puts a lot of hours in at the DQ. He doesn't stick with a clique and is a friend to many. He is easygoing and fun. We have worked so hard on our relationship this year and as I write this (in December), I am so happy to say that we have made great strides in our communication and relationship. And that makes me the happiest. He is doing well in school this year and taking time for things that matter the most to him--sports, God, and people. He plans to leave on his mission just as soon as he graduates. He doesn't fight us too much when we ask him to watch his siblings and help around the house. He is such a hardworker when he puts his mind to it.

Senior year means child backpack. I don't have energy to have any feelings one way or the other about his choice in backpack. Here he is showing off that Frozen theme.

Coolest kid around. Somehow he convinced us to let him get his motorcycle license. And now he rides his motorcycle to school.

Perry started 6th grade!!

This is his last year at the elementary school he has attended since we moved here. The autism program has been such a great match for him. He LOVES school. He is doing homework now. He works hard on all his work. He loves friends, the routine, and pretty much everything about being at school. He walks himself out to the bus when it comes to our house.

He still loves his screen time. But also spends equal amounts of time listening to books on audible. He loves his dog Millie and doing anything with the deacons quorum at church. He takes all of his church responsibilities very seriously. We love this sweet boy with everything in us!






Layla is in 5th grade!

There couldn't be a sweeter, more thoughtful girl. She is easygoing and confident in herself. She knows who she is. She is a great friend to everyone. She is brave and willing to try new and hard things. She is involved in aerial, piano and music theater. She has discovered a love of baking. She loves being a big sister and plays beautifully with her sister. She keeps a messy room. But is such a creative, imaginative soul. She is working on developing an enjoyment for books. 

The light within her shines and brings out her natural beauty.

Brinn is in Pre-K!

Her little backpack is the size of her.


We opted for one more year of preschool before sending her to Kindergarten. She goes to school 3 full days a week and that has been such a great transition for her. She catches on quickly to academics. And continues to be a spunky, independent, sweet girl. She has this creative, impulsive brain that keeps her covered in marker and her hair has been cut more than once by her own scissors ("for fun"). She loves with all of her heart and soul and shows it. She is full of drama and her acting skills surpass any I have seen at such a young age. She is in gymnastics, dance, and started out the year in lets play music.












We are grateful for safe schools, good teachers, and all of the opportunities to learn and grow.