a Wilde time

We LOVED having our Wild(e) friends come and visit us in Arizona. Could there be any people better than Cheryl and Dale? I think not.

We took them down to see the Casa Grande Ruins.

It was quite cold and wet, very rare in Arizona. But we had a window of time to explore the ruins and have a picnic lunch.

Then the girls and I went to the story time put on by a ranger.

Brinna got her Jr Ranger badge.

She was quite proud of it.

We went out to an escape room in Tempe. These two were great teammates! 








Cheryl gave all the love to each of my kids. Brinn was thrilled she came to watch her at gymnastics.

We went on a tour of the Olive Mill in Queen Creek. I've always wanted to do the tour and it was delightful.

Cheryl practiced a few tricks on the hoop.






Kacin showed us his strength. He blows me away!

We enjoyed a hike up to Siphons Draw. It was a perfect day for hiking!

All of the rain we have had lately gave us an arizona waterfall.

The water on the rock was gorgeous.

I can't get enough of this beauty.

Before we took them to the airport, we showed them Hole in the Rock.

We feel so safe, so supported, so seen, and so loved by the Wilde's. They have a magic gift of fun, whimsy, knowledge and wisdom. Our family loves them dearly. We can't wait to see them again soon.

sometimes you just get lucky

As I tucked Brinny in bed and gave her some snuggles, I asked out loud, “How did I get so lucky to have you in my life?” Without hesitating, she replied “Well, sometimes you just get lucky.”

Today was a really long day. This week has been a long week. But it’s true, sometimes you just get lucky and plenty of beautiful things happen all mixed in with the negative. 

I try so hard to train my brain to see the positive but sometimes I think my brain’s natural setting is overwhelm and critical. I’d love to see into a mind whose natural setting is positive and easygoing. 

Let’s get candid. With a shot taken by one of the girls on New year’s day…

I’m not even sure what to tell you about that picture. But that seems like real life if ever there was one.

And now we go to a fun little play date in which the girls ”cooked” up quite a dish with water, flour, and a random assortment of expired spices. It smelled like curry every where I went that day.


We had a really challenging afternoon last week. One of the hardest we have experienced. Autism is hard. But I’m spite of the exhaustion and overwhelm I was feeling (or maybe because of), God blessed us with the most gorgeous sunset and a few glorious minutes playing basketball.

Or maybe sometimes you just get lucky.

Be Still, family theme 2023

In the new year, we want to usher in more peace.

More calm.

More comfort.

Eric and I decided to choose Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

In a world that values busyness and loudness, we want to put more trust in stillness.

MTC drop off

Saying farewell for two years was such a beautiful, hard moment.

Oh how I am going to miss this kid.

We stopped for lunch on our way to drop off.

Do you think when he comes back he will know how to shoot a regular smile at me?

 

Last moments in the car...wasn't sure whether to throw advice at them, ask them questions, stay quiet, cry, or jump for joy.

These two are such incredible people. It really was such a miracle and a blessing that they could enter the MTC together.

Last boys handshake.

These two grew closer the last year. Layla talks about how when she had a bad day Kyler would take her to get a drink or a treat and go on a drive to the mountains. She loved how he was there for her. He still will be--just in a different way.

She's going to grow so much in the next two years. She loves her oldest brother so much.

And she's covered in chocolate.

I didn't expect to be as emotional as I was. Kyler has been a rock of strength in our family. It was hard to say goodbye, but it was coupled with so much excitement for him and pride in his choice. I am so grateful he can call home each week!!

I’m not sure how much Perry understood about what was happening. But he loves his Lego building brother.








I really adore Collin and I am so grateful for their friendship in WA.

We loaded back in the car and drive across the street to drop him off at the MTC. Pulling in to the garage was such a weird moment. 

We helped them unload their luggage and then said our final goodbye.

It was so nice to have missionaries there to greet them and help them get settled.

And they didn’t even look back.

We miss Kyler like crazy, but we love having a missionary out serving. It is such a blessing to our family.