March, part 2

It was my dream to hike Flat Iron with my kids. So we picked a day during spring break and went. 

I warned them to plan on alllll day since we had Layla's shorter legs climbing with us. It truly took us all day. But I am SO SO proud that we did it together.

Poor Layla had terrible shoes. I didn't think about checking her shoes until the night before when it was too late to go buy some good ones. Old Target shoes made the climb extra tricky for her. But it didn't stop her.

From the top...

The way back down was actually just as hard as up because of those slippery shoes.

Kacin even took a spill. Poor guy! As a good mom, I took a picture as I made my way down to see if he was ok (he was).



We made sure to go to DQ for our free cones. Kacin is back working there, but it was his friend Carter in the cone costume that night. Brinn was so fascinated by the Cone Man.

You can see my dad out at the trees. He truly picked oranges just about every day. The orange juice was so amazing.

Layla made a cake.

Brinna enjoys olives.

Eric and I participated in Team Match. It was scary and SO out of our comfort zone. But we danced as beginners with our Cha Cha, Bachata, and Waltz. It seriously stretched us! I still for nervous thinking about what we did. hahaha. But I never let fear stop me.
















We were so proud of our participation trophies. Ha!

We had a fun day at the zoo with friends.

Kacin had his wrestling banquet. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay very long. But we are proud of him working through the season even though he had to sit out half the matches because of the school transfer.

We had to leave the banquet early to get to the Johnson Files show!

We love the Johnson Files! Always a fun show.

End of march!

March things, part 1

Before I dive in to life back in the month of March, I just want to write--just let my thoughts flow with as much as I can in 5 minutes to write.

I've been asked how I am doing with all the changes in my life. Kyler is graduated and starts his mission in just one month. My dad is living with us. Kacin is now a senior. How am I doing with it all? I'm feeling it acutely that nothing is as constant as change. That's exactly how life is supposed to be. We change, we grow, we shift. Sometimes looking back at the pictures I post here makes me yearn for the days when everyone was a bit smaller. But I am finally feeling joy right where I am. The future isn't certain. The past can't be changed or returned to, only learned from. Reality is right here right now. And that's all I can do is live in it as it is. That's empowering to think that I can control so much in my days right now. I choose my beliefs, I choose my joy, I choose my gratitude. Sometimes I look around my house and think that I should choose to clean and declutter a bit more.... But I find much more joy in playing with my kids, dancing, hiking, yoga, serving, and my family right now. I will make progress on the house, but it's at a slower pace. I digress. The thought that I keep mulling over lately is that we are here to progress. There is something inside us that will always want more--we will always want to grow and progress and change. Ironically, I find so much contentment in that thought. I was born to change.

Back to March. Let's start with the puppy. Our Millie (full name Millenium Falcon) is an adorable blessing to many people in our family and the bane of existence to others. Potty training was absolutely no fun. She got sick and vet bills were no fun either. But somehow we muddle through March and saw the benefits to our children of having her. 

We put a bunk bed in the girls room and rearranged their furniture. They have so much more space in their room now.

Layla participated in her run at school.

Eric was there to cheer her on.


We took the girls on a dinner date to Olive Garden. Layla's favorite restuarant is Eric's least favorite. But Eric will do anything for his girls. It's strange to have more and more of this time with just the girls as the boys get older.

We hiked my favorite local hike--Flat Iron. It's such a beautiful, fun hike.

Kyler went to Morp.


Layla was playing with a friend and they talked Brinna into letting them transform her into Olaf.

Another dog picture.

Kyler and friends decided to make homemade rootbeer. I think it was on their mind because they were missing Grandma.

Perry ran in a multi-school race! He qualified for the district adaptive race. He was so excited. He's a competitive kid.

  















Brinna had a school bike-a-thon.

I met with my oncologist. Another all clear. My heart goes through some intense emotions every time I have an appointment, but an all clear brings such relief. I loved this new sign hanging there.

We rode bikes to the park and had a picnic with the younger kids. I turned my head the other direction and instead of Brinna sitting next to me, there was her cheesestick stuck into the table and she was running up the hill. This child of ours flies with the wind.

Layla started selling her chicken's eggs to our neighbors.

We had a fun outing to an indoor play and jump place.

We celebrated Pi day with a savory pie and a sweet.

I took all the kids bowling one day during spring break.

Layla made a bird seed heart at a church activity to feed the birds.

Millie blends right into our floor.

Brinna decorated our entryway wall with a sunscreen stick. 

Eric took the kids to a game with some free foster care tickets. 

I don’t think I can put all of March into one post. So I’ll be back with my month summary soon.