Caleb's Two-year-old photo shoot

I think I mentioned with Annie's pictures in the orchard that this year I decided to give my best photographic efforts to my children rather than the laziness I've exhibited in the past never taking them anywhere or trying very hard to take their pictures. Now I've made taking their picture into a mommy-kid date. I make sure to just have me and them alone. One-on-one time. The kids enjoy it and I enjoy it. Katie-- who hasn't had her photo shoot for the year yet-- frequently brings up how she wants me to take her picture and talks about what we are going to do for her photo shoot. That's right. Make them feel like it is a special treat and privilege.

So, here is what I did with Ca-bub this year. His Grandma Wilkins gave him a My Big Truck Book for his b-day and he has carried it around with him ever since. We read it multiple times a day. I loved the size and bright colors.

Caleb's 2: part 1

We are treating Caleb's second birthday a little like Hanuka. It has been spread out over a week and we are still going with a pinata busting tonight. I haven't even wrapped and given him his presents from Brad and I yet but his grandparents have treated him right. Why did I buy presents again?

So, on Caleb's actual birth day, Brad took us to the Anderson farm in Lindon. Brad's cousin and great-aunt and uncle were kind enough to show us around. Ron is now Caleb's honorary grandpa for all the lifting up and down and on and off of the tractors he did. We want to rent Jase as a friend for the kids and Katie asked me if she could be Naidine's little girl. Magical people. The kids were in heaven. Free to get dirty and space and animals and tractors.

Katie's solo debut

Katie is our Adam Lambert. Someday she will have the poweress to be a great singer because of all the screaming (we like to call them "vocal exercises") she does. Drama and expression are this girls forte. Sometimes it is happy singing belting at the top of her lungs. Sometimes it is a bloodcurdling scream because things haven't gone her way. Either way, we love you Kate. Here is a peak at Katie's first solo performance "Popcorn Popping" and the music preschool graduation. All these 3 and 4 year olds sang a solo. These were kids who would not even stay up front at the Christmas program. Amazing. What a kind and patient and encouraging teacher they had.

A Spring Night in the Backyard

We are enjoying the evenings together. Thus starts Brad's lawn mowing season. It looks like he has a replacement in training though.



Tomboy Annie. We bought the kids all a little present to bring back from our anniversary get-away this past weekend. We got Katie a twirly white dress and Annie a ball and bat. There were both ecstatic about their respective gifts. Very different little girls.


Cuddly Kate.

Apple Blossoms

In Bloom

Despite my sneezes, being outside is so beautiful. Here are some of the details of my backyard that I want to remember come a different season.

Orchard, Dandilions, Wishes and a 6 year old