Birfday Pt. 2 - In A Song . . .

Kayden loves to sing and he especially loved to sing the Birthday song around that special day.  I sure hope he keeps up this talent . . . I think he's onto something good.

Happy 'A!

Birfday, Two, Cars, and Fun! (part 1)

Kayden did upgrade his "Happy 'Ay" to "Happy Day" for his 2nd birthday.  He does like to try to sing the song as well . . . that will hopefully be in another post.

I really enjoyed planning Kayden's 2nd birthday party.  I had a fabulous friend who designed his invites and the party stuff.  That is certainly the way to do it!  She did a great job.  Thanks again, Missy!

His theme was (of course) "Trucks & Cars".  He's obsessed, to say the least, with cars, trucks, and anything that falls in those two categories.  We had some of our neighbors and family over for the festivity - Kayden loves to play with his neighbor friends!  

Thanks to all who came and helped!

*"Cars" was (of course) playing at the party

"Gettin' Cozy @ The Cone, Is We?"

If you can pick where that line comes from, you must have a toddler or a significant other who likes animated movies.  In my case, it's a toddler.

Atleast 3 times a day (if not more) he asks, "mommy, Cars?"  I honestly think that I've watched that movie 200 times now, no exaggeration!  I hear Sheryl Crowe singing "Real Gone" in my sleep along with Lightening's catch phrase: "Kachow!"

The best part of it all is that he has figured out which buttons get the moving playing . . . oh geeze!  There was a recent incident that I had to take the DVD player apart - pop off the top exposing the innards - because he forced the Cars DVD into the "slot" where the disc goes.

It's interesting to watch his face light up when the opening music starts and the cars start the race around the track.  It's even more interesting to see him quote the movie - I'm creating a monster.  Good thing we get him outdoors . . .

Escalante - Coyote Gulch

If you ever have the chance to go hike some of the slot canyons in Southern Utah . . . DO IT!  DO IT NOW!  It was the most beautiful and unexpected scenery I've ever encountered.  One moment you are in a pure desert environment with nothing but sand, sage brush and cows as far as the eye can see.  The next moment you are delved into an oasis tucked down hundreds of feet below the desert surface.  It's cooler, greener and protected from the hot sun.  

We hiked down into Coyote Gulch located just above Lake Powell.  In total it was about 12 miles.  We spent one night down in the canyon and did a "one-way-hike" up the river.  The lush vegetation, natural arches, and company made for an amazing trip.  Kayden got to stay home with Nana & Papa Stahl - but we are seriously thinking of toting him along for the ride next time we go.

Time Flies, Kids Grow, and Lessons are Learned

Time Flies

*Here we are 8 months later from my last post.  I can't believe it's already September!  I loooove September, fall, and all the holidays contained therein.

Kids Grow

*I categorize "kids" as both my wonderful son Kayden and my hubs Brett.  Kayden is going to be 2 this week and that causes some serious reflection.  Where have these two years gone?  He can even say, "Happy Birthday!"

*Brett had a birthday turning 29.  He's having some anxiety with being so close to 30 - he can't believe he's that young.

Lessons Learned

*I know with complete confidence that the Lord has a sure and steady hand in my life.  He seems to provide me with "lessons" that have been long overdue or even some reminding.  

*Families are forever and how grateful I am for that!  If I knew that after I am gone I wouldn't be able to see those I love most again, well what is this all for then?
*Perseverance.  Whether that is in my personal or professional life, it is all the same: push through to the end.
*Patience & Empathy in all things.  I sure try at this, but it is certainly hard.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle".




Summer and Some of its Events

Kayden loves to get outside and I love to be outside - so it's a great combination!  We've gone on a few bike rides, hikes, camping trips, road trips, to a few farmer's markets and started some new "Chapters" in our lives as a family.  Brett went back to school and is hoping to finish with a degree in Hydrology.  I'm so very proud of him and his willingness to work hard for his family.

**K after a bike ride to Kaysville's Farmer's Market

*Growth of the beard on my Hubs

*Some fun swimming time at Nana's

*K picking some wildflowers on a hike

**K with his "no pants" policy whilst camping

Visit to Holter Lake, Montana

*Family Photo at July visit

*Boat ride to Gates to The Mountains

*Great fireworks show outside our back door

 

Validation

Maybe if we all gave each other the uplifting compliments we needed to hear, we would go about our days with a more happy demeanor.  I've just been thinking alot about how we treat each other, whether stranger or not, it has more impact than we can ever imagine . . . even just a smile.

Christmas for Kayden

I think I could forgo all gifts for the rest of my life if I could watch Kayden open gifts and get excited as he did on Christmas.  It made me extremely happy.

*Enjoying his Mickey Mouse Airplane from Great G & G Bennett

He's such a wonderful addition to our family and we are so grateful for his sweet little self.

Black Dog Touring

Hey all!  Feel free to follow our other blog: Black Dog Touring Co. 

We are really excited about this!  We will be posting photos, stories, experiences, and adventures that go along with BDT so keep your eyes peeled for new posts.

-Mal