Under Construction

 Welcome to Fort Hutchins

Phase 1: Done

 On to Phase 2: The platform

Phase 3: The sandbox

Walls, rope ladder, swing etc. to come later. Ask Zach, he's master planner and builder. 

Zach built this all on memorial day including the cement footings. He's fast and efficient. Little boy happiness has already commenced while the boys try to climb up onto the beams. 

Now I see you, now I don't

This little tiger has a hard time staying awake some times. One minute you will hear him jumping and babbling and the next minute-- silence. He often jumps himself to sleep in his baby jumper. Such is life when you are six months old. 

Gabe's Baptism

         My sweet eight year old is baptized. It was a lovely morning, if not a little bit long for the younger kids. Gabe was a champ and sat reverently while the children in other wards were baptized at this stake event, but with nothing to do #2-4 got the wiggles. Our primary kids, including my three boys, sang "I stand All Amazed" and Gabe sang with great gusto. Perhaps not exactly on key, but he definitely made a joyful noise. There were two wonderful youth speakers on baptism and the holy ghost and then Zach did the actual baptizing. Gabe considered asking Grandpa Barry who was visiting to perform the ordinance, but sort of late in the game. Welcome Gabe. Welcome to the church and welcome to the rest of your life with the Holy Ghost as a companion. 

me.........................................==LIFE (I'm behind)

Happy Happy Birthday

            Gabe had the birthday that just kept on giving. His actual birthday was on May 5th where we celebrated as  a family with presents and going out to eat. We went to a local pizza joint and ordered a sicilian pizza with jalapenos on it. Everyone but Zach tried to remove the offending peppers because they over whelmed the flavor.
          A few days after his actual birthday his grandparents got him a bike. After that it was his baptism and then his official party. This is only a small sampling from the family affair. Gabe is such a good boy, we just love to celebrate him.

Gabe is really into collecting and trading pokemon cards right now

This is his good friend and neighbor Aaron. If there is trampoline jumping he is there. 

This little butterfly occasionally floats in front of the camera

Odd Combination

The odd sometimes combination of flower and ice that happens here in the spring. It was a rather exciting afternoon huddling inside while the ice thunderously pelted the roof. I was grateful for the moisture but even more grateful we hadn't put in our garden plants yet. 

Hop'n down the bunny trail

 BANG!!! and the race is on...

These are my rabbits

This is my turtle

It doesn't matter that they know we are just going to dump it all into one big bowl anyway

 It's the thrill of the chase

The ecstasy of candy just lying around for the taking. A dream come true really.

da-dump, da-dump, da-dump..... plod, plod, plod

"Daddy, I found one!"

"Oh good job Ruthie"

She must have gotten the memo. Let the boys do the work. We all get the reward later anyway.

Next year bambino, you can go out with your little bucket too :o)

Favorite moment today

My favorite moment today came from the Ruthie corner. We were riding in the car back from Walmart and we had the following conversation:

"I have green eyes."
"No, you have blue eyes."
"I have blue eyes."
"Yes, you have daddy's eyes."
"Yes, we switched. I have daddy's eyes and daddy have my eyes!"

(eyes not enhanced)

Eight is Great

      Gabriel is officially eight. I can tell this is going to be a good year for him. He's gone through some rough patches adjusting to his new demanding school and making friends here in Fort Collins but things are beginning to look up. Gabe is a sweetheart. He is so sensitive and tender, always quick to volunteer to help and say yes ma'am. He is also my jumping bean. On his 12 week ultrasound this peanut sized fetus was already in high gear and has never stopped since then. At 10 days old he was jumping on my lap and crawling at 5 months. Talking by 11 months and reading by 3. You may have heard me say that he as more energy than a bouncy ball and that he doesn't seem to need as much sleep as regular children, this is all still true.  Good thing he is old enough to hand a book to now and say 'it's time to read' or 'please read to your brothers and sister.' Gabe loves being a little boy. He loves to shoot hoops, jump on the trampoline, play with friends, collect pokemon cards, be silly, and just laugh. He is a joy to be around. 

Happy Birthday Gabe!!!

Gabe sitting on my lap watching conference. He barely fits any more! ::sniff, sniff::

Gabe's Baptism

Ahhh! My oldest child is about to be baptized. We are so proud of his decision. Gabe has been spiritually sensitive since he started praying when he was two. I have always loved listening to his heart felt prayers. He is such a good egg, always energetic and obedient. He is quick to smile and help me whenever I need it. A great brother and friend. We are so glad to have you in our family Gabe.

Thanks to my friend Carly for helping me make this invitation!