Gabe Turns 12

Gabe is officially official. An official 12 year old, an official deacon at church, part of the youth program, and an official babysitter. He is also officially taller than I am now too! When I stand near him he doesn't seem taller, but that is because he slouches most of the time. I come in at 5'4 3/4" and Gabe is an even 5'5". I always said he would catch up with me by 12. He was interviewed by the bishop during the week and ordained to the Aaronic priesthood after church on Sunday. I'm so glad we have a very involved and caring leader for the scouts at church because we know Gabe is in good hands. He is such a good kid. Zach caught him reading up on the Doctrine and Covenants sections he suggested in the blessing and asking questions about it today. He is still our bookworm which I don't think is likely to change anytime soon, but also enjoys running his dog and playing fiddle tunes for any willing audience. He is away on a 3 day, 2 night Eco-week adventure with the sixth grade from school this week and I already miss him. Thanks for letting us become parents 12 years ago, our little Cinco de Mayo baby.

This maroon valore jacket he inherited from Kylan is a favorite. He wears it almost every week to church. This picture was taken his last week of wearing colored shirts to church before becoming a deacon. Now he wears only white so he can pass the sacrament. 

Butterfly kisses Dance

Ruth wanted to wear her butterfly dress to the butterfly kisses dance even though it was a chilly evening. This is the 4th time her and Zach have attended and it is becoming a regular Daddy-daughter tradition. Next year she may have competition for her dance partner however if Alara gets to tag along. 

Gaylon's Painting

Gaylon White was a mighty special lady. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints at the age of 91. She had a vivacious spirit, a true ranch girl at heart. She took up painting in her mid 50's and we were lucky enough to be given this painting by her daughter after Gaylon passed away. Zach visited her house every week for 4 years listening to her many wonderful stories from the past and even bringing her stewed raisin cookies on occasion- her favorite. When he spoke at her funeral he made reference to this painting, likening her departure from this existence to the road. Gaylon isn't gone, she has just gone around the bend where we can't see her anymore until we reach the bend too. God speed Gaylon! We love you.

A Colorado Spring

It wasn't much snow, but if you gather it all up it is enough to make a snow man. One day it is 70 degrees and sunny, the next it is snowing. Some people don't like it,  but I do. Keeps it interesting. 

Tip toes

This is maybe my favorite picture I've taken in 2018. Alara is such an earnest little dish helper. She loves to be as independent as possible, which is a mixed blessing the I am running late. I can't help  but adore her determination to do things by herself like get dressed, buckle her own seat belt and put away the silverware. It's a fun age, these terrific twos. 

Clean up aisle 3

 This little peanut made a mess with the dog food but knew just what to do without me even asking. She has seen all her older siblings do it many times before. Grab a broom and start sweeping. Of course, that's not ALL you can do with a broom...

Touch Pizza

 This picture was taken while all the older children were at school and Lincoln and Alara were getting along quite nicely. Most of the time they are the best of friends. Lincoln calls it a "touch pizza" because two people make a pizza with their legs and then touch feet.  Their legs are so adorably short however, it doesn't leave much room for rolling.