See this happy guy......

It was one year ago today that we learned we were FINALLY out of PGN with Kolby.(big step in our adoption process) . After our long wait this was HUGE news.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about how incredibly blessed we are.

I mean you just look at his face and smile :)

Help!!

Ok all you smart blog people.

As you can see there is a little something missing on the top of our blog.

Our header has gone missing. So any idea's on how to do a new one? Our last one had a web address which is now invalid.

I'm sure there is an easy (for those that know how) way to put a header together.

So all you expert bloggers out there any hints or help would be GREAT!!!

Thanks!!!!

Birds birds and more birds.

On Saturday we drove south a bit to meet up with some good friends of ours.

One of our favorite things about living in Southern Utah is that warm weather is never very far away. (As I write this we are in the middle of a big snow storm)

As timing would have it Kolby fell asleep for his nap right before we arrived. We wanted to let him sleep as long as possible so we drove around exploring.

Just look what we found....

Luckily we had crackers in the car, Luke LOVED being able to feed the birds.

There were geese, ducks and various other birds. But Lukes favorite was this beautiful swan. He said she was the "mama duck" of all the other birds.

I just love this beautiful boy!!
Kolby slept through the whole adventure. But he didn't totally miss out on the fun. He had a blast running, playing and looking at everything new when we woke up.

The boys played so hard they both fell asleep the minute we got back in the car to drive home.

The writings on wall...........

The boys choice in writing tools

(only pure luck that its not a permanent marker)

Nice artwork on the bedroom walls

This all took place in the span of time it takes me to take a shower (average 5 minutes start to finish) While in the shower I didn't hear the normal screaming and yelling so I stuck my head out and called for the boys. This is the closet door right next to the bathroom door. They came when I called but were apparently so occupied with their new found art stylings they just could not stop themselves from writing while innocently answering "nothing mom" to my "what are you guys doing?"

If we can write on walls and doors why stop there??? There are sheets on the bed that need a little sprucing up.

And hey what about us???

Kolby's neck side and back were covered too.

Life is just one adventure after another.....

A Historical Day!!!

I was thrilled to be able to watch this historic event.

It did not surprise me in the least that over 2 million people braved the cold to be there in person to see U.S. President Barack Obama sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.

We screamed and yelled and clapped. This is Kolby clapping.

I cried a few times. There was so much raw emotion in the crowd. It was an amazing thing to see.

A day of Hope and Promise............

Seasons

This past July when my Grandma (GG to the boys) was in town we went for a drive and found this cute Little park. This is Luke sitting by the waterfall.

Yesterday we decided to go for a Sunday drive (adventure) we ended up at the same place. It was c...o...l...d. But same pic, except with Kolby this time.

Grandma and Luke looking at a statue

Same statue just a little more snow covered.

We have an amazing opportunity this time of year. For a few weeks every year Bald Eagles migrate through our area. They rest in these same tree's year after year. While on our drive we decided to see if they were there, we weren't disappointed.

There is a Eagle watching day set up that people come from all over to attend.

The bad news is our camera is on the fritz (I know I'm in my own personal hell :) we are using our cell phones to take pics. So you will have to take my word for it that there are Beautiful majestic Eagles in these tree's. The boys and I sat in the car. (really its impossible to keep two boys quiet) Dewey walked as close as he could without disturbing them. Truly one of natures most beautiful creatures.

FFF=Eyes

Today's FFF is eyes.

I had to look through a lot of pictures to find some of my favorites of the boys showing the boys expressive eyes.

I just love this one of Luke.

This is from last year, lately when I try to take his picture he has this funny face with his eyes all scrunched up. Cute but its hard to see his eyes.

This is from our pick up trip with Kolby, we were visiting Antigua.

Can you say mischief?? :)

It cracks me up every time I look at it.

Have a wonderful weekend and for more FFF pics check out http://kissthefrog4me.blogspot.com/

Ice Skating anyone??

All I need is a pair of these....

And our driveway provides the ice.

Now I'm thinking that if it turned out that well without us lifting a finger just think what we could have if we tried. The half acre in front of our house is already plowed flat, I'm sure it wouldn't take much to freeze it over next year. I'm seeing twinkling lights in the tree's and me twirling around over the ice. (it might be mentioned here that I have ice skated less then a hand full of times in my life)

But whats the saying "If life gives you lemon's make lemonade". I say if life gives me constant freezing temps and water make an ice rink :)

Zions with Grandpa and Grandma

We woke up Sunday morning and realized it was a rare day in that we all had the day off.

You really can't waste a day like that sitting around the house. Along with Grandpa and Grandma we headed down to Zions National Park. Which just happens to be one of my favorite places, its breath taking any time of year.

We started out on one of our favorite hikes. Its just perfect in the summer because it follows a river and is lush and shady.

Maybe not the best combo for winter hiking.

Lots of snow...... icy trails

But stunning scenery

Grandpa and Luke looking at a frozen waterfall

This is about the point we decided to turn around.

Dewey was skating with Kolby on his back, while Grandma carefully walked back.

Because Zions is such a large Park it includes all kinds of terrain. We didn't have to drive far to be out of the snow.
Luke and Kolby spent 90% of the time running on this trail.

We found some rocks and very cool trees that made a little cave. The boys had a blast exploring them looking for trolls and fairy's.

Truth be told they had the most fun climbing the rocks. Kolby is FEARLESS he climbed right behind Luke. Its not a huge rock but it is pretty steep. The shadows you see are Dewey and I waiting to catch them when/if they fell. They never did the little mountain goats.

King's of the rock!!!


To end a perfect day we had a wonderful late lunch in Springdale (thanks Grandma and Grandpa)

Four of us took a nap on the drive home, I'm not naming names. But I can't be blamed if my belly is full and the sun is shining on my face and Luke is fast asleep beside me :)

FFF= COLD

The boys LOVE LOVE playing outside in the snow.

They make me laugh when they are all bundled up in layers. I'm pretty sure when they fall there is no getting back up :)

This is Kolby's "Cheese" smile, for some reason when ever the camera is in front of him lately he gives this smile and says "Cheese".......hum you would think I take a zillion pics of them :)
A lot of our snow has melted, it gets above freezing during the day but drops back to zero or below at night. Because of this I'm pretty sure we could turn our driveway into a large skating rink.
Have a wonderful warm cozy by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate weekend everyone.

Check out Sarah at http://kissthefrog4me.blogspot.com/ for more Cold pics.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Congratulations Rachel and Abraham!!!
My cousin and her husband welcomed to the world their very first baby yesterday. A perfect little baby girl. We are thrilled for them!!! And I for one can't wait to hold the little bundle of joy.
Big Congrats too to Aunt Becca and Uncle Dell who are now Grandparents for the first time.
Luke is excited to have a new cousin, when he saw her picture he said "she's too little to play with me, but she will get bigger".
Congrats again Rachel and Abraham, Big hugs from down south!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!!!!

Yep Luke is 4 years old today.........

On Sat we had a small party with Grandma and Grandpa and Kim and Drew.

Luke picked out the birthday cake he wanted me to make.

Have you even seen a bigger smile on a kids face?

He was so cute when we were singing to him.

Yippee a cowboy hat from Grandma and Grandpa to go with the cowboy boots he has yet to take off since Christmas.

Last night we tied a dozen birthday balloons to his bed. He was so excited when he woke up to find them. But almost equally excited to take cupcakes to Preschool to share with his friends :)

Happy Birthday Lil' man we LOVE you!!!!

Luke likes to "Move it"

Luke's favorite song of the moment is "We like to move it" from the movie "Madagascar".

This is him "singing" his version of it and playing his guitar. You can see Kolby in the background playing the keyboards.

(It helps to pause the music on the right side of the blog before you play the video)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!!

WOO HOOOO Sugar Bowl

GO UTES!!!!

Tonight is the big night the Sugar Bowl. My very favorite home state college football team The University of Utah is playing tonight in New Orleans against Alabama.

HUGE!!!!

I will be right smack in front of the TV cheering like crazy. While my

Aunt Becca and Uncle Dell, Sammy and Steve are in New Orleans right now to cheer in person. (hope your all having a blast!!)

I have Luke saying "Go Utes" and Kolby raising his hands saying "whooo football" (at least it sort of sounds like that)

Now my hubby is not a Ute fan but rather a.....gasp.... BYU fan. And just in case you didn't know BYU played Arizona in the Las Vegas bowl in December and....... lost. Just a fun little fact, I like to share. (luv ya babe)

Once again

GO UTES!!!!!