Afton's artwork

Afton doesn't really like to color (in coloring books) but she loves to paint, draw, design, or do just about anything else creative. Here are a few things she's done lately. I have been trying to scan as much as possible so I can recycle her work. She does so much and I have a hard time getting rid of anything but I can't keep everything!

Afton, Daddy, and Mom

 Panda, an otter, bamboo and the orange was the start of a bird.

 These were done in Grandpa's jeep while driving to the Silver Sage for lunch. 

 I love this because it's everything she was looking at but layered. Interesting... 

There was a train, dirt, sagebrush, sky, and clouds. I think

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was fun this year mainly because Afton was so excited! Her party (here) went well and everything else surrounding this holiday was fun and exciting!

She celebrated at school

The Valentine Man came and brought Afton this book. She loves Duck and Goose books!

And I got these beauties from my sweetheart! Brett and I always celebrate on the 15th because that was the day of our first date. This year we went to Red Lobster (my request) and walked around Fashion Place mall while we waited for our table. It felt weird walking around the mall, funny to think I used to love it! (The only reason we went there was to sell a phone but something was wrong and I ended up having to go back. At least I got a pretzel out of the next trip!)

Anyway, dinner was DELICIOUS! We even splurged on dessert. After dinner we walked across the bridge over the freeway and walked through the neighborhood where Brett grew up. It was fun to hear him talk about old friends and experiences. After that we drove by my old house and found the lot completely leveled.   It was kind of sad. 

Somebody needs you

I've seen this link a few times over the past couple of weeks and decided I'd better share. I loved it. Even the title makes me tear up a little. It can be hard with kids or a newborn baby to feel adequate and attractive and even really happy some days but this is such a great reminder of how fleeting this experience is.

Some days I don't make it to the shower and I ALWAYS smell like milk (which Afton loves) and my hair is constantly in a ponytail, my sweats are on and I don't talk to adults much right now but you know what... I wouldn't change anything.

I'm in love with these girls of mine and since having Maya I've felt a calmness and desire to sit and enjoy the moments more than document (my camera's had a good break). I still love taking pictures and I am hoping to get this blog up to date but for now I spend my time snuggling a sweet baby girl and playing whatever game Afton's just made up.

Sometimes we make cookies, sometimes we snuggle under a blanket, sometimes we giggle and laugh and my heart wants to burst watching a big grin spread across Afton's face or listening to her silly giggles. She made me a mother and I was so worried about taking away from her by having another child but she's in heaven. She can make Maya smile and squirm with joy and she's always willing to help. Some days I know she needs extra attention and I do my best but I do feel a little guilt...

All in all I think we've adjusted well but our lives are just what they are. Tiring, sometimes boring, smelly, slow, silly, fun, and so much more. This time won't last long and I'm so appreciative of these two sweet little girls who need me!

Random instagram pictures... and link to the article below!

It's worth reading!
somebody needs you

Hiking with grandpa

We love spending time with Grandpa. We are so lucky to have him and even more lucky he wants to hang out with us all the time. He is one of my best friends and Afton adores him.

Today we decided to grab some sandwiches and head up a little area around Dry Canyon. It's very easy and fun! We didn't make it very far but it was just what we needed. Fresh air and sunshine. Gramps joked around saying I had more fun than Afton which might be true!!

My little photographer

Hiking really isn't the right word because we rarely get to hike. We are usually running around, sometimes in circles, jumping on rocks and exploring our surroundings!

One of my FAVORITE smells in the world! I love fresh sage and I love that I can find it even on a snowy mountainside.