Saturday, April 21, 2012

A Park and Three Boys

We live in the desert.  It's dry, hot, and there isn't much that's green here unless you count all the cactus and native trees that pretty much look the same year round.  Don't get me wrong, I love it here.  It has it's own beauty when you know where to look.  We chose to stay here to be close to family, enjoy the gorgeous sunsets, be able to hike and be outside 9 months out of the year (the other three feel like you've stepped into an oven and are baking at 350 degrees), and soak in lots of sunshine.  But I have to admit, some of my favorite places here remind me more of some of the beautiful places I traveled to when I was young.  With that said, this is by far my favorite park here.  It has gorgeous green grass year round (something you almost never see where we are), a stunning view of the mountains, and trees surrounding the perimeter making it feel secluded and hidden away.  Final bonus: when I'm there my favorite people are always with me.  I will forever love this picture.
  

Friday, April 20, 2012

How Could He Be One Already?

He's one!  He loves to laugh and smile, copy his big brothers, open and close doors, drawers and boxes, play chase and peek-a-boo, and go on adventures outside.  He's just figured out how to stick his tongue out and will do it if we ask him to.  The funniest part is when he laughs at himself with his funny little chuckle because he's so pleased with himself.  His hair has a mind of it's own and has grown into a mohawk without any encouragement, but it fits his spunky personality so we've just gone with it.  He's learned a few signs and that has significantly reduced the frustration level for everyone.  We love knowing what he's thinking and wanting and so enjoy when he initiates "conversation".  This year has flown by...it's been an amazing, wonderful year.