Let's at least try to fill in the gaps

There have been a few events from January to now that never got recorded. So now we will do a catch-up post. Because obviously I really like my catch-up posts. Warning: picture overload.

On New Year's Day we went on a little nature walk at Merkle Trail in Usury Pass. This was our third time walking Merkle Trail and we really are fond of taking little ones there. A mile long walk around a hill with a park in between and picnic tables for lunch and a decent bathroom. Perfect balance of nature and convenience. If you have little kids you should go. Stroller friendly even.



Mark's mom and uncle Arlen walked with us and the rest of Mark's family did some mountain biking along the trails. Later, Shauna and the rest of them watched the kids at the playground while Mark and I borrowed the bikes for a little while.





Adam at Sonic after the "hike":



Here are some photos taken from my Grampa's funeral. My handsome guys below.



Dallin and Adam love their cousin Iris. In fact, my siblings including Iris were at our house. Dallin and Iris were playing then we all got in our cars to go eat at Pete's Fish and Chips (for the out-of-towners you know). On the way there Dallin said, "I miss Iris." Pause. "I know I just saw her and that we are all going to Pete's."



Owen at the luncheon:


Me and my cousins:

Great-grandchildren of Albert and Edna Christensen:

I'm going to go with my five-year-old thought it was funny to suck on his thumb for the above picture.

The day after the funeral we drove just across the AZ border into Verdon, New Mexico for my grandfather's burial. This is the town my grandma grew up in. My grandpa, too, grew up nearby in the neighboring town of Franklin, AZ. Dallin, Adam, and I in front of the graves of my great-grandparents Junius and Sarah Payne.



My dad and my boys in Verdon.



Fast forward to Valentine's.

The boys and I surprised Mark at work the Friday before. We ate lunch outside and dropped off some Valentine's cookies for the office.


I actually did just a little Valentine decor around here and actually did a little something for the boys. They each got a balloon, some heart-shaped pink Rice Krispy Treats, and a homemade card telling them some of the things mom and dad love about each of them. Well, the gifts were just for these two this year.


And this is what I do with Owen when I am cooking and need something to occupy him. He gets some cereal slapped on his tray and he is a happy, messy little camper.


And when things are a little "pull-your-hair-out" over here, my house actually reminds me what it's all about. There is a magical hour in the evening when the light shines just right through the beveled glass in the front door and a message is revealed on the wall.



Is it just me or does anyone else read what I am seeing?