golden moment

Some moments are so golden that you must treat them like treasures.

In the midst of pain and darkness, the golden moments give us hope, relief, and strength.

I had this perfect golden moment at the summit of santan with my girls (and Eric).

The light was literally golden and it was a reflection of my heart’s song right then.

My girls had pushed themselves to the top and we all swelled with pride at their strength and perseverance. 

In that moment I saw these girls through my golden lens as my friends, who I look forward to many, many more hikes and adventures with. I am thrilled they enjoy hiking like I do.

I will forever cherish that moment where the light from the sunset and the playfulness of the wind enveloped us all together at the top of the mountain in a moment of sheer peace and joy.

decades, dancer, and ninja warrior

Layla participated in every dress up day at her school for red ribbon week. A chance to wear something other than a uniform was very exciting! She rocked pajama day and mismatch day, but I only remembered to take a picture on decades day. We picked this old shirt of mine to wear. We think maybe late 90s or early 2000s?? I don’t even know, but I used to wear it. Please do not judge me for still having it.

Brinna started dance class! She was so excited about it until everyone else came in. Then she refused to dance or move. Her first day was also a Halloween celebration so I got to come in at the end for them to perform a little Halloween dance. This is what she did the whole time:

But we are sticking with it and each week she warms up a bit more.

Perry started watching American Ninja warrior and he loved it. He loved it so much that he was determined to get Sri g and practice his ninja moves. This was so fun to watch him develop his ninja skills! Love him.

a camel ride at the zoo

Brinn and I went with our friends to the zoo. A trip to the zoo on a beautiful day was a pretty awesome experience. But it was Angela's birthday so we decided we needed to celebrate with a camel ride!

I'm pretty sure this was Brinna's first time on a camel.

I think she liked it. 

So glad these two are little friends and we could spend the day at the zoo.

our 3 year old

Happy birthday to the sweetest 3 year old under the sea or on the land!

Everything about Brinna is joy.

She is obsessed with The Little Mermaid. She asks to watch it every day. She is "sad like Ariel" or "mad like King Triton." She even quotes Prince Eric when I was helping her get down from a stool that wobbled "whoa, whoa, careful. Careful, easy." When she goes to swim lessons she tells me she has her mermaid tail on. Yes, she is quite into The Little Mermaid. So we celebrated her with a very low key Little Mermaid family party.

When her cousins got here, they put on the mermaid blankets and went for rides.

And this is what happens when you all run around one big room without paying attention. Get ready. I'm really smooth.

Tripping...

And crash...

It's all fun and games until your mom falls over.

Brinn LOVED this singing Ariel that we put on top of her cake. i'm certain she played it a hundred times that day. And who knows how many times since then.




Trying to make her three fingers...

So excited about the balloons, too.

We gathered around to sing to the birthday girl.

That's when she got her classic shy face on. I love this little shy smile she pulls.

Time to blow out the candle.

You are three, sweet girl!!

Most of her gifts were the Little Mermaid related.














We are the luckiest to get to be her parents.

Brinna is compassionate and caring. When she notices someone sad or mad she is right there with them to rub their back and help them feel better. She loves to cuddle and give hugs and tell you 'I lub you." She sings, dances, and does gymnastics around the house. She gets so excited to see her friends. She observes everything and copies exactly what you do. She loves to open the front door when someone rings the doorbell. She gets excited to play outside and swim. She is extremely easygoing and her big sisters number one playmate. Her smile is pure gold. 

We love you with all of our hearts, sweet Brinna Lou.




And that's enough, mom and dad.


Little Ariel came downstairs soon after her party.

And this is how we find her most days--either in her fancy ariel shoes or her dress.




Happy happy birthday, Brinna bug. We love watching you grow up.